Tastings
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.
10th Street American Single Malt Peated
10TH STREET DISTILLERY
Peggy
Nose: Liquid smoke is charismatic, undeniably peaty. Burnt almonds with dark butterscotch. Coffee and pipe smoke. A few vegetal notes kick in.
Palate: Captivating smoke note, and barrel flavors take the front row. The vegetal highlights reappear, and golden raisin follows.
Finish: Big and bold smoke dominates with a long finish. No heat to speak of other than a quick spike of cinnamon.
Comments: This is no sissy, big and bold charming its way to any Scotch drinker.
7.8
Proof: 92
ABV: 46%
Style: Single Malt
State: CA
Price: $$$
Susan
Nose: Vividly aromatic with smoke and iodine. Like peated Scotch. A little fruit lurks beneath the smoke, but it’s subtle.
Palate: Flavors are more American barbecue than Islay smoke. Cloying sweetness up front gets smacked down by a load of pepper.
Finish: Surprisingly short. The lingering dryness is anchored by the iodine.
Comments: This is an edgy whiskey which may appeal to adventurous drinkers. Caveat emptor. One does wish for some more complexity.
7.4
10th Street American Single Malt Unpeated
10TH STREET DISTILLERY
Peggy
Nose: Buttery and herbal combination. Some celery and grassy hay. Expressively fresh scent of light ginger and sweet vanilla pudding.
Palate: An inviting balance of smoke and crushed almond toffee. The grassy-earthy flavor surpasses the smoke, then into some nice sweet honey.
Finish: Laid back after the smoke. Ginger continues to festively dance on the tongue.
Comments: Boat loads of class in this whiskey, refined yet it's also ready for action.
8.8
Proof: 92
ABV: 46%
Style: Single Malt
