Archie Rose Rye Malt Arrives Next Week!
From 1 August, 2019 Archie Rose Distilling Co. will launch Rye Malt Whisky, the first of its core range whiskies, nearly five years on from when the Sydney based distillery first began making spirits.
The first release of 2,071 bottles will be marked and individually numbered as ‘1st batch’ and to be as fair as possible will be available to purchase four ways including: a ballot allocation drawn on 29 July; via the bar at Archie Rose Distilling Co. in Rosebery, Sydney and www.archierose.com.au from midday on 1 August; and by purchasing tickets to a series of special launch events hosted by founder, Will Edwards, and master distiller, Dave Withers, on 1 and 5 August, 2019.
Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky ‘2nd and 3rd batch’ will then be released into bars, restaurants and bottle shops from September followed by wider release later in the year.
As Australia’s most highly awarded distillery, work-in-progress cask samples of Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky have already been awarded Best Australian Whisky at the IWSC Awards in London 2018 and Best Australian Rye Whisky at the consumer-voted 2019 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards in California. Using selectively sourced rare malted rye and the finest malted barley from progressive malt houses, paired with virgin American oak casks air-dried for 36 months and matured in the maritime air of coastal Sydney, it showcases Archie Rose’s focus on malt, and approach to working with rye, being a far more difficult malt to process than barley.
“Our vision for whisky has always been to speak of our experience as Australians, utilise the incredible raw materials available to us, and strive for genuine innovation in what is typically an extremely traditional industry” says Archie Rose founder, Will Edwards.
“We have crafted a distinct, charming and flavoursome spirit which showcases the quality of its components, being unique malted rye, local malted barley and incredible, painstakingly 36-month air-dried oak, as well as the innovative production methods we employ in the distillery.”
Passionate about malt being the fundamental building block to its whiskies and backed by its conviction that whisky starts life in the field rather than the distillery, Archie Rose is working with Australian growers to support this ethos.
“We began by using German malt but are now working with growers in Griffith, NSW to revive heritage rye and barley strains and together creating malt crop volume and diversity to support our own products and the future growth of the Australian whisky industry,” says Archie Rose Master Distiller, Dave Withers.
“Our overall goal is to source all of our seven varieties of malt from NSW, which would be a pretty special result and one that we would be incredibly proud of. A successful brew, fermentation, distillation or maturation is only as good as the malt you start with,” he says.
The Malts
Rye Malt:
Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky uses malted rye over the far more commonly used unmalted rye, giving this whisky a point of distinction evident upon the very first sip. It’s layered and aromatic offering notes of spiced custard, ginger, stone fruit and baked apple pie with a fresh herbal finish that lingers on the palate.
“Everything about working with malted rye is a challenge,” says Withers. “It’s difficult to source, difficult to malt, and due to its lack of husk, formidable viscosity, and unique chemical composition, is also extremely challenging to mash, ferment and distil. We persevere with this hardy malt however, due to the incredible character it brings to the final spirit.
“Less common but more approachable than raw, unmalted rye, it provides characteristic spice and herbal elements but with more restraint, elegance and complexity than a traditional rye.”
Pale Malt
A distinct malt grown for its individuality in the Australian climate. This malt offers floral and citrus aromas along with the celebrated biscuity notes all good barley should deliver.
“We’ve spent an enormous amount of time in research and development, looking at how we can create a rich and engaging, complex yet approachable whisky, and we believe we’ve made something really special,” says Edwards.
Drink neat or in your favourite whisky cocktail such as a Boulevardier.
Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky Release Details:
- There are forecast to be at least four releases (maturation permitting) of Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky between 1 August and 31 December 2019 with bottles from the first three batches marked with a unique 1st, 2nd, 3rd batch number and individually numbered.
- Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky “1st Batch” will be available for purchase four ways including: a ballot allocation drawn on 29 July; via the bar at Archie Rose Distilling Co. in Rosebery, Sydney and www.archierose.com.au from midday on 1 August; and by purchasing tickets to a series of special launch events hosted by founder, Will Edwards, and master distiller, Dave Withers, on 1 and 5 August.
- Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky ‘2nd and 3rd batch’ will then be released into bars, restaurants and bottle shops from September followed by a wider release later in the year (link also live from September).