One of America’s Best Single Malt Distilleries Is Dropping a New Double Cask Whiskey
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As we’ve reported previously, the American single malt category is nearing getting an official federal designation. In the meantime, the category continues to grow in leaps and bounds, with distilleries like Virginia Distillery Co. leading the way by producing some of the best whiskey of this type that you can find. The latest release is called Double Cask Reserve, two individually matured single malts that were blended together.
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Virginia Distillery Co. , located in Lovingston, VA, still produces its VHW lineup, a blend of single malt made in Virginia and Scotland that is finished in a variety of cask types including cider and port. But the best whiskey coming out of the distillery is the Courage & Conviction series. These are entirely made onsite in Virginia from 100 percent malted barley and matured in bourbon , sherry, and cuvee casks procured from European red wine producers.
The newest member of the C&C family is the aforementioned Double Cask Reserve, which consists of whiskey aged for at least five years in both bourbon barrels and cuvee casks which are shaved, toasted, and re-charred (also known as STR). The two whiskeys are then vatted together for a “gradual, gentle marriage,” as the distillery puts it—apparently, this is no arranged marriage or shotgun wedding. The final blend is non-chill filtered and bottled at 48 percent ABV.
Double Cask Reserve is a lovely example of American single malt in a category that admittedly has its ups and downs. There are bright notes of fruit and spice with dried apricot and berry leading the way, along with notes of vanilla, apple, and caramel joining the palate. “We couldn’t be more excited to share with the world the latest addition to our Courage & Conviction line, a vibrant whisky that fits beautifully within our collection,” said CEO Gareth H. Moore in a statement. “With this release, we feel we’ve set a new standard for American whisky [the distillery forgoes the “e”]—a category that is soon to be officially recognized by the TTB.”
You can purchase Double Cask Reserve now (SRP $90) directly from the distillery’s website if you’re in Virginia. If not, and there’s a decent chance of that, you’ll have to wait until September for nationwide availability, but that’s tomorrow so not much patience is required. In the meantime, ReserveBar has many of the other Courage & Conviction and VHW expressions available to purchase now wherever you are.
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