291 Colorado Whiskey

I had a few sips after sharing samples with some friends. Ever wondered what an aspen tree tastes like? Wonder no more. This spirit fulfills that curiosity. It has woody notes, young oak, a hint of hay, and a touch of smoke and resin. It feels more suited to a rough-and-tumble setting than a sophisticated mountain resort. I can picture a rough character enjoying this, not the elegant skiers. It was bottled far too soon. While I understand the drive for rapid market release and the associated revenue, patience would have served this spirit better. They could have perhaps produced rum or gin to maintain cash flow while this whiskey aged. The concept was appealing – evoking Colorado's aspen trees – and incorporating aspen staves likely aimed for a local feel, but it simply needed more time in the barrel. I bought this last year in Colorado, assuming it was locally exclusive. At $50, it was a poor value. For the same price, I could have enjoyed several pours of a different local whiskey. My apologies to those who received samples before I tasted it. On the plus side, the samples were sent blind; you'll likely identify this one easily from the group.

On a sub-freezing night on Pearl Harbor Day. I sample from the available drinks and find one from a friend as part of a blind tasting pack. A perfect evening for an American whiskey. This has a pleasing color, a rich coppered-ruby. The nose is a straightforward taste of autumn: candy corn, nutmeg, honey. Now, imagine those autumn scents in a pinewood forest. Pine needles and balsa wood with spearmint surround you. Somewhat like an air freshener. It arrives spicy, creating a pins and needles sensation that dominates and overpowers, blurring any sense of flavor. What can be perceived is minimal. Vanilla, brown sugar, pinewood, and sap. Spearmint and pinewood with a bitter wood and lemon oil. Adding water is necessary to reduce the pins and needles, though they are still present. A bit more sweetness comes forward. Definitely a young spirit that seems to be infused with flavors as if it were “aged” in fresh pinewood barrels. Not undrinkable, but not something I would actively seek out. [80/100][Tasted: 12/7/19]

Please note: The spirit I consumed was the 291 127.5 proof, not the one described. It was unique and wonderful. The aroma had lovely brown sugar notes. The taste was excellent buttery popcorn, followed by a good burn at the finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly for moments when I desire something other than the usual options.

AROMA: Pine / Floral / Spice TASTE: Initial Heat / Caramel / Dry Spice / Cedar FINISH: Brief for 101.7 proof Remarkable for a 1 year old whiskey; the Aspen Staves provide a truly unique tasting journey.

The aroma is sweet, transitioning to an intense warmth on the palate that blossoms into lovely vanilla and then layers of spiced baked goods.