Oregon’s Hood River Distillers has been cranking out Pendleton Canadian whisky for longer than Drinkhacker has been round, dropping extra expressions through the years, most of which we’ve reviewed at a while or one other. Right now we take a retrospective look again on the three most accessible whiskies of the four-expression everlasting lineup, all however the 20 yr previous Director’s Reserve.
Pendleton Whisky “Authentic” (2022) – This misplaced its 10 yr previous age assertion throughout a rebrand some years in the past, and whereas it doesn’t say “Authentic” on the label, that’s how it’s generally identified. Candy with maple syrup and butterscotch notes on the nostril, that is each bit the sugar bomb at present that it was again in 2008, with notes of darkish brown sugar amping up that syrupy complexion even additional. The palate is a sugary powerhouse with notes of cloves rising in time, resulting in a gingerbread-laden end. There’s ample warmth right here: This whisky has loads of younger inventory in it, although it’s well-tempered by sweetness. Combine with it, however dial down any sweeteners. 80 proof. B / $20
Pendleton Midnight (2022) – Midnight has not modified considerably in assemble, nonetheless made with a portion of the mix (proportion undisclosed) aged for 6-plus years in American brandy barrels. You may assume brandy barrel ageing would sweeten an already sugary whisky additional — and it does — but it surely additionally tempers the uncooked sugar with a fruity kick not current within the Authentic bottling. Notes of spiced raisins, reminiscent not of midnight however of Christmas, give the palate some intrigue and add a way of stability, with some barrel char and a few black tea rising later within the recreation. Regardless of the additional abv, it doesn’t ever hit the palate as scorching. Maple and butterscotch return on a barely jammy however altogether soothing end. A serious step up from the Authentic. The highest choose from Pendleton so far as I’m involved. 90 proof. A- / $28
Pendleton Rye 1910 12 Years Previous (2022) – 1910 doesn’t simply carry an age assertion of a whopping 12 years previous, it’s additionally a 100% rye, which is tough to come back by. I haven’t tasted this whisky in 10 years and was stunned to see how muted it’s in comparison with the above two brethren. A powerful brewed tea notice — barely candy however loaded with earthiness — is speedy, however that punchy maple/butterscotch notice is wholly missing. Subdued notes of barrel char, light spice, a contact of orange peel — all are current, however evenly sweetened tea, dusted with coriander and clove, stays the main focus. Easy however nice. 80 proof. B+ / $30 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Pendleton Midnight (2022)
$28
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