Today we’re having a Welsh rye whisky. It comes from Aber Falls, a distillery in Wales, named after the impressive waterfall next door. Once a slate works, it was then a margarine factory during the war and later a drinks depot.
Their first whisky was released in 2021 so Dutch bottler Kintra is quick to follow up. In fact this might even be the first rye release from Aber Falls?
Aber Falls 3 yo 2020 (52,21%, Kintra Whisky 2023, virgin oak cask #1165, 135 btl.)
Nose: a lot of spice comes out first. Ginger, white pepper and simple hints of fresh oak shavings. This evolves to nutmeg and baking spice. Underneath is a warm vanilla sweetness and floral honey. Minty freshness too. Then hints of peach and sweet citrus. Slightly narrow but pleasant.
Mouth: lightly fragrant wood in front row, with a bittersweet citrus (peel) note following closely. White pepper and nutmeg. Vanilla custard. Then tart lemon and plenty of aniseed. The wood influence is strong but I must admit I expected even more wood spice.
Finish: medium long, mostly on wood spice, with a faint warming mocha note.
This is rather balanced considering the fact that it’s a very young rye whisky matured in a virgin oak cask. Spices are clearly present but not overtaking the spirit. Limited flavours though. Still available from Whiskysite.nl among others.