This signature Fielden Rye expression forms the backbone of Fielden’s unique style of rye whisky. Fielden is named after an Old English word meaning ‘of the field’. All of their whisky is made from grain grown following a regenerative farming practice. That means they plant a mix of heritage grains directly into clover (a natural understory and fertiliser). They also never use agrochemicals (such as fertilisers and pesticides), and nurture the soil (by maintaining soil fertility and avoiding disruption). The mix of genetically diverse ‘field blends’ of heritage grains includes rye as well as wheat and barley.
The grains are grown specifically for the distillery. The type of rye used is diverse as it cross pollinates year after year, increasing diversity and resilience. This reduces the need for agrochemicals. The resulting mashbill used to make Fielden whiskies comprises differing ratios of rye (both malted and un-malted), the wheat and the barley that has been malted.
Fielden’s grains grow deeper roots and take in more nutrients from the soil. The wheat and barley are a mixture of historical varieties grown together in the same field. The grain is grown using an approach known as Restorative Continuous Cropping (RCC), which involves growing grain in the same field year after year. There are no fallow years, tillage, crop rotation or chemical inputs. This supports greater biodiversity in the field.
We start the process with different grain recipes. Some with more traditionally floor malted grain, others with less. We ferment in both stainless steel tanks and wooden vats, with optimised fermentation temperatures and yeast profiles for each recipe. The liquid is then distilled through both pot and column stills, including both shell and tub, and worm tub condensers.
Chico Rosa – Master Distiller at Fielden.
Fielden Rye matures in both new and used American oak casks. Some of the spirit is then finished in barrels that previously held dessert wines, late harvest wines, or fortified white wines. Casks include Sauternes, Ramandolo, Moscatel and Madeira. Fielden Rye was launched in May 2024. It is bottled at 48% ABV. A bottle will cost £62.50.
This signature expression is available alongside a series of limited edition releases, including a yearly harvest bottling and a recently launched Fieldnotes collection. This is a four-part series transparently highlighting the different grain origins, growing field composition, and mashbill recipe.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is vibrant bronze and the nose is soft yet distinctly rye, in particular the European style of rye. Aromas of caramel and yeasty bread dough lead the way and are quickly joined by yellow apple, white pear and white chocolate. Hints of mocha and spice are also evident as are further hints of orange peel and citrus blossom. A peppery herbal aroma sits underneath.
On the palate this whisky is bold and expressive. Initial notes of orange oil and maraschino cocktail cherry marry with sweeter elements such as caramel, milk chocolate, golden syrup and heather honey. Then comes further notes of fresh ripe apricot and sweet malty biscuits.
This is tempered somewhat by some dried woody spice, especially clove and cinnamon bark, and a hint of aniseed in the middle. This appears again towards the end. A delicious combination of caraway, crumbly brown sugar and warming peppery spice come through nicely. A green herbal nature sits underneath.
The finish is warming and of decent length. Bitter rye herbal notes and the crumbly brown sugar marry with the aniseed and a pinch of white pepper to drag out the finish. The combination is delicious and they linger well.
What’s The Verdict?
This is undeniably a European rye whisky. It has a distinct softness balanced with the kick of spice that is so often assoiciated with rye whisky. We cannot be sure that the regenerative nature of the farming has created this depth, but there is an undeniable complexity of character to this whisky.
Fielden have done very well with this and it is an impressive core product and inaugural release. You get a feelgood factor when drinking it. By doing so you are putting money towards and supporting regenerative farming. That can only be good for us and the planet.
