New Holland Beer Barrel Rye

Inspired by the double-barreling process used at some of Scotlands most revered distilleries, Brett VanderKamp New Holland Brewery and Artisanal Spirits master distiller decided to start aging whiskey in used beer barrels. Scotch, which is traditionally aged in ex-bourbon casks, is often double-barreled, or finished, in sherry casks. "The notes of sherry add another layer of complexity, color and richness to the Scotch," explains VanderKamp. "I thought we could do the same thing for whiskey."While many craft brewers will attest that aging beer in whiskey barrels adds flavor and complexity to the beer, Beer Barrel Bourbon goes to show that the reverse is also true: aging whiskey in beer barrels results in a more complex and unique whiskey. After crafting Beer Barrel Bourbon at his distillery, VanderKamp ages it for several years in new, charred American oak casks. After the bourbon has matured, it is double-barreled, or finished, in casks that were formerly used to mature Dragons Milk stout.Dragons Milk Ale is a high-gravity stout beer, meaning it initially has more sugar and density before fermentation than ordinary beers. The name itself can be traced back to the 17th century, when beer reserved exclusively for royalty was referred to simply as "Dragons Milk." The crown jewel of New Holland Brewerys portfolio, the stout is matured for 90 days in oak casks that are then used to mature Beer Barrel Bourbon. The beer barrels add notes of roasted malt, along with deep vanilla undertones to the bourbon, and complement its subtle undertones of toffee and caramel.After finishing their bourbon in Dragons Milk barrels in 2013 and being pleased with the results, they felt it was time for rye whiskey to shine. And this is how New Holland Beer Barrel Rye came to be. The double-distilled rye is crafted in a similar way that their bourbon is, first being aged in American oak casks, before going for a round of finishing in Dragons Milk barrels. Rye spice, vanilla, honey, and almonds make up this unique 88-proof expressions profile.Pick up a bottle today!