Black Whiskey

A few weeks ago, I received numerous messages with a link to a Forbes article claiming a whiskey from Perú won best in the world. Initially, I suspected the award was purchased and was very doubtful. This Peruvian whiskey is called Black Whiskey. It's produced from black corn grown in the Peruvian mountains. I managed to purchase one online from a Miami shop; despite Perú being our neighbor in Ecuador, it was easier to find it there. I've seen videos where the owner, a US citizen living in Perú, recounts a conversation with someone in New York who advised him he needed an award to make his whiskey famous. Subsequently, the whiskey won. That strikes me as a bit questionable. Bottled at a notable 45% ABV, it has a dark reddish hue. The aroma is wonderful. Cotton candy; it doesn't smell like grain whiskey at all. Maraschino cherries, red berries, and a light cake. Blackberries are prominent. With a few sips, the aroma shifted to maple syrup, strongly resembling Canadian Crown Royal whisky. Pleasant. The palate felt completely muted for about 2 seconds. Then, it revealed notes of sweet plums, quince, and black pepper. It feels a little rough and young, but not unpleasant. On the second sip, I experienced the same initial flavor muting. Aftertaste has the most classic bourbon finish ever. If I were tasting this blindfolded, solely based on the aftertaste, I would have guessed it was Blackened by Metallica or Maker's Mark. Sour mash finish. Overall, as you might have gathered, this isn't the best whiskey globally, despite the San Francisco Spirits Competition 2022's assessment. However, I must admit, it's quite good for a primarily grain whiskey. I'm not a fan of the "e" in the name, being a purist who believes whiskey belongs to Ireland and the US, but as "Uisgebeatha," it's quite enjoyable. It consistently feels like a bourbon, and my rating, due to a less-than-stellar palate, is 83 out of 100.

Initially, I perceived abundant spice instead of depth. The finish had a bit of heat. That being said, I thought it was unique and quite decent for its cost. Still, once two ice cubes diluted it, I enjoyed it more as I drank. After six months: it keeps getting better for me.

Incredibly smooth. The aroma is of sweet corn, but it's not overwhelming. Flavors include more corn and a hint of lavender. It has a heavy body and a medium finish with a touch of spice.

Reminiscent of cognac. Notes of corn, cognac, grapes, pineapple, and caramel. It tastes like cognac, caramel, spicy black pepper, apple, and bell pepper, with a spicy finish. Unique.

The aroma is heavy on corn, specifically sweet corn. Hints of nuts and wood are also present. It strongly resembles Balcones Texas whiskey.

Aromas of buttered tea, damp corn, and potato bread. It has a soft, full body with a dry finish, featuring notes of stone fruit and grain.