Corsair Quinoa Whiskey
92 Proof
Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML
Distiller: Corsair Artisan LLC
Background
I’m becoming quite familiar with the whiskeys coming out of Corsair Artisan. I’ve spent time (and money) trying to convert their Wry Moon unaged whiskey into a mini-barrel-aged whiskey. I’ve enjoyed the complexity of Triple Smoke, and I continue to seek out their seasonal releases (although living in Pennsylvania makes it incredibly difficult).
When I saw Quinoa on the shelf, I grabbed it immediately. It wasn’t just the familiar black and white Corsair label that did me in, but the excitement of trying something unique and new; an American whiskey distilled with something different than the usual grains (corn, rye, wheat, malted barley, etc.).
Review
Corsair Quinoa noses unlike any other whiskey. It’s sort of corn and sort of rye, but not quite either – that would be my best way to sum-up quinoa. There’s harsh alcohol complemented by soft vanilla bean, and nutty, charred oak.
On the palate, Quinoa is full-bodied with big flavor at 46%. There’s more unique, spicy quinoa notes; that alone is reason enough to try this release from Corsair. There’s almost a drying experience on the palate, and some extremely subdued fruit notes.
The finish is spicy and long.
Rating & Recommendations
I rate Corsair Quinoa Whiskey an 83 out of 100.
This is not what I would consider a classically tasty whiskey, but that’s not the reason you buy from Corsair’s portfolio. This is an experiment in mash bill that went more right than wrong, and for that I applaud the distillers.
-Ryan