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 recommended whiskey award.
15 Stars 14 Years Old Bourbon
15 STARS BOURBON
Peggy
Nose: Golden raisin and cayenne. Root beer and cola. Pencil shavings with a cedar veil. Cashews and a little bit of nutmeg.
Palate: A bit hot on the first taste with the rise of cayenne and paprika. Salted caramel arrives with tea and some lovely malty flavors.
Finish: Tight with the tannins. The wood notes are clear to the spice of cinnamon and ginger, with faint raisin.
Comments: Flavors that tweak the palate and are unique.
8.4
Proof: 103
ABV: 51.5%
Style: Bourbon
State: KY
Price: $$$$
Susan
Nose: Ripe melons and a little licorice. Drying bales of rye hay. Lemon peel darts in and out of the aroma profile.
Palate: Very spicy licorice, candied orange or lemon with roasted nuts. Caramel, as well.
Finish: Sweet initially with notes of brown sugar gradually fading into oak and sweet spice.
Comments: A little water makes it fruitier, but takes away some of the complexity by tamping down the licorice and spice. Try it neat, or given the anise note, use for a Sazerac.
8.4
Barrell Batch 032
BARRELL CRAFT SPIRITS
Peggy
Nose: Honeyed fruit and
