Starlino
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Finished in Vermouth Casks
105.6 Proof
Rabbit Hole Distillery
MSRP: $50 for 375ml
Review
Please enjoy my Rabbit Hole Starlino Rye Review!
The Rabbit Hole Distillery Series
Starlino Rye is the first release of Rabbit Hole’s Distillery Series. According to Rabbit Hole, the Distillery Series “will deliver a collection of extraordinary spirits that push the boundaries of craft and creativity.” As the name implies, Rabbit Hole’s Distillery Series will be available at the distillery, but also at select retailers.
What is Starlino?
Hotel Starlino Rosso Vermouth is made by the Torino Distillati, just outside of Turin, Italy. It is a traditional red vermouth that is finished for 30 days in used Kentucky bourbon barrels. Once emptied, some of these vermouth infused bourbon barrels were shipped across the pond to Rabbit Hole Distillery where they were then used to finish this rye. Rumor has it that the rye spends 6 months in the Starlino Vermouth barrels before bottling.
2112 Bottles At Cask Strength
The Starlino Rye is packaged in 375ml bottles, at cask strength. Only 2112 bottles are available. One thing that is not being publicized about this rye is that it is the first whiskey that has been released that was distilled entirely at Rabbit Hole’s distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. So that pretty cool, too!
Tasting Notes
Let’s taste it:
🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn
👉🏻Nose: Rye spices, vermouth, pear, oak, pine & brown sugar; lightly burnt caramel; faint hint of wintergreen; moderate alcohol
👉🏻Taste: Rye spices, vermouth, light honey sweetness, oak, black licorice
👉🏻Finish: Spice builds, and is rapidly joined by noticeable black pepper. Oak and light barrel char linger. The heat continues into a long dry finish with a moderate burn
Summary
The Hotel Starlino Vermouth is a great compliment to this cask strength Rabbit Hole Rye. The vermouth blends so well with the rye spices. In addition, there is a background of rich flavors. Make no mistake, though; the Starlino Vermouth and Rabbit Hole Rye create quite the spicy combo. While there is some brown sugar, fruit and honey sweetness up front, later on the spice and heat steal the show.
This rye has been likened to a Manhattan, and of course the similarities are there. However, Starlino Rye is quite different to me. The dominant flavors that have been extracted from the vermouth are the spices, so the background of dark winey sweetness that I usually associate with a Manhattan is not present in this. Having said that, I have never had Hotel Starlino Rosso Vermouth, let alone a Rabbit Hole Rye – Starlino Vermouth Manhattan. So, for all I know, this may be exactly what that tastes like!
Don’t get me wrong. I really like this rye. It has flavors that I really enjoy, and I am a big fan of spice. Have you tried the Starlino Rye (or vermouth, for that matter)? What did you think? Cheers!🥃
But That’s Not All!
I hope you have enjoyed my Rabbit Hole Starlino Rye Review! Would you like to learn more about Rabbit Hole’s Whiskeys? Check out our summary of the Rabbit Hole’s Main Bourbon and Rye lineup. Also, check out our Rabbit Hole Distillery Tour Review to learn more about the distillery itself!
Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us?🙂 If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!