RD1 Sister Cities Whiskey Review

RD1 Spirits
Sister Cities
Kentucky Straight Whiskey
Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak
102 Proof
SRP: $69.99
Review

Please enjoy our RD1 Sister Cities Whiskey Review!

Why Sister Cities?

Lexington, Kentucky, where RD1 Spirits is based, has sister cities of Shinhidaka, Japan, and Deauville, France. To pay homage to these sister cities, RD1 Spirits has finished this limited release whiskey using both Japanese Mizunara and French Oak.

The Details

The Sister Cities blend begins with a 5-year-old bourbon that was initially matured in new, charred, American White Oak barrels. French Oak “necklaces” were added to the barrels, for a total finishing time twice that of RD1’s existing portfolio French Oak release. This finished expression was then blended with a 7-year-old bourbon and an 8-year-old rye. Finally, the blend was finished with lightly toasted Japanese Mizunara staves, for a short time.

Mash Bills:

• 5 Year Bourbon – 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley
• 7 Year Bourbon – 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
• 8 Year Rye – 51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley

Tasting Notes – RD1 Sister Cities Whiskey Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻Nose: Cloves and other rye spices, dry spicy wood, sweet stone fruits like cherries and dark plums, tart orange, brown sugar syrup; hints of wintergreen and milk chocolate; alcohol vapor appropriate for the proof
👉🏻Taste: Moderately sweet from simple syrup and light honey; rye spices, caramel, touch of milk chocolate and cherries; tart orange peel; background dry spicy wood
👉🏻Finish: Quite a bit of white pepper spice; dry spicy wood, tangy orange citrus; lingering sweet fruit candy; mild smoky barrel char; long; deep warmth

The nose of RD1 Sister Cities Whiskey is a nice combination of sweetness and spice. On the one side, are cloves and other rye spices, and dry spicy wood. On the other side, those flavors are nicely contrasted by almost candy-like sweet stone fruits, such as cherries and dark plums, as well as brown sugar syrup. There are hints of wintergreen and milk chocolate, as well. The alcohol vapor is appropriate for the proof.

The taste has a moderate simple syrup and honey sweetness, with continuing rye spices, caramel, cherry candy, and a touch of milk chocolate as well. There’s also a bit of a tang from tart orange peel, and spicy dry wood in the background, as well.

The finish brings growing white pepper spice, dry spicy wood and some tart orange citrus. Sweet fruit candy lingers on, as well. Later on, the mouthfeel becomes fairly dry, with a mild smoky barrel char, dry wood and persisting white pepper spice, which lasts for quite a long time. I am left with a pleasant warmth and some spicy dry wood on my tongue.

Summary

RD1 Sister Cities’ blend of mature rye and bourbons, combined with Mizunara and French oaks, results in quite a complex flavor profile. The maturity of the rye subdues somewhat the sharper overtones often seen in a younger spirit, and the spicy dry wood combines quite well with those flavors. The rye contribution is certainly noticeable, but then again, the bourbon contribution is, as well. All in all, the flavors blend together quite nicely, adding up to a very enjoyable whiskey. This is a pour to ponder, but yet it is also quite easy to drink. And, at a SRP of around $70 for a nicely aged, limited edition whiskey, Sister Cities is quite reasonably priced, as well. Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our RD1 Spirits Sister Cities Limited Edition Whiskey review! Next check out our RD ONE 10 Year Amburana Finished Bourbon Review and our RD ONE Amburana Finished Bourbon Review!

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

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