Borders Distillery WS01:Borders Malt & Rye - 40%
Some say there’s nothing new in Scotch Whisky. We say, think again. Welcome to the Workshop Series.
In 2019, we distilled a small batch of rye spirit and matured it in the same fresh-fill bourbon casks as the malt, to create this remarkable and aromatic whisky. This is the first Blended Scotch Whisky to leave the Scottish Borders since 1837, and the first expression of the Workshop Series from the Borders Distillery.
Bottled without filtration. 63.8% Single Grain. 36.2% Single Malt.
Entirely distilled by the Borders Distillery. Each WS01:Borders Malt & Rye bottle is individually numbered, and only 5,988 will ever be released for sale in the UK.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Very pale white wine in colour, forms a thin line which beads quickly before falling as slow, thin legs.
Nose: Light pear, fresh green apples, lightly floral and a touch of light oak and vanilla ice cream. With a little more time the rye comes through, together with a little pepperiness.
Palate: Quite thin on the palate despite being unfiltered, there’s a delicate floral element and honey sweetness at first, followed by subtle notes of lemon citrus, Werthers Originals, orchard fruit crumble, vanilla and a touch of spicy rye. At this abv water isn’t necessary but brings more of the oak through.
Finish: Warming spice, a touch of vanilla cream and a slight oak bitterness.
Summary: The first thing to note is that the colour is very different to the stock image on the website, whether that’s down to artistic licence on the part of the marketing team/photographer isn’t known but I could imagine a fair bit of surprise for anyone buying without seeing.
I must admit I had no idea what to expect from a malt and rye blend, especially one from a new distillery with no real track record. Whilst it was never going to be a huge flavour bomb, as a softly spoken dram I did find it enjoyable. I probably wouldn’t spend £40 on a bottle, but it has piqued my interest with Borders and I’ll look forward to seeing what happens next.
If you would like to know more about the Borders distillery, follow the link to the company website.
