New Liberty is a the premier production line of New Liberty Distilling, located in Philadelphia, PA. Along with other Pennsylvania distilleries, part of New Liberty’s mission statement is to return Pennsylvania to whiskey to the prominence it once enjoyed. In addition to New Liberty, the distillery produces another line called Kinsey. The difference appears to be in-house production for New Liberty and distillate sourcing for Kinsey. Whiskey Rising also reviewed New Liberty Bloody Butcher Bourbon and Kinsey Rye. Today we look at their ode to malt with the New Liberty Bloody Dutch Malt Whiskey review.

Dutch Malt uses a traditional “Munich” style of malt. Fitting as the whiskey pays tribute to the early 17th century American settlers, the Pennsylvania Dutch. Though unexplained what exactly “Munich” style malt is, New Liberty sources their barley locally from Pennsylvania. The mash bill, while never explicitly stated, consists only of this barley. Since they don’t proclaim it an American Single Malt, the possibility remains of an expanded yet unspecified mash bill. Nevertheless, the bottle does provide some specific details. Namely, 95 proof (47.5% ABV) and 1 year minimum of aging in charred new oak barrels. With the background out of the way, on to the review itself.

Bottle and Appearance

New Liberty Dutch Malt Whiskey bottle

In the bottle, Dutch Malt portrays a hazy red cedar coloring. Moving to the glass it largely retains this coloring, though orange aspects do increase. Giving it a swirl allows for a moderate thickness. Immediately, skinny and long quick legs run down alternating with slow and stout ones. The label consists of New Liberty’s nod toward Art Nouveau, though provides more camouflaging on the shelf than conspicuousness. The information on the bottle explains the whiskey’s tribute – i.e. the Pennsylvania Dutch. However, it fails to provide amplifying details on the whiskey itself. This last part would be welcome.

Nose

On the nose, Dutch Malt generates a prickling effect that includes a piercing, cutting sweetness. This initially resembles a strawberry jam that transitions to chocolate covered dark cherries. As these delicacies fade, wood smoke steps into the void. The type that smolders just before ignition. Salty brine like that of ocean spray also appears and seems to float above the whiskey itself. Very nice experience that includes a sense of bold movement and strength.

Palate

In the mouth, the whiskey creates an astringent entrance. Notes of pecan lead off joined rather quickly by peppermint tea. Agave syrup pops up to continue the sweet effect, as does milk chocolate. The palate tends to work, but it feels like a speed bump in between the more pronounced nose and finish.

Finish

On the finish, Dutch Malt feels like a rye at the beginning. Chocolate from the palate continues and tobacco jumps into the fray. It then takes a transitional turn with some acidity like that of red tomato sauce. After this interlude, an intense sulfur takes center stage in a big way as though a smoke bomb exploded in the room. This sulfur comes to dominate the experience and lingers for a very long time. In fact, it’s dominance becomes so overwhelming that it seemingly end runs the entire experience in retrospect. Hence the mere intermission status of the palate. This uncommon flavor puts the finish squarely in the intriguing section.

Drinkability

Dutch Malt works on neat or on the rocks. The addition of water allows this whiskey to largely retain its flavor profile. However, it somehow rearranges them to put forward something resembling more of a standard scotch. For full effect, it is recommended to drink this while planing the keel for an 18th century seagoing galley. Optional – sail said ship up and down the coast of a distant colony of the empire.

Food Pairing

For Dutch Malt, serve up some British curry. Dutch Malt exudes seafaring flare, and curry not only suits this but provides similar exotic qualities.

Facial Hair Rating

Anchor Facial Hair Rating

New Liberty Dutch Malt receives the Anchor Facial Hair Rating. The ode to the Pennsylvania Dutch conjures mental images of small farming burgs nestled among continental forests. In reality, however, the whiskey feels more alien and dynamic. Rather, the swashbuckling privateer on adventures across the seven seas captures the sentiment of this whiskey.

Overall

To conclude the New Liberty Dutch Malt Whiskey review – unique, intriguing and erratic. This whiskey offers some very fun flavor profiles with acceptable degrees of complexity. In some ways a scotch and in other ways a rye, it seemingly presents a rye scotch. This is all very amusing and in some ways delightful. Ultimately, however, the lack of cohesion presents more noise than it otherwise needs. Certainly great whiskies contain elements of a dance party, but they concurrently allow for solemn meditation as well. Perhaps it requires a bit more aging to allow it to round out. In the end, however, this whiskey offers enough uniqueness to garner attention just the way it is.

Final Grade: B

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