The Helsinki Distilling Company (HDC) launched their first official release for retail markets in 2017. This 100% Rye Malt comes from Finland’s capital, where HDC was established in 2014.
HDC has 300 and 1500 liter pot stills with an annual production of 30 000 liters. Their spirits portfolio includes rye whiskey (single malts will be added soon), gin, aquavit and applejack.
So far they’ve released 4 batches of rye whiskey. 2 batches of 100% malted rye and 2 batches of rye malt (70% rye, 30% barley).
The one I’m reviewing is their 1st Release 100% Rye Malt Whiskey. It was made using malted rye from Viking Malt in Lahti. And it really is a small batch product, as small as it can get:
10 small 28 liter new French oak casks, 580 bottles released in total. Bottle number 72 in question.
Well, I’m kidding. I think this suits for people who don’t normally drink strong rye whiskies. This is not a typical rye, which I guess, can be harsh. This is fresh and vibrant, quite smooth.
I just had to reference this to a good movie directed by first time director. Because that’s what this whiskey is, outstanding first release. Like Robert Redford did with Ordinary People, which won 4 Oscars, including best movie and best director.