UP Red Leaf Whisky Essence 20 ml

UP Red Leaf Whisky Essence 20 ml

Picture the light, dry mixing whisky – and then turn both the spice and the sweetness up a couple of notches. That is where you find UP Red Leaf. The rye is more present, with pepper and baking spices you really notice, while a note of maple syrup settles over everything like a soft blanket. The result is a whisky that is still easy-going, but has enough to say for itself to stand on its own over ice.

The Ultra Premium version is the choice for those who want to do both with a single bottle: a highball with the starter and a glass on the rocks after dessert. It keeps the clean, smoke-free character of the style but delivers more in every sip.

Colour & Appearance

The colour is a deep amber yellow with copper-red glints, a shade darker than the Prestige version. Over ice it takes on a beautiful, warm glow.

Nose

The nose opens with rye bread, black pepper and clove, swiftly followed by maple syrup and buttery toffee. The vanilla is clear, and behind it lie toasted oak, dried orange peel and a touch of cinnamon. The overall impression is warm and welcoming, like a kitchen where somebody is making pancakes.

Palate

The palate is rounder and fuller than the nose suggests. Maple syrup and toffee give a sweet, soft opening, whereupon the rye takes command with a spicy heat of pepper, ginger and clove. The oak contributes structure and a lightly toasted bitterness that balances the sweetness, while vanilla and a little dried fruit fill out the middle. For all its bigger flavour the whisky is gentle and free from any smokiness, and the finish heads in a dry direction in the manner typical of the style.

Finish

The finish is medium-long and spicy. The rye keeps tingling on the tongue along with oak and a last sweet note of syrup that slowly fades out.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished whisky that can be enjoyed immediately. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• On the rocks in a tumbler with one large ice cube.
• With ginger ale and a dash of aromatic bitters.
• Old Fashioned sweetened with maple syrup instead of sugar.
• With cola and lime when the long drink wants a bit more character.
• A splash in coffee, topped with lightly whipped cream.

About the Essence

UP stands for Ultra Premium, our highest quality tier, where the essences are developed for maximum body, clearer spice and a longer finish. UP Red Leaf is the all-rounder of the range – round enough to drink neat, light enough to mix.

The essence is useful in the kitchen too: its spicy, syrupy note is lovely in a glaze for pork or salmon, in pecan pie and in toffee sauce. For manufacturers, UP Red Leaf is available in 25 litres, and anyone after a simpler, drier mixing whisky will find it in the Prestige range under the same name.