Locke + Co Aspen Aged Rye is the flagship whiskey of Locke + Co Distilling in Colorado, founded by Rick Talley and Owen Locke, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).
It is made from a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley and aged two years in brand-new 30-gallon oak barrels from the Barrel Mill in Minnesota, using char levels 2, 3, 4 and 5. The whiskey is then blended in large tanks and finished with hand-cut, hand-charred aspen wood discs that float in it for another eight months, before a final blend and bottling.
The aroma brings baking bread, caramel and toffee, light brown sugar, cinnamon and oaky baking spice, with hints of dried fig, honey and banana. On the palate it opens sweet, with cherry pits and vanilla, before the rye spice arrives on a soft mouthfeel. Mid-palate there is caramel, golden maple syrup, tobacco and cinnamon as it turns buttery and well rounded.
The finish is clean, with ginger, black pepper spice, moderate warmth and a dry sawdust bite.
Aspen is the signature tree of the Colorado Rockies, and using it to finish whiskey gives this rye a character no other distillery can copy.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Baking bread, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, cinnamon, fig, honey and banana.
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Palate: Cherry, vanilla, rye spice, caramel, maple syrup and tobacco.
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Finish: Ginger, black pepper and a dry oak bite.
Specifications
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Distillery: Locke + Co Distilling, Colorado
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Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
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Ageing: Two years in new 30-gallon oak, then eight months with charred aspen
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Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
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Origin: United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on a large cube, or stir it into a Manhattan or a Sazerac, where the aspen spice shines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aspen aged rye?
Rye aged in new oak, then finished with hand-charred aspen wood discs for eight months.
What is the mash bill?
95% rye and 5% malted barley.
What proof is it?
90 proof, 45% ABV.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
