Since I had the opportunity to taste Shortcross’ rye and malt expression last year, one of my main observations was its slight lack of strength. Fortunately, Dave and Fiona also released a cask-strength version of the whiskey, which seemed like an answer to prayers of the cask-strength crusade. I’ve been biding my time to try this, let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint.

Recently, there’s been a bit of a peak in Shortcross releases. Over the past six months, three have made their debut—the exclusive ‘Stories and Sips’ for the whiskey club and the highly acclaimed ‘Malt and Pot Still,’ for Belfast Whiskey Week, praised not only by the Water of Life but also by the broader whiskey community. Undoubtedly, the highlight must be their collaboration with Berry Bros. & Rudd in the ‘Pioneer Series.’ This series actively seeks out a “distinct community of innovative distillers from around the globe who share a common goal: crafting exceptional spirits while challenging conventions to minimise their impact on the planet’s natural resources.” Although I haven’t had the opportunity to sample this particular release, it holds a prominent spot on my list of whiskies to try. Shortcross seems to be charting a steady and thoughtful course. Dave recently provided a tantalising glimpse into Shortcross’ future in 2024, teasing us with exciting prospects just before Christmas.

It seems that there are at least three upcoming releases from Shortcross. Followers on Instagram may already know that the distillery acquired ex-Armagnac French oak barrels capable of holding nearly a ton of Irish whiskey when filled. The diverse array of casks at Shortcross includes ex-tequila, cognac liqueur, bourbon, and rum, contributing to their proclaimed ‘journey of flavour.’ Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Shortcross’ last mash bill from 2020 reached three years in December, and Dave has hinted that it might make an appearance. Notably, this mash bill was researched and provided to Shortcross by none other than whiskey historian and legend Fionnán O’Connor. Exciting times lie ahead for Shortcross enthusiasts.

However, let’s return to the present moment. Just to clarify, this bottling is cask strength and not your typical 50-60% strength; it’s a robust 66%, straight from the still. As a reminder of its composition, it’s a non-aged statement (less than 7 years old) crafted with a distinctive mash bill of 100% Irish malted rye and malted barley (details undisclosed but confirmed as 30-50% malted rye and the rest malted barley). The aging process involves a mix of virgin chinkapin oak and ex-bourbon barrels. This whisky is non-chill filtered and features all-natural colour. It undergoes double-distillation, a respectful nod to tradition while maintaining a decidedly contemporary and bold character.

In my initial review of Shortcross Rye and Malt release, the thrill of imbibing history was palpable, as Shortcross unveiled the first Irish whiskey to be distilled and released in over a century. Following that ground-breaking moment, they have effectively capitalised on their success with subsequent releases. While their achievements are commendable, it’s evident they won’t rest on their laurels. However, the ultimate judge remains the taste test. So, without further ado, let’s delve into it.

Shortcross Rye and Malt cask strength

ABV: 66%

Price: £85 (Rademon Estate webshop)

Nose: incredible nose, lots of stewed plums and cinnamon lozenges and spicy apple crumble. Some slight peppermint coming off of it too with some subtle clove and marzipan. There’s a light Parma violet type note interspersed with some mulled oranges and red rope liquorice.

Palate: the texture is phenomenal, syrupy almost, Terry’s chocolate orange or creamy dairy milk. The orange note comes up like orange quality street rather than mulled at this point. There’s heat, but it slowly builds, like chilli chocolate, accentuated from the non-CS version. Spicy syrupy prunes and Trebor extra strong mints.

Finish: loads of heat, seriously long and beautiful finish. Chocolate ginger snaps and some light clove.

Conclusion

This represents a noticeable step up from the non-CS version. Almost every note I previously detected has been elevated to a new level. What particularly impressed me was the richness of the notes; for instance, while there are hints of orange, what stands out is the ability to extract a creaminess from it, creating a vibrant quality beyond the standard orange profile. Additionally, the breadth of flavours is remarkable— the spiciness from the cinnamon, coupled with the prickly undertones of peppery rye, forms a beautiful blend that doesn’t overpower, a common issue with some cheaper ryes. However, the true highlight for me lies in its texture. The luxurious creaminess and syrupy consistency make the experience immensely enjoyable.

This is a quality whiskey; I’m tempted to add another half mark to it. What I like is its price point as well. It’s £85 for a proper CS whiskey that absolutely delivers against ones that cost a lot more deliver a lot less. I’m really pleased that this is an addition to the core range, it seems to be popular now, with the likes of Redbreast and Power’s John’s Lane jumping on the cask strength bandwagon.

What I also really like is Shortcross’ approach to the pace of their releases. While they may have the desire to unveil more products at a faster rate, the deliberate and steady introduction of high-quality whiskey seems to be effectively cultivating anticipation. This method of “drip feeding” not only maintains a sense of exclusivity but also contributes to the establishment of Shortcross as a highly esteemed whiskey brand. The careful timing of their releases adds to the excitement and builds a sense of reverence around their offerings. It’s a strategy that seems to be paying off well for them in terms of brand recognition and anticipation within the whiskey community.

Shortcross appears to have an incredibly promising future, and 2024 seems poised to be a pivotal year for them. With successes like their Belfast Whiskey Week Malt and Pot Still, along with the exclusive release with Berry Bros and Rudd, the sky is truly the limit for their potential growth. The signs are highly encouraging, and I, like many others, eagerly anticipate tasting their next release. Only time will reveal how they leverage their current success into sustained growth and acclaim.

Score: 8/10