Thistle Finch Small Batch White Rye Whiskey
80 Proof
Price Point: $30 – $40 for 750 ML
Distiller: Thistle Finch Distilling LLC
Background
I recently posted a review of Bomberger’s, a sourced whiskey that I purchased at Thistle Finch distillery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While I was there with my wife, we purchased a bottle of the distillery’s namesake Small Batch White Rye Whiskey. While I am, admittedly, not a big fan of white dog, I find myself interested in sampling the local flavor.
Review
Thistle Finch White Rye noses like a bowl of Raisin Bran. There are grainy notes with a heavy dose of sweet raisins; very sugary and vibrant. It’s funny how sometimes new spirit just doesn’t seem to smell like it could ever turn into aged whiskey. The barrel can really do some amazing things.
On the palate, I get breakfast cereal once again. This whiskey is more sweet than spicy (contrary to dominant rye on the mashbill), with an oily texture. Thistle Finch White Rye is pretty mellow for an unaged whiskey, but that could just be the 80 proof. This whiskey tastes like open possibilities.
Thistle Finch White Rye is sweet and syrupy, with orange peel on the finish.
Rating & Recommendations
Thistle Finch White Rye earns a rating of 74 out of 100.
As white dog whiskeys go, this one is middle of the pack. I’m still not impressed enough to drink regularly, but intrigued by what this Lancaster, Pennsylvania distillery may do in the future.
-Ryan
2 comments
I sampled while at the distillery. I thought the Straight Rye was decent and bought a bottle. After opening, I could not drink it. Since it is not a single barrel, I am not sure about the product in general but I find my bottle to be very tannic . Having been to the distillery, the batches could not be very large. For the money, I would drink Woodford Reserve or pay the difference for some Whistlepig or Hillrock State.
I thought it was a good idea to but from a local distillery. I purchased a bottle of the small batch and frankly found the taste to be very unpleasant. It was like a combination of allspice with a metallic aftertaste. Very disappointing.