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.
15 Stars
First West Rye
15 STARS
Proof: 105
ABV: 52.5%
Style: Rye
State: KY/IN/TN
Price: $$$
Peggy
Nose: Butterscotch pudding with dollops of Heath bar. Orange rind, but a hidden smoke behind it. Amaretto cookie and fig.
Palate: Truffles and peppery undertones. Smoky fig and the soft taste of toasted crouton. Caramel revs up and the even spice of cinnamon and white pepper dances a bit.
Finish: Toasted marshmallow and a delectable punch of spice twists just the right way.
9.0 Comments: A bright new star that shines on the peppery undertones.
Susan
Nose: Light brown sugar and cherry syrup with nutty notes of almonds and a whiff of new oak.
Palate: Savory with a little anise and mint which sweeten to some caramel and dried figs and dates as it travels across the tongue.
Finish: The mint note lingers to claim the last word on the finish, but it’s subtle and plays well with some caramel.
8.8 Comments: Good on its own, but has the character to be an excellent base for classic rye cocktails.
15 Stars
Triple Cask Bourbon
15 STARS
Proof: 105
ABV: 52.5%
Style: Bourbon
State: KY
Price: $$$
Peggy
Nose: Dark raisin and cigar box. Espresso bean with a compelling bouquet of fruit cake. French toast.
Palate: Impressive and dense caramel flavor bringing a traditional flavor that is mature. Stone fruit is hypnotic. Herbal cast at the last sip.
Finish: Lively finish that celebrates the caramel
