Several months ago at a BYO tasting my whisky friend Bas gave me 5 samples of American whiskies. He only numbered them and gave a sheet of paper with their names on it, so I could decide for myself whether to taste them after looking at the make and model, or to do that blind.

#1: Clarke’s Westpoint, 40%, Aldi Germany
A supermarket bourbon, as it appears. Quite spicy on the nose with a high rye content, I think. Corn and pink peppercorns. Liquorice and something floral as well. The flavour is not really fierce, light sweetness and some spices. The finish has some strawberries, and the pepperiness is gone quickly. The taste lingers for some time.

#2: Blanton’s Silver Edition, 49%, Barrel 234 dumped on 28 August 2006 
Less peppery than Clarke’s, a bit sweeter but rather thin. There is a certain crispness to it with black pepper and clove. The flavour is rather spicy with chilli peppers, sharp and dry. Some pear as well. Lots of stuff going on. The finish is beefy with sweet spices. Not fruity at all. Cherry seeds.

#3: Blanton’s Straight from the barrel, 65.45%, Barrel 87 dumped on 7 November 2005
Very hot, but also a bit musty. There are some factory smells with oils and machinery. Dark cocoa en chives… The flavour has mocha, mole and the sweetness comes second place after the spiciness. Some wood as well. A long finish, again, very spicy but the heat is gone rather quickly.

#4: Elijah Craig 18yo, Single barrel, 45%, Barrel  2783 barreled on January 3rd 1991
I get a hit of creme brulee right away, cigars and nuts as well. Dry autumn leaves with crushed black pepper. It starts of rather light on the palate but it builds some heat quickly. Pepper, cream and vanilla. Lots of spices and a tad dry. The finish has sweet red fruit, strawberry, clove, cinnamon and pepper.

#5: Old Quaker 4yo, 43%, 70s, discontinued.
A crisp but intense bourbon smell hits me right away, even when I’m just pouring and not even sniffing yet. Corny sweetness with clove and rye. Light cigars and heavy cloying vanilla, fudge and caramel. On the palate its a bit more smooth, but still full flavoured. Summer fruits but not without some spices to add a little heat. Not as sweet as expected, which is good. The finish is long and beautiful and builds in power. Lots of herbs and spices here.

My findings:

• I have to adjust my opinion of Elijah Craig 18 from an average dram to a top bourbon.
• I’m still no fan of Blanton’s.
• I love bourbons from times gone by.
• I might have to drop by an Aldi store in Germany.