Hillrock Double Cask Rye is handcrafted by master distiller Dave Pickerell from small batches of organically grown rye that are harvested from the Hillrock Estate in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley. Once the rye has been harvested, it is mashed and fermented, before being distilled through Pickerell's custom-made, 250-gallon copper-pot still. The still, which was built in Kentucky to Pickerell's exact specifications, gives the distiller extraordinary control over the character and quality of the whiskey produced.

Following distillation, the rye whiskey is matured in traditional oak casks before being double-barreled, or finished, in secondary casks. The secondary casks are composed of American oak and have been charred with a #4 char. In addition, the staves of the secondary casks were air-seasoned for over two years prior to the casks' assembly. As a result, the secondary casks contribute strong notes of vanilla and caramelized wood sugars to the rye, while minimizing bitter tannins that are often present in kiln dried oak.

Double Cask Rye has a deep golden amber color, along with a warm aroma of vanilla and caramel that is complemented by touches of prunes, apricots and rye. The aroma gives way to notes of caramel and rye, along with touches of cloves, cinnamon and butterscotch, and leads to a long, warming finish.