In this week’s podcast, Jake & Scott connected with Samantha Johnson, whiskey blender for Diageo’s Orphan Barrel lineup. In the episode, we discuss the nearly forgotten barrels of whiskey that were used to create this 14 year rye whiskey. Let’s dive into a Scarlet Shade Review!
Just the facts:
- Proof: 90
- Price: $199.99
- Age: 14
- Mashbill: 95% rye / 5% barley
- Style: Rye Whiskey
Jake’s Tasting Notes: Scarlet Shade 14 year old
Nose: Right on the edge of your nose, you get lemon and citrus. From there, it turns to dark notes of nutmeg and chocolate.
Palate: This starts of very French Oak tasting, with a large floral bouquet. It is balanced by caramels and oak tannin.
Finish: very long finish with soft hints of oak and caramel.
Closing Thoughts:
This was a very unique way to look at aged rye whiskey. Dropping the proof point down to 90 allowed for a lot of depth of flavor to shine. This is a pour you must sit down with and think about. I wouldn’t consider this a session pour even at the 90 proof point. All in all, I would suggest you order a glass while out at a bar to see if this is the right rye whiskey for you. I might not buy a bottle.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
- Angel’s Envy Debuts 2026 Distillery Series Release Finished in Imperial Stout and Amburana Barrels
- 397: Wild Turkey’s Bruce Russell Talks Record Summer, Russell’s 13, and Three Generations of Whiskey Making
- Bourbon Lens Puts Louisville Pure Tap to the Test in Head-to-Head Water Tasting
- Beam’s Ten-Pin Decanter Returns: Jim Beam Unveils 10-Year, 100-Proof Bourbon
- Bourbon Lens Goes Inside Crescent Hill Water Treatment Plant to Reveal How Tap Water Gets Made
- New Riff Rereleases Sherry Finish Malted Rye
