Welcome to the American Whiskey Magazine tasting pages. We guide you through a plethora of whiskeys so you are equipped to make your next purchase, whether something new or an old favorite. Whiskeys are tasted blind, with only proof and style information given to the experts. In this edition, Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler give their palates a workout.
Peggy Noe Stevens
Peggy Noe Stevens became the world’s first female master Bourbon taster and can trace her lineage back to some of the great Bourbon making families in Kentucky. In 2011, she created the Bourbon Women Association.
Susan Reigler
Susan Reigler is the author of several Bourbon books, including Kentucky Bourbon Country: The Essential Travel Guide, and is a former restaurant critic and beverage columnist for the Louisville Courier-Journal. She is the immediate past president of the Bourbon Women Association.
THE PROCESS
• All samples are blind tasted, with proof and style the only information disclosed.
• Samples are tasted individually over a two week period.
• Tasters are provided tasting and scoring guidelines for consistency.
• The top scorer is awarded Editor’s Choice.
• Scores of 17.5+ qualify for the recommended whiskey award.
Distillery 291
All Rye
DISTILLERY 291
PROOF: 132.6
ABV: 66.3%
STYLE: Rye
STATE: Colorado
PRICE: $$$$
Peggy
Nose: Bready entrance that has sparks of Madagascan vanilla and black tea.
Palate: Chewy caramel fills with a raise of rye bread. Smoke char is prevalent with deep oak and concentrated areas of cedar. Black pepper builds.
Finish: Spice and oak finish that is glowing and straightforward. Complex offerings of sweetness and earthy leather.
Comments: Opulent color is as inviting groomed whiskey.
Susan
Nose: Gentle dill aromas lead, accompanied by some light rye toast, suggestions of fruit and caramel, and some oak tannins. Subtle for the proof.
Palate: Dry and spicy, with pepper leading the spice. There are some dates and figs, along with roasted almonds.
Finish: The pepper is what lingers even after some dark fruit and tannins have long faded.
Comment: Add water and caramel
Distillery 291
Small Batch Rye
DISTILLERY 291
PROOF: 101.2
ABV: 50.6%
STYLE: Rye
STATE: Colorado
PRICE: $$$
Peggy
Nose: Burst of dill and florals of rose water. Herbaceous bites of oregano and Chinese spices.
Palate: Butterfinger bar is clearly the flavor on first sip with a milk chocolate essence combined with toffee. Ginger hits all cylinders on second sip and plays out nicely. Wood sugar from oak.
Finish: Wraps the tongue with
