Top ten best-scoring whiskeys from American Whiskey issue 32

Top ten best-scoring whiskeys from American Whiskey issue 32

Find out which ten whiskeys scored best in the latest edition of American Whiskey

Tastings | 18 Oct 2024 | By Bradley Weir

  • Share to:

The latest edition of American Whiskey Magazine, issue 32, is now available to purchase. The new issue has a special focus on the state of Texas, including interviews and features from distilleries located in the Lone Star state. Of course, featured in issue 32 is the usual exciting tasting notes from experts Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler, with 25 whiskeys from across the US tasted and scored.

 

Below is the ten best-scoring whiskeys of the issue, ranked by their combined score (Peggy's on the left, Susan's on the right, inside the brackets). All of the whiskeys included on the list scored high enough to recieve the American Whiskey Magazine reccommended badge, with number one named Editor's Choice. 

 

  1. 10. Wood’s Alpine Rye (8.9; 8.8)
  2. Opening the list is the Colorado-based Wood's Alpine Rye, from Wood's High Mountain Distillery. Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), this rye whiskey has been described by Peggy as having notes of high rye bread and dark honey on the nose, with a delicious intertwine of allspice on the palate.

 

Peggy's comment: Power plays all day, sip one for the team. A crowd pleaser.

 

=7. Wolves American Single Malt (8.8; 9.0)

 

Three whiskeys tied for the number seven spot, beginning with Wolves American Single Malt. This California-based single malt, bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) is described by Susan as having pear and wildflower aromas, with chocolate, tobacco leaf and underlying fruit notes on the palate.

 

Susan's comment: Fine depth here. Not hugely complex, but very solid.

 

=7. Knob Creek 9 Years Old (9.0; 8.8)

 

Tying Wolves Whiskey at number seven is Knob Creek's 9-year-old expression. The Kentucky-based bourbon, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) is described by Peggy as having fumed oak and black cherry notes on the nose, with rich caramel and stewed fruit on the palate.

 

Peggy's comment: Energetic and playful. Easy to drink with its elegant frame of flavors.

 

=7. Baker’s 7 Year Single Barrel (8.6; 9.2)

 

The final of the three whiskeys tied at seventh place is Baker's 7 Year Single Barrel. Another Kentucky bourbon, Susan compares the aromas to pear and apple compote with a proportion of sugary syrup, along with citrus and peach notes on the palate.

 

Susan's comment: Beautifully balanced and complex, a bourbon to savor.

 

  1. 6. Hard Truth Harvest Rye Mellencamp Collaboration (9.0; 8.9)
  2. In at number six is an Indiana-based rye whiskey from Hard Truth, titled Harvest Rye Mellencamp Collaboration. Bottled at 106 proof (53% ABV), Peggy describes the nose as having notes of ginger ale and soft cocoa, with notes of dense caramel and ginger on the palate.

Peggy's comment: Grab your taste buds in the best way, concentrated and yet complex.

 

  1. 5. Boulder Spirits American Single Malt (9.0; 9.0)
  2. Breaking in to the top five for this issue is Colorado-based Boulder Spirits, from Vapor Distillery, with its American Single Malt expression. Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), Susan has described the nose as having floral complexities, with a sweet palate.

 

Susan's comment: A very well balanced, satisfyingly complex malt whiskey.

 

  1. 4. Parker’s Heritage 10 Years Old Rye (8.9; 9.2)
  2. From Heaven Hill Distillery, Parker's Heritage 10 Years Old Rye is in at number four. This Kentucky-based rye whiskey has a high proof of 128.8 (64.4% ABV) and is described by Peggy as having caramel aromas with toasted coconut macaroon, accompanied by wood sugar, clove and ginger on the palate.

 

Peggy's comment: Add a few drops of water to hear the sweetness sing.

 

  1. 3. Remus Repeal Reserve VII 2023 (9.2; 9.0)
  2. From Indiana, Remus Repeal Reserve VII 2023 finds itself in the top three for this issue. This bourbon, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), is described by Susan as having aromas of popping open a can of fruit cocktail, with fruit-forward notes also in charge on the palate.
  3. Susan's comment: Definitely fruit forward and oak backwards. A suitable cocktail base. 

 

  1. 2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 (9.2; 9.1)
  2. In at number two is another Kentucky bourbon, this time from Elijah Craig. Barrel Proof C923 has the highest proof of all whiskeys on the list (133; 66.5% ABV) and is described by Peggy as having a spiced fruit combination of black cherry and apples on the nose, with a complex and well defined palate.

 

Peggy's comment: Offers immaculate flavors that suggest a second glass.

 

  1. 1. Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Cask Proof (9.5; 9.2)
  2. The best-scoring whiskey for this issue and awarded Editor's Choice is Catoctin Creek's Roundstone Rye Cask Proof. This Virginia-based rye, bottled at 116 proof (58% ABV), is described by Susan as having aromas of herbs, apples, and figs, with notes of caramel coated figs and roasted green pepper on the palate.

 

Susan's comment: The caramel becomes more pronounced, in a good way. I would love to try this in a Manhattan.

 

How many of these whiskeys have you tried? Remember to check out more tastings as they appear at American Whiskey!

  • Share to:

Join The Community

Our Magazine

Subscribe Now

Subscriptions for American Whiskey
Magazine are available in print and digital

The Benefits

6 print editions per annum

Home delivery

Subscribe Now

paragraph publishing ltd.   Copyright © 2024 all rights reserved.   Website by Acora One

Consent Preferences