There is a lot to like about Don Michael Black Whiskey on paper. At 90 Proof and $50, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
A playful auburn color with distinct legs that show off and stay for the spectacle. For a moment, the initial aromatics instantly remind me of a wheated rye whiskey. Wheat forward aromas of a warm bowl of Malt O Meal hot cereal, then transitions to dried figs and a freshly lit matchstick that pokes and tickles the nose. Even after sitting with it for some time, the aromas hold strong and doesnt soften. Peru has always been on my list of places I want to visit and now that I know they make enticing whiskey, let’s just say that Peru has bumped up. From ancient beer making traditions to elevating it to whiskey, the tale behind Andean Corn whiskey is captivating and shines through with this whiskey.rnrnI’m still surprised that even sitting with this whiskey for some time, it refused to soften on the nose and palate. Don Michael molded this whiskey to have ultimate consistency and stability. It leaves room to be an all-in-one whiskey. For those times when I need a full-bodied spicy dram, I will pour this neat. And when I need a softer, more kind dram, I will add drops of water or throw an ice cube in.rnrnOverall, I’m sure of one thing – I know this would taste best right in Peru itself. So who wants to come with me? And with that, during my research I stumbled upon this Mexican indigenous poem. This is where I leave you for now, We are grains of maize from the same cob; we are one root of the same path.
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Don Michael Black Whiskey delivers the goods. It is well-made, genuinely enjoyable, and at $50 represents solid value for what you are getting. I would happily buy this again.
