Introduction
Curiosity brought me to this bottle – Stauning RYE & Høst. I’ve tried some of Stauning’s earlier core range and always appreciated their commitment to grain-to-glass production. When I learned they were introducing a new expression alongside a fresh bottle design for their 20th anniversary, I was interested to see how this new rye malt whisky measured up, especially since Danish whisky remains relatively niche.
Nose
Pouring the dram, I found the colour to be a medium amber, perhaps a shade lighter than traditional American ryes. On the nose, the grain jumped out first – warm, baked rye bread and toasted cereal. There’s an inviting sweetness too, something like honeycomb or light golden syrup. As it opened, hints of apple skin, baking spice, and damp straw surfaced. It’s not overly expressive, but what’s here feels authentic and cleanly integrated.
Palate
The first sip confirmed it’s a malted rye – the mouthfeel is rounder than classic rye whiskies. There’s a softness that gives way to dry spice mid-palate, but it's subtle rather than aggressive. The combination of malt and rye offers a mellow balance between bread-forward flavours and quieter fruit notes. I picked up apple, toasted grain, and a touch of clove. There’s a creamy undertone that holds everything together. It’s not a whisky built around intensity, but more about crafted consistency.
Finish
The finish is medium in length and gently warming. A light peppery rye tingle lingers but fades soon after. What remains is a dry oak note with faint echoes of biscuit and citrus peel. No sharp alcohol or youth comes through; it ends tidily and at its own unhurried pace.
Price and Value
For what it offers, RYE & Høst feels fairly priced. It’s not trying to be flashy or compete with big, spicy rye bottlings from Canada or the US, but it gives a calm and structured take on the style – more nuanced, more malt-friendly. I’d say it’s worth picking up, especially if you’re interested in rye but want something less aggressive and more balanced.
Background
Stauning is based on the west coast of Denmark and is one of Scandinavia’s better-known whisky producers. They’ve focused on using local ingredients and traditional floor malting, and over the past two decades they’ve established a pretty unique identity in the craft whisky world. Their production methods include direct-fired pot stills and in-house malting, which give their whiskies a character not easily found elsewhere.
RYE & Høst is made using 51% malted rye and 49% malted barley, distilled in small open-flame stills and aged in a mix of new American oak and first-fill bourbon casks. You can learn more about their process and expressions at the Stauning Distillery.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes – not because it blew me away, but because it fits a specific slot in my whisky shelf: a malted rye that’s approachable, steady, and well-made.
Is this good for someone new to rye whisky? I’d say yes. It avoids the sharpness some ryes can have, making it a gentle introduction to the category – particularly for those used to single malts.
When would I reach for it? Probably on a quiet evening when I want something interesting but easygoing; it’s a contemplative whisky more than one to pour in a crowd.
How does it compare to other regional whiskies? It’s cleaner and more restrained than what you’d find in American rye, and less peaty or coastal than many other Northern European malts. In short – unmistakably Stauning, with all the local care that implies.