Helsinki Whiskey Rye Malt Release 14 Rum Cask Finish

Quick notes on the 14th release by The Helsinki Distilling Company (HDC). This rye whiskey is 70% rye, 30% malted barley and it comes from Finland’s capital. They also make 100% malted rye whiskey. The distillery was established in 2014.

With an annual production of 30 000 liters, HDC produces small batch whiskies. This 14th release is no different. 1000 bottles have been released.

I managed to try a sample at local whisky fair at Turku (Turun Olut- ja Viskimessut) in 2019.

Helsinki Whiskey Rye Malt Release 14 Rum Cask Finish Review

HDC counter at Beer and Whisky Festival in Turku

Vatting of three different casks

Release #14 is a vatting of three casks by Master Distiller Mikko Mykkänen. Firstly it’s been matured in 200 liter American virgin oak barrels for a minimum of three years. After that they’ve finished it for three to six months in rum casks previously held Guyianan and Jamaican rum.

Tasting Notes

Matured in:

American Virgin Oak Barrels, finished in Ex-Rum casks

Mashbill:

70% rye, 30% malted barley

ABV: 47.5%

Colour: Dark amber

Nose: Pine and juniper. Floral with slightly fruity notes. Oak and rum get into the mix.

Taste: Round full set of fruity and smooth rye. The rum influence is very strong, making it sweet and nicely dry.

Finish: Rum really strikes in. Round and mellow, quite fast but good. Fruity and smooth.

Balance: Easy to drink, probably the easiest rye whiskey I’ve tasted so far! More matured version than their first release ever, which was 100% malted rye.