Savage & Cooke Grenache Cask Finished Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: The Savage & Cooke Distillery—Mare Island, California

Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)

Age: 3+ Years

Mashbill: 51% Rye, 45% Corn, 4% Malted Barley

MSRP: $55

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Savage & Cooke Grenache Cask Finished Rye Whiskey: Spice and Elegance

Savage & Cooke is a distillery that is pushing boundaries of blending whiskey-making traditions with the finesse and expertise of winemaking. Led by winemaker Dave Phinney, the distillery has a reputation for attention to detail, from grain selection to cask finishing.

After aging in American oak, a portion of the rye whiskey is transferred to previously used Grenache wine barrels from Phinney’s wine projects for . Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. 

With all grains grown within 50 miles of the distillery and relationships forged directly with local farmers, Savage & Cooke rye grains meet exacting specifications. The details also matter in the blending process, where five batches of distillate are combined for consistency prior to barreling. Aging occurs on-site in one of three carefully controlled environments, each offering unique conditions for temperature, humidity, sunlight, and airflow.

Let’s dive in and see how the intense fruity and herbal notes left behind by the Grenache aging has influenced the bold spice notes of the rye whiskey.

Savage & Cooke Grenache Cask Finished Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5

Considering this is a rye whiskey, the Nose surprised me with a blend of berries and ripe cherries which I assume comes from the influence of the Grenache
and aging.  While there are the traditional and classic rye notes of cracked black pepper and clove, they are muted by the sweeter notes along with some faint floral notes.

Palate – 4/5

On the Palate, there is no doubt this is a rye whiskey; the rye spice and pepper stand up front, and center followed by some muted notes of dark chocolate. There is a gentle tannic dryness with some toasted oak notes.

Finish – 4/5

The Finish is long, with a slight lingering fruitiness and mild spice. The tannic on the Palate remains and creates a slightly dry Finish.

Value – 4.25/5

Priced at $55, Savage & Cooke Grenache Cask Finished Rye Whiskey offers significant value for a secondary finished rye whiskey.  The quality of the Nose and Palate works to considerably enhance the value.   

Savage & Cooke Grenache Cask Finished Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Savage & Cooke Grenache Cask Finished Rye Whiskey is an outstanding example of the power in collaboration to produce a secondary finished whiskey.  The unique combination of good whiskey along with wine barrel secondary finishing results in a complex and highly enjoyable whiskey. 

Verdict – 4.25/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3