Review: Stauning Danish Rye
We’ve encountered Denmark-based Stauning a few times previously, but only in Advent calendars and mixed packs of various obscure whiskey offerings. But Stauning is finally making a bigger push to U.S. shores, which is affording us a greater opportunity to delve more deeply into the experience than a 30ml mini can provide.
Scandinavian or no, there’s no mistaking this is rye, which is evident right from the start on the nose, where a showcase of aggressive notes of green grass and smoldering hay, slightly barnyardy, rapidly emerge. There’s a gentle hint of brown butter that adds a whiff of sweetness, but a hoppy punchiness keeps that well in check.
The palate sees no major surprises, showcasing more grassy and hoppy elements alongside a light touch of baked apple fruit and the lightest squeeze of lemon. Boldly gritty and grainy as it develops, the palate quickly evokes a youthful quality, with a somewhat raw wood-driven character building as the finish approaches. There’s a vaguely Nordic sensibility to the proceedings — more pine or spruce than oak — as an evergreen quality lingers on the back end.
It’s altogether a pleasant enough experience, but the differences when compared to a young, American rye are decidedly mild.
96 proof.
B / $69 / stauningwhisky.com
Stauning Danish Rye
$69
