UP Old Line Rye Whisky Essence 20 ml

UP Old Line Rye Whisky Essence 20 ml

Rye whisky is the bartender’s secret weapon. It is drier, leaner and spicier than its corn-based cousins, and it is precisely that quality that lets it cut through vermouth, sugar and bitters in the great classic cocktails. Old Line Rye lets you bottle that style for yourself: a grown-up, elegant whisky with bite.

Historically, rye whisky was the obvious base for most classic cocktails, before sweeter styles of whisky took over the back bar. Now it is back in earnest, and bartenders the world over have rediscovered what the spicy edge of rye can do for a stirred drink.

Colour & Appearance

Once mixed, the drink is copper-coloured with a deep orange shimmer. It is clear and lustrous, with a slightly lighter body than the sweeter whisky styles – something you can see straight away in how it moves in the glass.

Nose

The nose is the spice rack in liquid form: black pepper, clove, cinnamon and caraway, gently wrapped in honey and vanilla pod. Underneath you will find freshly baked rye bread, dried orange, cocoa and a cool, herbal note that leans towards mint and dill. The oak is present but discreet.

Palate

The palate strikes up dry and lively. Pepper arrives first, followed by ginger, cinnamon and a little liquorice root. Then the edges are rounded off by pale honey, toffee and dark chocolate, and a fruitiness of cherry and dried apple peeps through. The rye-bread note runs like a thread through the whole experience and gives the whisky its earthy, slightly bready weight. Sweetness is held firmly in check – this is a whisky that would rather be spicy than eager to please.

Finish

The finish is long, dry and peppery. Oak, cocoa and clove hang on, along with a cool minty note that freshens the palate. The warmth is unmistakable but never aggressive.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit and can be enjoyed straight away. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished spirit drink. All instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• Stirred with red vermouth and bitters, garnished with a cocktail cherry.
• In a Sazerac with a sugar cube, bitters and a whisper of anise in the glass.
• Old Fashioned with orange zest – the rye spice makes it all the more interesting.
• A highball with ginger ale and lemon.
• Neat, with a few drops of water to open up the spice.

About the Essence

Old Line Rye is part of our Ultra Premium range and was created with the cocktail lover in mind. It fills a gap that very few essences cover: the dry, spicy rye whisky. If the style has won you over, the essence is also available in 280 ml, 1000 ml and 25 litres.

The dry profile of rye whisky also makes it fine company for food. Try it with smoked meat, pastrami, a robust hard cheese or a piece of dark chocolate with sea salt. The spice in the glass meets the salt and the richness on the plate in a way that sweet whiskies simply cannot manage.