Review: Virginia Distillery Port Cask Reserve, Cider Cask Finish, and Cabernet Cask Select
Review: Virginia Distillery Port Cask Reserve, Cider Cask Finish, and Cabernet Cask Select
We’ve been following Virginia Distillery Co. (VDC) since its earliest days, when the Lovingston, Virginia-based craft distiller was relying entirely on sourced single malt from Scotland. It’s safe to say they have quite a lot of their own single malt on hand today. Jacob already covered several new house-distilled limited-edition offerings (Blue Ridge Select and the Brewer’s Coalition Single Malts), and we’ve given lots of attention to the distillery’s top tier Courage & Conviction line. Today, we’re taking a look at a new range of whiskies that will serve as the distillery’s ‘house brand’ offerings going forward. The trio boasts profiles and price points that, according to VDC CEO Gareth Moore, “will serve as the gateway to the American single malt category” for consumers.
While the specific ages of these new entry-level single malts aren’t specified, our sources at VDC tell us each is aged a minimum of five years before moving to the finishing cask for a year on average (up to two years in some cases). VDC got its start with finished single malts, so this is familiar territory for the celebrated American single malt pioneer. Let’s see how this new line acquits itself.
Virginia Distillery Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt Whisky Review
A Port cask-finished single malt started it all for VDC more than a decade ago, but this latest iteration is now comprised entirely of house-distilled liquid. The finishing doesn’t appear to have changed from previous releases, with ex-bourbon aged single malt seeing time in both traditional Tawny Port casks sourced from premium Portuguese bodegas and Port style wine casks sourced in Virginia. The aroma still offers up some of the hallmarks of earlier Port cask-finished VDC offerings with notes of juicy raisin, vanilla bean, and soft gingerbread cookies, but there are some nuttier notes, pecan pie and honey roasted cashews, that build as it opens. The palate starts off bright with fresh red berries and peppery baking spice but turns more wine-forward and silky on the midpalate with darker, slightly oxidized notes of currants and blackberry jam before a warm, gingery finish that lingers with plum and chocolate. A bit more lively than previous iterations, but still familiar and just as well executed. 93 proof. A- / $45 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Virginia Distillery Cider Cask Finish American Single Malt Whisky Review
When VDC first launched this expression back in 2017, it was part of the short-lived Commonwealth Collection that focused on partnering with other Virginia wine, beer, and spirits producers for finishing projects. The initial release saw VDC single malt, some of which was still sourced, finished in Potter’s Craft Cider casks from Virginia. For version 2.0, VDC is adding French Calvados casks and Laird’s Apple Brandy barrels to the mix. The orchard fruits are a bit slow to tease out of the glass, with the malty, honeyed VDC distillate offering up ample counterbalance. As it opens, a bit of apple cake and pear chips add some sweetness, but things remain light and dry. The palate begins with sweet apple relish and vanilla taffy that quickly turn to fresh ginger and cinnamon, warming notes that simmer pleasantly across the sip but seem to overpower some of the fruit and malt elements. The finish is crisp and medium-length with notes of dry apple cider and a lingering, peppery spice. 93 proof. B+ / $45 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Virginia Distillery Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whisky Review
While some version of Port Cask and Cider Cask have been part of the VDC portfolio for years now, this is an entirely new finishing project for the Virginia distillery. Once again, VDC starts with single malt aged in first-fill bourbon barrels. Finishing is done in unspecified, premium Cabernet Sauvignon casks from France and California. The aroma is soft with lush notes of dark cherry and berry compote layered atop a foundation of malt and nougatine that becomes more chocolate and then cocoa as things open in the glass. The palate is round but a touch tart with initial notes of cranberry and grape skin that give way to allspice and dried apricots on the midpalate. The finish sees some baking chocolate and a lingering reprise of tangy berry notes. 93 proof. B+ / $45
Virginia Distillery Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt Whisky
USD45
