Very Olde St. Nick Ancient Cask Rye: Faith + Conviction

Faith + Conviction is a dense, intense, and undeniably delicious rye whiskey, meticulously crafted through an exhaustive five-day tasting session. The owner of Preservation Distillery, passionate about whiskey, blended, swirled, nosed, and tasted selections from their collection of prized barrels, resulting in this extraordinary expression. Bottled at 109.2 proof, it offers complex caramel, spice, and massive flavors, making it a standout in the Very Olde St. Nick lineup.

Nose: Red currants, plum, brown butter, cola, light apricot, and oak.

Palate: Black raspberry, raisin, prune, rye spice, and chocolate wafers.

Finish: Milk chocolate, leather, hazelnut, a touch of molasses, with very light ethanol; medium to long duration.

This robust rye whiskey pairs excellently with fatty meats, such as smoked pork shoulder, enhancing the savory flavors. It also complements floral fruits like ripe cantaloupe, balancing sweetness with its rich profile. For an adventurous pairing, consider enjoying it alongside toro (tuna belly) to appreciate the contrast between the whiskey's spice and the fish's fatty texture.