Utah’s High West Distillery has introduced a new clear or “silver” whiskey, made mostly from oats. This un-aged spirit is getting mixed reviews:The Beverage Testing Institute gave it a score of 92 points (out of 100) or “exceptional.” Tasters liked the delicate aromas of bison grass, granola, toasted nut and grain, and the delicate, lightly warming finish. They called it “very stylish” and “great for cocktails.”
The reviewers at Drink Spirits were not as kind. Tasters called it a “clean whiskey” “but fairly dull.”
High West owner Dave Perkins posted a comment on the latter website, defending the taste and explaining how he came up with the oat whiskey. He said High West has more Silvers in the works, including something called a “malted barley dog.”
If you want to try the HighWest Silver Whiskey it’s available at the Utah State liquor stores for $33.
Just an FYI, the American Distilling Institute just had their annual meeting and Best Craft American Whiskey competition on May 4th. ADI is the industry association of micro distillers in the U.S. High West Distillery’s Bourye was awarded best of show – Best American Craft Whiskey. High West’s Rendezvous Rye won best rye whiskey and their High West Silver Whiskey (that Drink Spirits did not like) tied for first in the un-aged whiskey category. There were 10 judges and it was a blind tasting of 65 whiskies. You can see the results here:
http://drinkingtheworld.com/2010/05/07/adi-2010-artisanal-whiskey-competition
I’d say “Mixed Reviews” is not really appropriate with 10 judges awarding it best in the category and moreover, BTI has a very well respected panel of tasters giving the product a very high score. So one negative and several very positives doesn’t = “Mixed Reviews”