Several members of the RCWS had a tasting with several non-members. We each brought a bottle of whisk(e)y priced between $40 and $50. The surprise of the night was a whiskey called J.J. Neukomm.
It is distilled in St. Louis at Square One Brewery and Distillery from toasted barley malt and cherry wood smoked malt. It is then aged, for a short time, in small oak casks. It is a good whiskey with a great flavor…a touch of fruity sweetness with the “oaky” taste from the cask. Well worth the price.
Here are the rankings from the evening:
1st Place (2-way tie): Tomilton 12 Yr Old Scotch
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
2nd Place: J.J. Neukomm Whiskey
3rd Place (2-way tie): Asyla by Compass Box
Jefferson Reserve Bourbon
4th Place: Russell Reserve 10Yr Old Whiskey
A few more notes:
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban – You can never go wrong with a Glenmorangie product
Asyla by Compass Box – A good scotch with simple flavors. Perfect for the new scotch drinker.
Jefferson Reserve Bourbon – A very smooth bourbon with a lot more flavor than most bourbons.