Dustin Gandoff
Rock Town Distillery’s French Oak Finish Whiskey Review
Nose
Aged leather | Tobacco | Light clove | Seared oak | Dark fruit | Cereal grain | Nutty undertone
Palate
Baking spices | Frosted Flakes cereal | Maple sugar candy | Leather | Dark fruit | Savory & robust
Finish
Baking spices amplify up front | Slight grain note | Black raspberry | Nutty undertone returns | Aged leather | Progressively more dry as it fades
Overall
A toasted French oak finish adds depth and complexity to this Arkansas inspired whiskey that was distilled in Kentucky.
Founded in 2010, Rock Town Distillery is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and says they are the first legal distillery of any kind in Arkansas since Prohibition. The mashbill for the company’s Column Still Collection is derived from grains that are grown within 125 miles of the distillery. Then they are transported to Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky where the whiskey is distilled, before being moved to Arkansas to be aged and bottled.
Rock Town’s French Oak Finish really seems to lean into its finishing barrels. The whiskey is progressively dry and carries a somewhat unique aged leather note combined with a nutty undertone from start to finish. Sweet flavors of Frosted Flakes cereal and maple sugar candy develop at the midpoint of the palate, adding much needed contrast to the flavor profile. There are a number of elements here making for a fairly interesting sip. There is a slight grain note on the nose and again in the finish, but otherwise it’s a fairly savory experience that, while young, doesn’t necessarily come across as underaged. With that being said, it lacks an overall refinement that tends to come with age.
Overall it’s a dynamic sip, and one that will likely be polarizing among consumers due to its fairly robust delivery of the more unique flavor profile it offers.
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished in Toasted French Oak Barrels
Company: Rock Town Distillery
Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: 2 Years, 10 Months
Mashbill: 79% Corn, 13% Malted Barley, 8% Wheat
Color: Dark Amber
MSRP: $70 (2023)
Ry has quickly become known for their high-quality, handmade spirits. Their French Oak Finish Whiskey is no exception. The addition of the toasted French oak adds a beautiful depth and complexity to the whiskey, while still allowing the flavors of cereal grain and dark fruit to shine through. The finish is slightly dry and the overall experience is robust and savory. This is a must-try for any whiskey lover and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Rock Town Distillery.
“The French Oak Finish Whiskey from Rock Town Distillery is an excellent addition to their already impressive lineup. With notes of aged leather, baking spices, and dark fruit, this whiskey is complex and robust. The addition of toasted French oak takes it to the next level, adding depth and sophistication. A must-try for any whiskey connoisseur.”
Ry is the first legal distillery in Arkansas since Prohibition. Their French oak finish whiskey offers a unique blend of traditional bourbon flavors with the added complexity and richness of the French oak. The result is a well-rounded and robust whiskey that stands out among its peers. Highly recommend trying it for a taste of Arkansas in every sip!
This review highlights the distinct and diverse flavors of Rock Town Distillery’s French Oak Finish Whiskey. The addition of the French oak to the traditional bourbon process adds depth and complexity to the whiskey, creating a well-rounded and robust flavor profile. The history behind the distillery also adds a unique element to the overall experience. Overall, this whiskey is definitely worth trying for a taste of Arkansas in every sip.
Ry has quickly gained a reputation for producing quality whiskey, and this French Oak Finish expression is no exception. The blend of aged leather, tobacco, and dark fruit on the nose creates an inviting aroma, while the palate delivers a satisfying combination of baking spices, Frosted Flakes cereal, and maple sugar candy. The finish brings all of these flavors together, with an added touch of black raspberry and a dryness that lingers. Overall, this whiskey delivers on both flavor and complexity, making it a must-try for any whiskey lover.