North American Whiskey: Reviews
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OR(11) results found.
Charbay “Hop Flavored” American Whiskey (USA); 55% abv (USA)
Deep, brilliant amber color. The nose is wonderfully expressive seamlessly marrying rich, sweet malt, brown baking spices, fruitcake, and hops. The palate is rich and viscous with a wild herbal note reminding us of Amaro which was a bit of a shocker when prepping the tongue for a Whiskey experience. It’s a complex and playful while certainly unconventional. This unique Whiskey intrigued us all but at $325 a bottle our curiosity fades away.
Downslope Distilling “Double Diamond” American Whiskey (USA); 40% abv (USA)
Brilliant pale bronze color. The nose is dominated by spicy rye aromas with accents of “white dog”, brown spice, oak, and hints of dried orange peel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a spicy, rye-driven palate with a lush center core flanked by black pepper and green cardamon pods. An interesting expression of Whiskey that defies any tradition.
George Dickel “No. 12” Tennessee Whiskey (USA); 45% abv (USA)
Deep bronze color. Unctuous while spicy on the nose offering scents of wild flowers, clove, and lavender. Medium-bodied, with the palate confirming much of the nose with a faint addition of cigar box and sour apple juice. Finishes clean with with a grainy, biscuit note.
Hirsch 20 yr old American Whiskey (USA); 48% abv (USA)
Brilliant, deep copper color. The nose is absolutely beautiful offering aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger accenting the solid fruit and grain core. The palate echoes the nose offering layers of flavors that are amazingly fresh for a whiskey of this age. This is sold as an ‘American Whiskey’ as used barrels were utilized as opposed to new, charred barrels as is prescribed for Bourbon. The result is an old Whiskey with a wood compliment rather a wood dominance. Very fine.
Hirsch 22 yr old Rye Whiskey (USA); 46.5% abv (USA)
Deep, amber color. The nose reveals a massive and complex whiskey that ideally marries dense, toasted grains with caramel, toffee, and smoky oak casks. Equally powerful on the palate offering lush and angular flavors accented by a black pepper punch with hints of nutmeg and clove. Perhaps a touch too woody but this won’t matter for those seeking a rare, old Rye of this caliber.
Hudson New York Corn American Whiskey (USA); 46% abv (USA)
Crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of a feed house in spring with sweet grassy notes as well. It is also quite spirity and disjointed. The palate is in agreement with the nose but perhaps a bit more flat, especially so when water is added. A fine look at a corn Spirit unadorned by wood but we prefer the wood marriage in our Whsikey.
Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey (USA); 50% abv (USA)
Deep amber color. The nose is generously brimming with aromas of dense red fruits, allspice, clove, nutmeg, black and white pepper, caramel, and toasted walnuts. The palate echoes the nose offering both power and finesse concealing its strength while its true potential is revealed with the addition of a splash of water. Ideally balanced and complex offering the robust flavors that rye lovers seek.
Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (USA); 45% abv (USA)
Brilliant amber color. A beautiful and exotic nose filled with scents of cassis, lavender, wild flower honey, cinnamon, with a touch of mint. Expansive and very expressive on the palate with a dense fruity, oak and vanilla tinged core complimented by notes of black pepper and allspice. A real charmer!
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (USA); 47% abv (USA)
Brilliant, deep bronze color. Incredibly expressive on the nose offering scents of sweet malt, vanilla, dried fruit (apricots & figs), with a faint campfire note. Complex and rich on the palate confirming the nose with complimenting ginger biscuits and exotic brown spices. Amazingly pure. Don’t get caught trying to classify this Whiskey, simply enjoy it.
Templeton “Small Batch” Rye Whiskey (USA); 40% abv (USA)
Brilliant amber color. The nose is beautifully seductive offering waves of baked apples, caramel, vanilla, sweet grains, and hints of butterscotch. The palate mirrors the nose delivering waves of silky caramelized grains with accents of classic Rye spice and pepper notes. Wonderfully harmonious and balanced with not a single rough edge. Templeton Rye has always been pleasing but this latest release is the best effort to date. Bravo!