Whiskey Shots: A Review of ASW Ameireaganach Burns Night American Single Malt Whiskey

A bottle of whiskey beside a Copita glass of the same whiskey.

In 2021, I embarked on my whiskey journey. That same year marked a significant change in my family dynamic, as my daughter and her family relocated to Georgia. Two years later, my son made the same move. With both of our children now residing in Georgia, my wife and I have made several trips to the Peach State. During these visits, I stumbled upon ASW Distillery and developed a genuine appreciation for their whiskies. After four years of tasting and purchasing their offerings, I realized I had yet to share a formal review here. Today, I’ll correct that by diving into ASW Ameireaganach Burns Night American Single Malt Whiskey. But first, let’s explore the distillery’s background.

Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson discovered their mutual love for whiskey while attending the University of Georgia, which inspired them to launch their own brand, American Spirit Whiskey. Their path took an exciting turn when they crossed paths with Justin Manglitz, a self-taught brewer with a passion for homebrewing and distillation. Recommended by Jim's sister, Justin took the reins of production. Together, they blend traditional Scottish pot-still techniques with innovative grain-in methods, truly embodying their title as "Southern Pot-Still Pioneers."

The Ameireaganach series, meaning “American” in Scottish-Gaelic, explores the innovative landscape of American Single Malt whiskies, inspired by the adventurous spirits who have dared to explore new frontiers.

This series artfully combines the ancient technique of double copper pot distillation with various finishes in American white oak casks. Each release offers a glimpse into its unique composition, allowing whiskey aficionados to appreciate the diverse flavor profiles that emerge from nuanced changes in production techniques and ingredients.

Every January, the life and poetry of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, are celebrated during Burns Night with readings, traditional dishes, and, of course, whisky. ASW chose to honor this occasion with a whiskey that beautifully marries traditional Scottish pot distillation with the Southern innovation of grain-in distillation.

Now, onto my review:

🥃 92 Proof

🥃 NAS, matured in new, charred American white oak casks

🥃 Mash Bill: 100% malted barley consisting of 57% Two-Row Malt, 25% Munich Malt, 15% Cherry-Smoked Malt, and 3% Chocolate Malt, incorporating feints from their Tire Fire Heavily Peated Single Malt Whiskey

🥃 750 ml bottle purchased locally at Total Wine for $49.99

🥃 Tasted from a Copita whisky tasting glass

Appearance

As I poured a glass, the whiskey's deep, rich hue caught my eye, reminiscent of dark maple syrup. The thick consistency hinted at a satisfying sip, and I noticed the legs slowly tracing down the glass, building my anticipation.

Nose

The first inhale revealed an enticing aroma of chocolate-covered cherries. A delicate wisp of light peat smoke danced alongside sweet pears and a hint of almond. It felt like a warm hug, setting the stage for the flavors to come.

Palate

Taking my first sip was pure bliss. The whiskey’s viscosity enveloped my mouth, creating an exceptionally smooth experience. The smokiness was present but balanced, allowing the decadent notes of dark chocolate to take center stage. As the sip unfolded, a delightful fruity sweetness emerged, harmonizing beautifully with the smoke, resulting in a delightful flavor interplay.

Finish

The finish was of medium length, leaving a pleasant peppery and smoky note that lingered, beckoning me for another sip.

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Overall, I must say that this whiskey is impressive. It stands tall among some of the younger Islay Single Malt Scotches I've enjoyed. While a bit more aging could elevate it even further, I’m thoroughly convinced and will be picking up another bottle. I rate it a solid 4 out of 5 ⭐️s!

Keep sipping, my friends! 🥃