Pennsylvania’s Stoll & Wolfe Distillery was based in 2016 by Erik and Avianna Wolfe, who partnered with former Michter’s (Pennsylvania-based) Grasp Distiller Dick Stoll to get operations off the bottom. One among their earliest manufacturing fascinations was Rosen rye, a grain kind developed over 100 years in the past however finally misplaced resulting from cross-contamination with different varietals.
That exact rye was “resurrected” round 2015 in in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster area, with simply 5 ounces planted by the Delaware Valley Fields Basis and Penn State’s Agricultural Extension. By 2019, Stoll & Wolfe was in a position to get their palms on sufficient harvested Rosen rye to start distilling it. (Sadly, Stoll handed earlier than the primary launch might come to market.)
Amongst different methods, Stoll & Wolfe additionally highlights using open cypress tank fermentation as a core a part of their distilling course of.
We’ve lined this whiskey at two steps of its growth beforehand. And as we speak, we’re taking a look at a 4 yr outdated, single barrel Rosen rye, bottled at 106.5 proof. Simply 220 bottles will probably be launched on the market in Pennsylvania and by way of ecommerce. Let’s dive in!
The nostril kicks off with pronounced rye spice: dried cinnamon sticks, allspice, and baked clove chief among the many aromas. That spice builds with time within the glass and likewise takes on a virtually effervescent high quality, with scents wafting up as if carried by popping carbonation bubbles. Issues lastly settle down a bit round minute 5, revealing sweeter notes of gingersnap cookies, fresh-baked dinner rolls, and pineapple glaze.
In comparison with the nostril, the primary sip is far (a lot!) calmer, imparting numerous dried fruit (purple apple, apricot, date, and as soon as once more pineapple) plus diluted honey syrup. Simply earlier than the midpalate, there’s a fast transition to honey-sweetened black tea. Total, the palate is a noteworthy transition from spicy on the nostril to candy on the tongue. Oaky astringency builds barely towards the again palate, alongside freshly expressed mint and spearmint gum. The ultimate act is lengthy, leaning additional into black tea, candy johnnycakes, and slightly residual spice by way of white pepper.
Total, this 4 yr launch from Stoll & Wolfe appears like a rye that’s nicely on its technique to turning into one thing each balanced and distinctive. My impression is it simply wants slightly extra time to easy out some tough edges.
106.5 proof.
B+ / $120 / stollandwolfe.com
Stoll & Wolfe Rosen Rye Whiskey Single Barrel 4 Years Outdated
$120
