Limousin Rye Whiskey Review

I got this fantastic-looking sample of Limousin Rye Whiskey at a tasting I attended here in Los Angeles. They were the "party favors" for the night and a truly impressive takeaway. It's not only a smaller version of the real bottle but apparently, it's handblown and hand-labeled as well. That's a lot of effort for a mini, but then, they put a lot of effort into this whiskey.

The process for making this whiskey is a little intense and because of their use of used cooperage this isn't technically a Rye Whiskey, but a whiskey distilled from a rye mash - as stated on the tiny label.

The full process of making the whiskey is complicated and involved used cooperage, new charred oak and a Solera system using Limousin oak... hence the name. I reached out to the brand to get the full details, but never heard back. If I do I'll update here, but for now it's on the rye whiskey review.

Limousin Rye Whiskey Review: Details and Tasting Notes

Dancing Goat Distillery Limousin Rye is uniquely aged with innovative barreling techniques utilizing three different types of vintage and new oak. Forward notes of light vanilla and caramel finish with a swell of spice and warmth. Blended in our custom made Solera finishing system with Limousin oak barrels.

Limousin Rye Whiskey Review: Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Region: Wisconsin, USA

Distiller: Dancing Goat
Mash Bill: 100% Rye
Cask: New Charred Oak, ex-Rye barrels and French Limousin Oak
Age: NAS (4+ Years)
ABV: 46%

Batch: B14

Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Price: $50

Limousin Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

NOSE
Orchard fruit, spice, wood, honey and bits of marshmallows, citrus and a floral sweetness.

PALATE
Orchard fruit, spice, wood, honey, marshmallows with touches of bubblegum, citrus, floral and some melon.

FINISH
Medium-short -> Spice, wood, cocoa, fruit and bubblegum.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and soft velvety feel.

Limousin Rye Whiskey Review: Overall and Score

Aroma is soft and fruity with some young wood and some spicy floral notes that swirl around. Palate picks up bits of citrus candy, bubble gum and more of that marshmallow sweetness. Finish carries that bubblegum through the end.

Their cold climate + temperature controlled warehousing and used cooperage usage does keep it from picking up an oaky depth. But, due to their unique process, the whiskey ends up being soft and easy and grain forward. It hasn't been overtaken by that raw woody profile that's become synonymous with the craft whiskey category.

All-in-all I enjoy Limousin Rye Whiskey for what it is, a view into what happens to a rye mash bill when put through a unique aging process. And I can't tell you how glad I am that they didn't just shove it into some small barrels and call it a day.

SCORE: 82/100 (B-)