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.
291
Colorado Wheated Bourbon
291 DISTILLERY
PROOF: 121.6
ABV: 60.8%
STYLE: Bourbon
STATE: Colorado
PRICE: $$$$
Peggy
Nose: Honeyed granola and white biscuit. Orange marmalade is concentrated and clear. Caramel apple and French vanilla lasts on the nose.
Palate: Fruit cocktail that layers a combination of fruit and sweet notes. A spike of cinnamon, a teasing detection of sage, and oregano lead the herbal charge.
Finish: Full and robust finish shows off a cloak of tannins and spice. Lingers warm.
Comment: Finish is graceful and stylish as it builds on the palate.
Susan
Nose: Spicy tingle accompanied by light apple peel and some dark brown sugar. The brown sugar grows into light caramel as it rests in the glass.
Palate: Caramel and dates on the palate with touches of saddle leather, light pipe tobacco, and some cinnamon rounded and balanced by some oak.
Finish: Long and savory with tobacco, leather, and oak that leave pleasant warmth behind.
Comment: Wears its proof very modestly. Water brings out more fruit and caramel, so definitely a candidate for an ice cube.
291
Single Barrel Proof Colorado Bourbon
291 DISTILLERY
PROOF: 126.7
ABV: 63.35%
STYLE: Bourbon
STATE: Colorado
PRICE: $$$$
Peggy
Nose: Fresh herbs surround a cedar and ginger ale aroma. A grassy and fresh hazelnut addition. Hint of Armagnac and black tea. Light vanilla mix.
Palate: Creamy vanilla and old-fashioned praline speak to the sweet flavors. Shortbread is added yet makes room for white pepper and cardamom. Behaved oak tannins.
Finish: Lively finish
