Widow Jane rye is aged for a period of time, specifically 7 years. Aging whiskey is an art form that requires patience and careful attention to detail. During the aging process, the whiskey undergoes a transformation, as it interacts with the wood of the barrels and absorbs flavors and aromas from its surroundings.
The decision to age Widow Jane rye for 7 years is not arbitrary. It is a deliberate choice made by the distillers to achieve a specific flavor profile. Aging whiskey for longer periods of time allows for more interaction between the spirit and the wood, resulting in a more complex and mature flavor.
When rye whiskey comes off the still, it is initially sweet, grassy, and floral. These characteristics are inherent to the distillate itself. However, the traditional “spicy” characteristic that is often associated with rye whiskey comes from the barrel.
In the case of Widow Jane rye, the distillate is lightly oaked in 7-year bourbon barrels. The use of bourbon barrels is interesting because it adds another layer of complexity to the final product. Bourbon barrels are typically made from charred American white oak, which imparts flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and oakiness to the whiskey.
To further enhance the flavor profile of Widow Jane rye, fresh oak staves are added to the barrels. This additional infusion of oak helps to intensify the oak flavors and create a more robust and well-rounded whiskey.
The aging process is not a linear one, and the whiskey will continue to evolve and develop in the barrel over time. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and the specific characteristics of the barrels themselves all play a role in shaping the final product.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and experience a wide range of aged whiskeys. Aging whiskey is a delicate balance between time and technique, and it requires a deep understanding of the spirit and the aging process.
In my personal experience, I have found that whiskeys aged for longer periods of time tend to exhibit more complexity and depth of flavor. The additional years in the barrel allow for a greater integration of flavors and a smoother, more refined finish.
The decision to age Widow Jane rye for 7 years is a deliberate choice made by the distillers to achieve a specific flavor profile. By lightly oaking the rye distillate in 7-year bourbon barrels with added fresh oak staves, they are able to create a whiskey that is both sweet and spicy, with a complexity that can only be achieved through the aging process.