Regardless of the American whiskey scene in 2023 being extra equitable than ever, there’s nonetheless a substantial amount of gender imbalance. This isn’t essentially an indictment, however quite the truth of an solely just lately widespread class that was largely constructed within the American South by predominantly white males. Whereas ladies appear to be more and more seen in bourbon, with expertise like Marianne Eaves incomes mainstream press protection her male counterparts may solely dream of, the actual fact of the matter is that the giants of American whiskey typically prefer to pigeonhole ladies within the business as grasp tasters and blenders.
So, whether or not you assume the business is “doing its greatest” or “evolving at a snail’s tempo,” it’s cool to see the launch of a label like Michigan’s Highline Spirits. A fast look at their employees web page options ladies from prime to backside, an aesthetic that I’d argue wouldn’t exist inside male-led/focused branding, and what seems to be a eager eye for sourcing and mixing. Which, whereas nice, is all largely irrelevant if the liquid inside that well-adorned bottle isn’t as much as snuff. So let’s check out two of their 4 launch expressions, a bourbon and a triple rye.
Highline Bourbon – A mix of two high-rye Indiana bourbons and what they state is a “heritage Kentucky bourbon with excessive malt barley content material,” Highline’s inaugural bourbon providing is prototypical on the nostril: all caramel, oak, baking spice and possibly only a trace of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The slight oakiness actually blooms, and virtually overwhelms the palate. This might actually be nice, nice even, if it weren’t all so paper-thin. This distinct lack of chew is bookmarked by a stinging black pepper end which makes the entire thing really feel sizzling versus lingering. Given the age statements of 5-, 6-, and 8-year bourbons being featured within the mix, that is stunning, and the feel of the bottle is clearly outlined by the 8-year previous distillate. Concurrently a promising inaugural providing and a slight disappointment given the constructing blocks. 100 proof. B / $67
Highline Triple Rye – The dearth of a mashbill is notable for this expression, a mix of 5-, 5 ½-, and 10-year previous ryes. Why is that odd? As a result of it tastes prefer it’s composed of predominantly 95/5 rye. Spearmint on the nostril, spearmint on the end, along with some good grape soda and salty cocoa notes. Just like the bourbon, it’s let down by an insubstantial mouthfeel that’s slightly extra forgivable for this much less sturdy, brighter rye. The value level is a ache level given the similarities to different, cheaper sourced choices, besides, it’s a promising indicator of the sandbox Highline goals to play in. 97 proof. B / $83
Highline Bourbon
$67
