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.

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+ qualify for the top 5 recommended whiskeys.

Buzzard’s Roost Peated Barrel Rye

BUZZARD’S ROOST WHISKEY

Peggy

Nose: Full caramel and bready nose. Faint dill. Some dried fruit and coconut. Autumn leaves. Toffee and cola.

Palate: Distinctive caramel and vanilla custard with fumed oak. Heady truffle and toffee. Dense and concentrated flavors with a surprise sherry splash.

Finish: Classy structure and even balance of complex flavors. Enjoyable fumed oak and caramel roll back.

Comments: Enchanting flavors leap out of the glass and work perfectly with its complexity.

9.0

Proof: 105

ABV: 52.5%

Style: Rye

State: IN

Price: $$

Susan

Nose: Rye grass, light caraway, dried autumn wildflowers. Herbal aromas, caramel and baking spice.

Palate: Fruity on the palate with berries and dried apples. Caramel supplies the base.

Finish: Medium long and all the flavors participating equally and fading together as though in synchronized step. Ends with very light pepper and oak.

Comments: Very polite rye that makes for an enjoyable sip. Rather dangerously so, given the proof.

9.0

Clyde May’s 6 Years Old Special Reserve Bourbon

CONECUH RIDGE DISTILLERY INC

Peggy

Nose: Cedar and green apple. Vanilla fudge and some citrus. Herbal mint and toasted