"Odd rye with unexpected scents and flavours and a bit too much glue and limoncello"
(Photo from Whiskybase)
Old Tahoe Distillery was founded by Mark Taverniti in Silver City, Nevada, where it releases straight rye and honey-flavoured version. In contrast what was originally claimed, the spirit is apparently not distilled there, but at Koenig Distillery in Idaho (see here) It cannot be widely found, but is still available in some shops. The website and twitter account of Old Tahoe distillery are not active anymore, so I doubt if the distillery is still active.
Nose
Begins with a glue-ish chemical scent, which after some time goes toward a sweeter side. Vanilla, a hint of overripe lemon, lime zest, limoncello, all together much lemon and lime. Strange, unexpected nose for a rye. Maybe I get some rye bread, overripe pears, you went they start to get a formaldehyde-like scent. It does become better after having it in the glass for an hour, more fruits and slightly sweeter, and more limoncello.
Taste
Glue, lemon zest, sour wood, faded rye spices. More wood. Yes a lot more wood. Green apples, unripe pears (also unexpected in rye). Faint hints of oranges, caramel, cinnamon buns, cakes and bread. Drying aftertaste with wood, citrus fruits and more, slightly stale, bread.
Overall
Very strange rye, I must say. Many expected notes, which does not have to bad. Although with all the glue notes, that were really strong for me, I have the feeling that the distillation (or the casks) was not particularly good.
- Review 2019-058
- Rye
- Koenig Distillery (Idaho)
- Old Tahoe
- At least three years old
- Unknown bottling date (cask 020)
- New American oak barrels
- Natural colour
- Chill-filtered
- 43
- Undisclosed number of bottles
- ±60-70
- Still available
- Whiskybase #92798
What others say
Big thanks to for sharing the sample!
Scores
• these are my personal views, so do not take them too seriously… nothing beats tasting these for yourself •
- Pears
- Limoncello
- Glue