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.
Arcane
Alpha American Whiskey with Hops
ARCANE DISTILLING
Proof: 83
ABV: 41.5%
Style: Malt Whiskey
State: NY
Price: $$
Peggy
Nose: High levels of a glycerine aroma. Golden apple with crushed walnuts. Fruit cocktail syrup. Shreds of white chocolate sweetness that does not take over.
Palate: Candied orange and a hint of cinnamon. Levels of hay and honey that are finely present. Little wood sugar.
Finish: Tame and leaves the bitterness of orange peel and citrus. Does not linger.
7.0
Comments: Mixable with a toddy-themed cocktail will bring out that orange peel.
Susan
Nose: Smells like an India Pale Ale. Very hoppy. But there’s also a sharp malt aroma almost like cooking mash, as well as a dash of ginger.
Palate: Alright, it really does taste a lot like beer, but without the thirst-quenching properties. There’s some apple fruitiness and a little nuttiness.
Finish: Warmth lingers, but the flavors all exit fairly quickly.
7.0
Comments: Well, it’s interesting, but for whom is this whiskey intended? Beer lovers who don’t like spirits?
Blue Run
Golden Rye Whiskey
BLUE RUN SPIRITS
Proof: 95
ABV: 47.5%
Style: Rye
State: KY
Price: $$$
Peggy
Nose: Mixed berries and a seductive caramel wrap. Rye bread and orange zest. Toasted croutons with drizzles of milk chocolate. Granola that hits all cylinders with the grains.
Finish: Spice will continue to elevate in layers while bringing with it more of the sweet caramel. Viscosity is pure.
9.0
Comments: Damn Lucille, pour me another. Cheers to the Master.
