Five & 20 Spirits Deja-Vu Pale Ale Finished Rye Whiskey Review.
I received this spirit as a review sample from Five & 20 Spirits linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.
Now, I've always been up for unique finishing specially when to comes to craft distilleries. They tend to focus on something different and lets them stand apart from the crowd. Now, Five & 20 Spirits based out of Westfield New York has been one of my contact revisits in reviews. They just seem to know what it takes to represent craft spirits, using local grans, aging, distilling, bottling it themselves, and using in house barrels for finishing.
This offering is quite different than want we will typically see in a finishing. Essentially, they are taking their rye whiskey and finishing in pale ale casks. And not just any pale ale casks, but casks that held Five & 20 brewery ale. This should allow their profile to be more on pair with their vision and allow them to truly stand out in the beer fishing scene we are seeing. Now, for the record, pale ale isn't my first grab when I go for a beer. I don't mind a small pint from time to time, but just one typically holds me over. So while I am slightly reserved I cannot help but be somewhat excited due to my past experiences with their releases.
Age Statement: 28 months. (18 months aged in Charred American Oak Barrels, then an additional 10 months finishing).
ABV: 45%.
Mash bill: 80% New York Rye, 20% New York Barley Malt.
Area of Distillation: Westfield, New York.
Finishing: 10 months in freshly dumped Pale Ale Casks from Five & 20 Spirits.
Appearance: Deep red hue.
On the nose:
Traditional rye characteristics—herbal notes, clove, and cinnamon—are complemented by the pale ale cask’s malty, citrusy undertones. Sweet hints of caramel and vanilla mingle with subtle oak char. The beer influence adds a unique element, calling up the scent of a freshly emptied pint glass with lingering maltiness.
Taste:
The first sip is a bold and layered experience. Initially, malt and citrus from the beer cask take center stage, followed by the rye’s signature herbal spice and sweetness. Notes of rye bread, caramel, and a touch of vanilla unfold, while the pale ale influence lends a soft, malty backbone. A slight waxy texture from the barley enhances the mouthfeel. The flavors develop beautifully, with the malt and fruitiness weaving into the rye's spicier elements.
Finish:
Deja Vu Rye’s finish is long and satisfying, with a balance of spice, malt, and subtle sweetness. It evokes the lingering taste of a great beer, with a touch of oak and char rounding out the profile. The pale ale cask doesn’t overshadow the whiskey but instead enhances it, delivering a truly unique finish.
Final Thoughts:
Five & 20 Spirits Deja Vu Rye Whiskey is a great example of how creativity and craftsmanship can come together. The pale ale cask adds something special, bringing a mix of malt, citrus, and spice that works really well with the rye. It’s smooth, balanced, and stands out without losing its identity as a rye whiskey. If you enjoy trying something a little different, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: B+ (Great).
Cost: $59.95 for 750ml.
Comments
Post a Comment