Based mostly in Bettendorf, Iowa, Cat’s Eye Distillery has constructed their model identify largely on the again of sourced spirits — notably bourbon, rye, and lightweight whiskey — from the USA, Canada, and several other European international locations. Bottled beneath the Obtainium or Nassif Household Reserve labels, their sourced whiskeys have additionally grown in recognition as cask energy single-barrel choices, typically at eye-popping proofs. (26 year-old Canadian whisky typically comes out of the barrel at over 75% alcohol.)
Their latest launch is much less catchy for its proof than its distinctive mix and ending. The Magi Blended Rye Whiskey is equal elements 6 year-old MGP rye and 21 year-old Palliser Canadian rye, which is then completed in Port and sherry casks.
After all, completed rye whiskey isn’t a brand new idea to American whiskey drinkers. The Magi’s mix is harking back to Excessive West’s A Midwinter Nights Dram, produced by getting old their Rendezvous Rye — itself a mix of older and youthful whiskeys — in port barrels. And a completed Canadian element may be acquainted for followers of WhistlePig’s varied older expressions.
However maybe there’s innovation left available within the synthesis of those elements. The mix of American and Canadian ryes, mixed with the extra ending element of sherry casks, definitely piqued my curiosity.
The Magi Blended Rye Whiskey is bottled at 107 proof. Let’s dive in.
The nostril begins instantly with sturdy traditional rye notes: baking spices and an enormous observe of cloves hit shortly, then star anise. There’s an natural element right here (some may say dill), and the traditional MGP rye notes shine by originally. After a pair minutes within the glass, the scent opens and expands with darkish, wealthy fruit and black cherry as notes from the port and sherry linger across the glass. You’ll be able to sense the person elements: The 2 ryes, the Port, and the sherry. There are layers of complexity right here, and so they work nicely collectively as a substitute of clashing.
At first sip, there’s lots happening. There’s a direct hit of sweetness, richer and thicker than I anticipated from the nostril and people traditional rye notes, with a way more subdued spice. The Magi has a noticeably thick mouthfeel that begins with that candy, fruity observe after which brings a stage of tartness, a bit like cranberry compote. There’s a number of dried fruit right here, each dried cherry and different stone fruit. These fruity and candy notes are lastly adopted by some rye spice bordering on cinnamon, however not closely into that enviornment. Then there’s a pronounced almond observe towards the again of the palate, which I get fairly continuously from well-aged Canadian ryes; it’s nearly almond extract in nature, but it surely’s fairly mild right here. Going again, you can even sense a little bit of that on the nostril as nicely.
That thick mouthfeel lends itself to an extended end with a relentless interaction between candy, spice, and even bitter components. That is the place the sherry punches by, however not in an overwhelming manner — it’s harking back to a sherried Scotch, possibly, but it surely’s definitely not simply copying that profile. That sherry contact is basically what helps differentiate this from different Port-finished ryes, including depth that helps reduce by and again on the sweetness. On the finish, the end fills the mouth and has a ripple impact, with extra waves of taste right here that very regularly dissipate as a substitute of merely falling off.
What I first noticed as a curiosity — possibly an innovation on an innovation? — ended up being a really beautiful dram. Amongst completed merchandise I’ve sampled just lately, The Magi has a complexity that helps it stand aside from blends with solely American elements.
I’m undecided if this method to mixing and ending might actually be known as a threat, but it surely did end in fairly the reward.
107 proof.
A / $100 / catseyedistillery.com
The Magi Blended Rye Whiskey
$100
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