Oxford Rye Whisky Batch #3 goes on sale

English producer The Oxford Artisan Distillery has released a third batch of rye whisky to commemorate its fourth anniversary.

The Oxford Artisan Distillery was established on 27 July 2017. Oxford Rye Whisky Batch #3 was first aged for 17 months in American oak casks, before being matured for another 19 months in Moscatel wine casks from Portugal.

The wine casks are said to have imparted citrus, flowery, lychee and pear flavours, and sweet, fruity notes.

The organic heritage grain used for Batch #3 was harvested in autumn 2017. It comprises 90% maslin (a mix of 70% rye and 20% wheat from populations grown together in the same field), and 10% heritage malted barley.

Chico Rosa, master distiller, said: “The sweet fruity flavours from the rye spirit and the Moscatel cask combine seamlessly in a floral bouquet of summer gardens.

“Our first batch was a classic take on American rye whiskey. Batch #2 was more complex and inspired by Oxford, and with Batch #3 I wanted to bring more cask influence to our rye spirit.

“This batch of whisky suits this season impeccably – it breathes a wealth of freshness and summer fruits, with such beautiful complexity and vibrancy of flavours, it’s absolutely lush. Perfect to toast our first four years.”

Only 551 bottles of Oxford Rye Batch #3 have been created. Bottled at cask strength (51.2% ABV), the whisky is priced at RRP £120 (US$167) per bottle. It is available from specialist retailers, including Master of Malt, Hedonism, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and the distillery’s website: theoxfordartisandistillery.com.

In June last year, The Oxford Artisan Distillery relaunched two of its core spirits after being certified organic: Oxford Rye Organic Vodka and Oxford Rye Organic Dry Gin.

The organic grain-to-glass producer revealed its inaugural English rye whisky in April this year. It was followed by Batch #2 in July.