Filibuster is a young whiskey brand founded in Washington, D.C., and proudly made in Virginia (hence the name Filibuster, alluding to its U.S. Capitol city roots). Inspired by its jet-setting hometown, the brand employs an experimental approach to distilling and finishing its spirits. Unlike many others, Filibuster wasn’t the brainchild of career distillers but of spirits retailers with diverse and educated palates and extensive market experience. Combining a depth of knowledge from industry powerhouses and small-scale producers, Filibuster overlays modern techniques atop a backbone of traditional processes. Straightforward distillation ends with innovative finishing in everything from California wine casks to ex-scotch whisky barrels.

This particular expression, Dual Cask Rye, is a sturdy rye finished in a combination of virgin American oak barrels and, ultimately, in various ex-fill French Oak wine casks. The dual casks add a subtle sophistication that brightens this super spicy whiskey. Although this rye contains a common mash bill of 90% rye and 10% malted barley, Filibuster differs from typical ryes by using a four-grain variety, which provides greater nuance and depth.

Filibuster’s Dual Cask Rye has a distinctly rich and deep amber color. Even the bottle is beautiful, with a tall, slender body and branded wooden cork. The old-timey label juxtaposes the brand’s youthfulness with a playful Americana vibe.

The nose on this whiskey is typical of a robust rye. Lush barrel notes of wood and leather are offset by dry cinnamon spice and richly enticing malt notes. The front palate is where the French wine comes through. A bright sweetness of candied lemon and herbaceous, grassy notes lead to a finish bursting with spice. The sweetness carries over with baked apple and a lingering fruitiness, also from the French oak. The finish is quite crisp with the familiar pepperiness of rye whiskey, but the warm baking spice lingers softened by notes of honey. At 90 proof, the whiskey exhibits some sharp heat, although as much is credited to the spice notes as to the alcohol, a testament to the craft behind this rye.

Filibuster Dual Cask Rye is a core expression that achieves multiple goals that many ryes do not. Its potent, rye-forward profile provides the familiarity of a straightforward, dry, but nicely aged mash with the added pleasure of experimental finishing that results in an overall festive and joyful nature. Filibuster Distillery is clearly proud of being a Virginia-based brand, embodying foundational American values of innovation and tradition expertly exhibited by this expression. I can’t wait to explore Filibuster’s range of other whiskeys further!