Charles Steele
The Whiskey Wash Team

Charles Steele

Head of US Reviews

Portland-based attorney bringing an analytical eye to American whiskey – with a soft spot for the peculiar.

About Charles

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen – if it’s peculiar, he’s intrigued.

Latest from Charles

Can a 141-proof Texas bourbon be bold and balanced? We taste Garrison Brothers' 12th Cowboy Bourbon release to find out if this uncut beast is worth the hunt.

All articles by Charles

Can Booker’s “Big Easy” Batch capture New Orleans in a glass? Dive into Batch 2026-01 at 129.1 proof—plus tasting notes
Can one dram prove Scotch isn’t “just Islay”? Discover how Glenmorangie Lasanta 15 delivers sherry-sweet richness, spice, and balance for
Can rye whiskey and Calvados truly harmonize? Ampersand Malus answers with honeysuckle, candied green apples, subtle spice, and a long,
What happens when raw honey meets rye whiskey inside the barrel itself? A beekeeper reviews Shortbarrel's Afterswarm to find out
Can an Iowa single malt rival the big names? Cedar Ridge’s Pete & Sherri Married 2nd Anniversary blends peat and
Can a 5-year-old Scotch really deliver the bold peat smoke Ardbeg is famous for? Find out how Wee Beastie punches
Can a Canadian whisky deliver big bourbon-like oak without over-extraction? Found North Batch 012 answers with a 22-year, cask-strength stunner.
What happens when an Iowa winery turns distillery and finishes rye whiskey in its own port casks? A rich, wine-like
Can a celebrity whiskey actually impress a skeptic? JYPSI Legacy Batch 003 might be the first one that truly stands
Can a blend of rye whiskey and neutral grain spirit aged in XO Cognac casks actually deliver balance and complexity?
Can a single dram make you forget the world around you? The Dalmore Select Edition 2007 18 Year Old comes
Can't choose between bourbon and rye? Lost Monarch blends both into one bottle—but does this "best of both worlds" whiskey
Elijah Craig finally drops a 15-year single barrel at 108 proof for under $150. Is this the age-statement bourbon we've
What happens when a pandemic bourbon collector launches his own brand? New Era's Nature's Crossing at Natural Bridge delivers complex
Is there a rye whiskey that won't overwhelm newcomers but still satisfies seasoned sippers? Redwood Empire's Emerald Giant might be
What makes Michter's Sour Mash a whiskey you'll always appreciate having on your bar cart—even if you sometimes forget it's
What happens when you finish a 15-year bourbon in rare Hungarian dessert wine casks? Is Chip Tate's Ampersand Opimus a
High West's elusive Bourye 2026 blends decade-old bourbon and rye into one bottle—but does this limited "rare sighting" live up
Can a pandemic hobby turn into an exceptional cask-strength bourbon? Discover how New Era Whiskey's bright, summery Nature's Crossing delivers
What happens when bourbon meets apple brandy barrels in the heart of Louisville? Copper and Kings blends age and fruit-forward
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