Rúa American Single Malt

Wow - 18 months young! Rua is whiskey’s rookie of the year. Nose: light fruit & vanilla wafer. Mix of Irish (Greenspot & RedBreast), but at the same time, completely unique. Palette: it’s not Bourbon, it’s not quite Irish. A Bread Pudding sprinkled with a concoction of clove & wild honey Finish: great top of mouth & lingering 20 second warmth

Found in Northern Virginia. Great sipper. Wonderful color. A keeper, smooth, nice break from bourbon.

I want to start by saying that this is an extremely bias 5/5 score. I love the marketing, the distillery, the bottle shape, the color of the whiskey. I love everything about it not involved with the actual liquid inside. But since this is a whiskey review page, and I really like the taste as well, I will review the liquid. The nose is on the younger side, with a strong malt sourness that is surrounded by gentle, sweeter, more complex notes. The nose presents as creamy vanilla with an overarching sweetness that lingers between caramel and granulated sugar. Hidden underneath is a pecan nuttiness. The taste adds a nice toastiness and spice that isn't on the nose but takes away some of the vanilla. The finish adds in the oak, lingering sweetness, and a cocoa powder dryness (that reminds me of a four roses product if that helps anyone).

Very good stuff! Tried it for the first time at a bar in Charlotte and then walked a mile to the nearest liquor store to buy a bottle to bring home. I was on a work trip, don’t judge me!!

Fantastic for the price. Straight or with a chip of ice.

Not a malt fan, but this was really good. Chocolate raisins.

Very tasty. Rich and malty. Flavorful without too much burn. Just good whiskey.