Catoctin Creek Roundstone Cask Proof Maple Finish Rye Whiskey Review

By Douglas Fraser

Rating: B-

Catoctin Creek is one of Virginia’s most award-winning distilleries. Catoctin is named after an Algonquian Indian tribal term in the central part of the state of Virginia. They pride themselves on the high-quality local grain they use in their products as well as their attention to detail in making their spirits. Scott and Becky Harris started Catoctin Creek in 2009 and have since made highly sought-after local spirits. Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Cask Proof finished in maple syrup barrels is a yearly release that sells out quick. This whiskey is finished in Langdon Wood maple syrup barrels- making it one of their most popular releases.

The Whiskey
Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Cask Proof was finished in maple syrup barrels for an added sweetness. I tasted Batch: 20E10/Bottle: 245/248 bottled at 118 proof/59% ABV. This was my first time tasting anything from Catoctin Creek and was not disappointed. However, the high ABV and rye spice made it a little overwhelmingly spicy and the maple sweetness could only balance it out so much. Because of this, I enjoyed it more with water added which dulled the spice and brought out more sweetness.

The maple syrup barrel finish helped give the whiskey a dark amber coloring round out the sweetness throughout the extremely spicy tasting. The nose is creamy with notes of maple, almonds, rye spice, baking spices, pecan pie, chocolate, coffee, oak tannins, and has an overall maltiness to it. The palate has a burst of rye spice up front and continues to through the finish. This is accompanied by notes of maple syrup, tobacco, chocolate, oak, vanilla, and has a thickness to it. The finish is long and spicy with fading sweetness, oak tannins, tobacco, and some nuttiness.

The Price
Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Cask Proof with Maple Syrup Barrel Finish can be found for $90.