DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition
The Stauning Rye is a Nordic rye whisky showcasing a bold, spicy character, sweet undertones, and hints of earthiness. Compiling tasting notes from over 100 DRAM1 panel entries, this review explores the whisky’s aroma, palate, finish, and overall impression.
Stats
- Distillery: Stauning
- Region: Denmark
- Whisky Type: Rye Whisky
- ABV: 46% (92 Proof)
Tasting Notes Stauning Rye
Nose
The nose is complex, with sweet and earthy notes that draw in the taster immediately:
- Sweetness: toffee, chocolate, vanilla, light honey
- Fruity notes: dried apple, red fruit, citrus peel, occasional tropical hints
- Spice and herbal influence: cloves, black pepper, thyme, licorice, hints of fennel
- Earthy tones: wet hay, rooty notes, leather, tobacco, even a faint motor-oil-like aroma for some tasters
- Bourbon influence: vanilla and sweet corn undertones, contributing a round, warm base
Some tasting panel members found a slightly musty or oily quality, which gives it character but may divide opinion. Others noted subtle hints of sherry, rum, or oloroso casks in the aroma, adding gentle complexity.
Palate
On the palate, Stauning Rye is full-bodied, robust, and spicy, with layered flavors:
- Fruit and sweetness: dried fruit, toffee, chocolate, orange marmalade, stewed apples
- Spice and rye character: white and black pepper, anise, jeneverbes, subtle curry-like notes
- Oak influence: warm wood, licorice, light bitter tannins
- Additional complexity: earthy, herbal, and lightly smoky undertones; some tasters noted a faint vegetal or green note
While rich and flavorful, a few panelists found the alcohol presence notable, with a slightly sharp bite on the tongue. The whisky tends to evolve in the glass, revealing sweet-spicy layers after the first sip.
Finish
The finish is medium to long, warming and layered:
- Sweet-spice lingering: honey, toffee, marzipan
- Oak and tannins: subtle bitterness and light dryness
- Spicy and peppery edge: white pepper, light chili, licorice, and gentle herbs
- Evolving character: some tasters noted a slightly earthy, rooty, or vegetal undertone toward the end
Overall, the finish leaves a memorable impression of spice and layered sweetness, though it may feel slightly uneven to some tasters due to its complex rye and oak influence.
Food Pairing
Stauning Rye’s bold, spicy, and slightly sweet profile pairs well with:
- Spiced or roasted meats: pork, duck, or gamy poultry
- Chocolate desserts: dark chocolate, toffee, or caramel-based sweets
- Nutty treats: marzipan, roasted almonds, pecans
- Cheese: mature cheddar, gouda, or smoked cheeses
- Savory spice dishes: subtly spiced stews or Mediterranean-style vegetable dishes
The rye’s spicy kick and sweet undertones make it a versatile choice both for sipping and pairing.
Verdict
Strengths
- Bold, spicy character: clear rye backbone with pepper and herbal notes
- Sweet and complex: chocolate, toffee, dried fruit, and honey add depth
- Medium-long finish: warming, layered, and flavorful
- Intriguing nose: earthy, herbal, and lightly musty notes make it unique
- Versatile: works well for pairing with both desserts and savory dishes
Weaknesses
- Alcohol presence: a sharp bite may catch some first-time rye drinkers
- Slightly uneven palate: earthy or vegetal notes can feel off-putting to some
- Finish not fully polished: some tasters found minor bitter or off-dry edges
- Young spirit impression: NAS expression may feel slightly raw in certain sips
Final Thoughts
The Stauning Rye is a distinctive, bold, and flavorful Nordic rye whisky. It balances spice, sweetness, and earthiness, providing a memorable tasting experience for rye enthusiasts. The DRAM1 panel highlights its toffee, chocolate, dried fruit, and citrus notes, along with herbal and earthy undertones, making it a whisky with personality and intrigue.
While it may not appeal to those seeking ultra-smooth or overly polished whiskies, Stauning Rye rewards patience and careful sipping, revealing layered complexity and depth with each taste. Perfect for sipping neat, paired with rich desserts, or complemented by lightly spiced foods, this whisky is a standout in contemporary rye expressions.
