El Clásico from Stauning in Denmark is said to be the first rye whisky aged in vermouth casks and the flavours marry extremely well, like a good Manhattan. What began as an experiment, turned out to be phenomenally successful. There's a perfect balance of bittersweetness on the finish, and it holds its own both neat or as the leading component in a whisky cocktail. Very versatile.
Orange marmalade, spiced stewed apple, touches of red fruit sweetness, and cinnamon fudge.
Dried cherry, dark toffee, and more orange citrus, with a crack of black pepper that gives way to classic rye spice a few sips in.
A touch of herbaceous vermouth bitterness appears, with toasty oak.
Absolutely lovely. The vermouth cask imparts more flavour than you expect, and really comes through on the nose and palate. Delicious.
