Revelations, out of Appalachian Mountain Spirits in Virginia, claims to be the only American single malt corn whisky on the market. In our previous coverage of the distillery, they argued that Revelations “rivals…high end peated whiskys, and works on so many levels that people are left in awe.”
Made with 75% corn and 25% rye, which are malted together before being smoked with red oak, Revelations surely has an unusual production process. Besides the fact that corn doesn’t require malting to be made into whisk(e)y, smoking with red oak is also uncommon.
Although the brand claims that Revelations has a “smoky scotch-like flavor,” I can’t help but immediately balk at the idea that all smoke tastes the same, regardless of the source. Corsair’s Triple Smoke whiskey is a perfect example of the power of alternate smoke sources; smoked with peat, cherry wood, and beechwood, the spirit combines three very different and unique smoke-based flavors in order to make a new one.
Assuming that peat smoke and red oak smoke impart the same flavor profile to grains seems a relatively ridiculous assumption to make.
Tasting Notes: Appalachian Mountain Revelations Corn Single Malt
Vital Stats: Revelations is 47.5% ABV and is a NAS spirit.
Appearance: The dram is a very light, buttery yellow in the glass.
Nose: Revelations has definite smoke on the nose from the offset, which reads as much more BBQ than peat. The heavy oak presence on the nose is the primary scent, being both easily recognizable, and entirely dominant. Meaty, and slightly smokey, the dram smells more and more like brisket and BBQ sauce. Sweet oak smoke and a distinct tire smell follow. After opening for a brief time, more salt comes forward with white hoagie bread; sweetness overtakes the smoke element.
Palate: On the palate, it’s instantly clear that the nose was an accurate flavor indicator. Salty and smokey, but light bodied, BBQ and charred oak flavors become undeniable. Hot tar and plastic meet wet oak and grassiness towards the back of the palate.
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Conclusion:
Simple and straight-forward in flavor, Revelations feels like the perfect apertif for barbecue. Although lacking in complexity, the whiskey was still relatively compelling. As an introduction to what smoke can do to a corn-based American spirit, Revelations proves an interesting first step in flavor. Nothing like peated Scotch whisky, and nothing like American bourbon, Revelations exists in a category all its own.
FINAL SCORE: 88/100
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