Distiller Notes
#13 Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2018
The Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is made from 100% malted barley, marrying whisky from Scotland with whisky made on-site in Virginia. The whisky is then cask finished for 8 to 12 months in cider casks coming from Virginia producers such as Potter’s Craft Cider and Buskey Cider. This release is offered annually during the fall and is a limited release. Notes of apple, vanilla and pear are evident on the nose along with a hint of caramel.
On the palate, some creaminess and sweetness from the malt, along with caramelized wood sugars from the oak, melds with a pleasant touch of acidity from the cider.
Proof: 92
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Nose is heavy with spice and oak; long and bright with an elegant and carefully balanced style; an instant classic made in Virginia.
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Whisky Advocate
This blend of Scotch whisky and Virginia Distilling’s own-make whisky is finished in cider casks for 8 to 20 months, and has layers of flavor. There’s light peat, campfire, and fragrant meadow on the nose, along with sweeter notes of vanilla coulis, applesauce, marzipan, pears, and cinnamon-spiced almonds. The palate offers polished oak, clementine, grilled apple, and almond pudding. A lengthy finish adds brown sugar, grilled fruit, dark chocolate, espresso, and white pepper.
Capturing a broad range in one category, American Whiskey refers to any spirit made in America by distilling a mash of fermented grains—typically corn, wheat, rye or barley. American Whiskey must be distilled to no more than 95% alcohol and bottled at 40% or higher. In order to be labeled a straight Whiskey, it also must be aged in white oak barrels for a minimum of two years and not contain any added colors or flavors.