Brian’s Noble Oak Double Oak Rye Review:
reviewed 25-January-2022
NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE REVIEW:
Noble Oak Double Oak Rye (Noble Oak DO Rye) is an approachable and easy to enjoy whiskey. In fact, it could even be a gateway rye; something to introduce to the novice drinker. The added port barrel staves soften the pepper notes associated with most rye whiskeys and even add some subtle fruit notes. As I sip, I am reminded of High West’s recent A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9 release. While the complexities are not here, Noble Oak DO Rye is one-third the price and a decent substitute.
BACKGROUND
I like to know a bit about what I am pouring. I’m not against trying bourbons and ryes made outside of Kentucky, but I want to know a little about them. Noble Oak Rye was introduced to me on 16-Dec-2021 when we opened our Whiskey Advent Calendar samples. The pour was good enough for me to purchase a bottle the next day.
In preparation of this review I began my internet research only to find very little information about Noble Oak as a producer. It turns out Noble Oak came about as a collaborative effort between partners at Brain Brew Ventures and Edrington. Edrington Brands include MacCallan, Highland Park, Glenroths, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, and Naked Malt Scotches. And now Noble Oak and Wyoming Whiskey are Edrington Brands and partners as well. Pedigree – Check!
NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE VITAL STATS:
Category: Finished Rye Whiskey
Distilled in: Indiana
Distillery: unpublished, likely MGP Ingredients
Bottled by: Noble Oak
Bottled in: Newtown, Ohio, USA
Owned by: Brain Brew Ventures
Parent Company: Edrington
Mash Bill: unpublished
Barrel Char: unpublished
Barrel entry proof: unpublished
Age: nas
ABV: 48% (96 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 86979
Price: $39.95 (December 2021, Idaho)
“A unique rye finished with port wine staves sourced by the Master of Wood at Edrington, producers of the world’s finest single malts.”
—Noble Oak
Learn more at Noble Oak Double Oak Rye.
ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:
Alternate pours, equaling about four ounces, were added into two Glencairns from a newly opened bottle. Hannah and I enjoyed the rye neat for this review.
Check out her review for this rye here!
NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE NOSE:
When first brought to my nose, Noble Oak DO Rye seems dry and herbal, like a mixture of drying hay and potpourri. Yet I sense port tannins, and then mushy apples and a thick fruit nectar of plum juice, raisins and prunes. But the dryness comes through in the spices as well; brininess, allspice, cloves, rosemary and rye blend with a hint of light vanilla and light brown sugar. And for a whiskey labeled “Double Oak” there’s not much wood here, just some pineyness and light, fresh cut oak. In the end the aromas of this rye are quite simple.
NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE PALATE:
The first sip of Noble Oak DO Rye is warm and full of dry port tannins. Like on the nose I get herbal drying hay, but now the fruitiness changes to dried currants, figs and clean citrus zest which blend with allspice, cloves, ginger and white pepper. I also taste rye toast, topped with a stewed cinnamon apple and light brown sugar compote drizzled with a touch of orange blossom honey. But now the wood becomes more pronounced, as new oak blends with piney sweet and smokey barrel char. And as each sip fades, there is some supple leather to round out the earthiness. The farther into the pour I sip, the better this rye becomes.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Noble Oak DO Rye is a well blended, but simple and earthy pour. It is buttery and creamy in my mouth and easy to hold, giving the tongue just an easy tickle. As each sip is taken, long clinging legs transport the liquid back to the carrot colored pool, leaving behind many clinging droplets.
NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE FINISH:
Noble Oak Double Oak Rye has a long, dry and warm finish. Like the nose and palate I sense herbal cloves, rye and citrus zest along with piney char and leather. And when the last dram is downed, the empty Glencairn smells of simple oak and earth.
MY RATING: 85/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
But I won’t rush to replace the bottle when it empties.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 85/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies by this parent company, click Edrington.
WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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