Oaklore Story Series: Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey Review

Oaklore Story Series
North Carolina Rye Whiskey
Finished in Port Casks
92 Proof
SRP: $99.95 for 750ml
Review

Please enjoy our Oaklore Story Series: Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey review!

Oaklore Story Series

Oaklore Distilling, founded in 2017, is located in Charlotte, NC. According to co-founder Thomas Bogan, “Our Story Series whiskeys are meticulously crafted in small batches and designed to showcase a range of styles – whether that’s a cask strength release or a spirit finished to perfection like our latest Port Cask Finish Rye. However, the one thing they all have in common is a rigorous taste-testing process among the Oaklore team to ensure that every whiskey in the Story Series reflects the quality, flavor, craftsmanship, and patience needed to make an exceptional aged spirit.”

The Specifics

Oaklore’s Port Cask Finish Rye features a mash bill of 70 percent rye, 20 percent corn, and 10 percent malted barley – the same as the brand’s signature 6-year-old straight rye whiskey. Crafted by the brand’s sister distillery in North Carolina, the straight rye receives its original aging of six years in a combination of char #2 and char #3 new white oak barrels.

Once the straight rye whiskey reaches peak maturation, it’s transferred into port wine barrels, where it continues to age for 12 to 18 months. The port wine barrels were originally used for almost two decades in Solera Method port wine production before being repurposed by Oaklore Distilling Co. for finishing its whiskeys.

Tasting Notes – Oaklore Story Series: Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey Review

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass

👉🏻 Nose: Mildly sweet, with dark cherries, dark berries, raspberry jam; hints of rye spices, cedar, and spearmint; sweet caramel emerges later; alcohol vapor is appropriate for the proof

👉🏻 Taste: Mildly sweet and fruit-forward, with dark cherries, raspberry jam, and purple grape juice; light caramel and pale honey appear later

👉🏻 Finish: Purple grape juice lingers; fairly dry; mild tannins and white pepper spice; dry wood; long finish with pleasant warmth

The nose of Oaklore Port Cask Finish Rye opens with a mildly sweet and fruit-forward profile, featuring dark stone fruits like cherries and berries. Raspberry jam adds a touch of tanginess. As the fruit settles, hints of rye spice, cedar, and spearmint become more noticeable. After a few sips, sweet caramel begins to emerge. The intensity of the alcohol vapor is appropriate for the proof.

The dark stone fruits continue into the taste, with dark cherries and raspberry jam up front, followed by purple grape juice. As the flavors evolve, light caramel and pale honey round things out. The grape juice continues into the finish, but otherwise the mouthfeel transitions to become fairly dry. There are mild tannins, a touch of white pepper spice, and lingering dry wood. The finish is long, dry, and leaves me with a pleasant warmth.

The Port Barrel Effect

The 12 to 18 months of finishing in mature port barrels certainly makes its presence known. The dark stone fruits and jammy notes are prominent on both the nose and palate. By the finish, the fruit character coalesces into a lingering dark grape juice note. The dryness of the finish is a bit unexpected, but when combined with the mild white pepper spice, it creates a nice contrast — and makes me ready for the next sip.

Conclusion – Oaklore Story Series: Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey Review

Overall, this is a very enjoyable whiskey. If you’re a fan of port-finished whiskeys, this one is worth seeking out. I’m especially glad they chose to pair the port finish with a rye rather than a bourbon. In my humble opinion, rye whiskeys often complement sweeter wine finishes more favorably — the spicy and herbal notes of the rye are mellowed by the port’s richness, letting the dark fruit flavors and jam take center stage. Personally, I’m not always a fan of red wine cask finishes, but this one melds beautifully with the rye and really works for me. I think it will for you, as well! Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Oaklore Story Series: Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey review! If you would like to read about another whiskey from this distillery, check out my Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon Review!

This sample was graciously provided by the brand for my review. We appreciate it!

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