Kessler American Blended Whiskey

Appearance: This American blend shows a burnished bronze color. Its legs are thin and somewhat viscous, descending the glass at a slow pace. Nose: The aroma is generally harsher, but some elements prevent it from being entirely unpleasant. I detect notes of corn, sharp, low-grade tequila or moonshine, a permanent marker, stale cotton candy, and a scent reminiscent of the art room at my workplace. Taste: The palate is surprisingly not terrible, but it's also quite limited. Notes of oak, cherry, Twizzler candy, and a peculiar smoky undertone complete the thin flavor profile. Finish: The finish is brief, leaving a raspberry-like taste in its wake. Thoughts: For a spirit in this category, it's not an awful drink. If I needed an inexpensive mixer, this would be a suitable option. Compared to most other straight spirits, it wouldn't hold up well, but I'm glad I sampled it and understand its position as the second best-selling American blended spirit. Thanks to the brand! Cheers!

This isn't ideal for sipping straight, but it's manageable without much regret. It's actually quite smooth and sweet, with a slight bitter aftertaste. Lacks depth of flavor, BUT it's $9 for a large bottle and mixes very well. Two stars for taste plus one for the price.

Kessler exhibits a chestnut hue. The scent offers notes of caramel, burnt sugar, wood, and nut oil. Possibly some floral elements too. The taste mirrors these components, with a pronounced woodiness. A touch of sweetness. The texture is medium-high, and Kessler has a moderate finish. -RJT

My father's preferred drink. It's quite harsh. If you're seeking a budget-friendly brown spirit that's more than just a way to consume alcohol, consider the surprisingly decent Evan Williams or the zesty Benchmark.

My initial whiskey experience. Not a good introduction. Fortunately, I discovered that improvements were inevitable. A powerful ethanol scent and taste. Minimal notes of charred nuts and vanilla with a persistent, acrid finish.

My initial foray into whiskey; it's inexpensive, mixes well, and evokes nostalgia. Beyond that, there's not much substance. A slight vanilla flavor is masked by the alcohol, but it's smooth with minimal burn.