The success of Vulson White Rhino Rye – a premium unaged rye-based spirit – has been followed by the launch of the brand’s first aged rye whisky in the UK.
Vulson Old Rhino Rye is again made 100% from malted organic rye in the French Alps but, while the white eau-de-vie is rested for a year in stainless-steel tanks, this is aged for a year in French new oak casks and then three years in ex-cognac casks.
Bottled at 45% ABV without additives nor chill-filtration, the whisky delivers a clean, very mineral taste and is a little spicy with gingerbread at the forefront. The after-taste is well balanced with spices and a touch of lemon on the finish. On the nose, it is fresh with a hint of mint, pear and stone fruits.
Vulson White Rhino Rye eau-de-vie was launched in 2014 by sustainable distiller Domaine des Hautes Glaces and Xavier Padovani, a partner in Experimental Group which operates Experimental Cocktail Club bars.
It is named after Marcus Vulson de la Colombière, a French heraldist, poet, alchemist and builder of the castle where the distillery is located, which dates back to 1616.
Xavier said: “Vulson Old Rhino Rye is the long-awaited aged version of its younger brother, Vulson White Rhino Rye – a spirit that is created at a small sustainable farm distillery located 1000 metres in the French Alps.
“It is an exciting new step for our young brand. Since we launched Vulson White Rhino Rye, our supporters have been asking when would the aged one be released. The Old Rhino is now out, and we look forward to the industry’s feedback.”
Xavier’s extensive experience in the bar and drinks industry has also included developing Monkey Shoulder whisky and Hendrick’s gin globally with William Grant & Sons. He also runs his own brand-building agency Orfeus.
Vulson is available through Speciality Drinks.
