Description
Heaven’s Door Refuge Straight Rye comes from the whiskey brand Bob Dylan helped create. It is made from a 100% rye mash. The whiskey ages six to eight years in charred American oak barrels. It then spends about six months in sherry casks for a final finish.
It is non-chill filtered, so it keeps a fuller texture. Refuge is bottled at 92 proof and is certified kosher.
The nose is rich and layered, with dark fruit, oak and spice. On the palate, the natural spice of the rye meets sweetness and fruit from the sherry wood. Look for vanilla, toasted grain and sherry-soaked fig. Roasted nuts, cinnamon and oak follow close behind. The finish is delicate and gently spicy.
Sip it neat or over a large cube to see how the sherry and rye play together. It also does well in a Manhattan, a Sazerac or an Old Fashioned. The sherry notes add a soft, fruity layer to each of them.
For food, try smoked pastrami, aged cheddar, roasted pecans or a square of dark chocolate. It is a great pick if you love rye spice but also want a softer, fruitier side.
