The Fifty Best held a blind tasting of 12 American malt whiskies with twelve members of our spirits judging panel. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Strict tasting rules were applied. Each of the whiskies were poured into fresh glasses from newly-opened sealed bottles and served at room temperature. Only ice water, neutral unflavored crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.
The judges wrote down their impressions on score sheets. Scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no Bronze medals awarded for this tasting. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award.
Aroma: Butterscotch, butter, vanilla, banana, peach, melon, ripe orange, orange peel, citrus, green apple, Juicy Fruit gum, slightly floral, tarragon, spices, briny, maritime, oak, sweet wine, rich.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, vanilla, mango, banana, cherry, melon, dried orange, mint, menthol, black tea, dried leaves, bread, nutmeg, peat, cedar, oak, woody, wine, ripe, savory.
Finish: Honey, clove, oak, iodine, clean, savory, like McCallan scotch, drink neat.