Michael Myers was happy with his career as a fashion photographer. It wasn’t until September 11, 2001, when Meyers stood blocks away from the World Trade Center at the time of the attack, that he chose to abandon his career and change his life direction.
That change didn’t come overnight, but in 2011, Distillery 291’s first distillation was pulled from a homemade still .
A fan of experimentation, Distillery 291 makes their batches from scratch. They work hard to separate their young distillery from other heritage distilleries, creating a varied Colorado taste with an inimitable flavor profile.
Distillery 291 Colorado Whiskey distills from grain, to barrel, to bottle, and by hand. They partake of the gorgeous Colorado environs; with grains from the plains and water from Pikes Peak reservoirs.
Myers and his crew continue to release interesting whiskies, and the two that I tasted for this review are a welcome addition to the list. While they couldn’t be different in flavor and taste, both are autumnal delights.
My second tasting was of 291 Bad Guy Colorado Bourbon Whiskey. This sample came from Batch #6 and, while less intensely unique than the High Rye, I found it interesting. I must admit though, I was slightly overwhelmed by the power of the rich spirit.
Must Read Stories
Tasting Notes: 291 High Rye Colorado Bourbon Whiskey
Vital Stats: Made from corn, malted rye, and malted barley mash. 126.8 proof (63.4% ABV). ~$100/750ml.
Appearance: A fiery sunset with medium legs.
Nose: There was so much to dig into. Right off I smelled sugar and rose. Fresh foliage and hints of sage brush with a finish that resembled a Rye-P.A. beer.
Palate: Surprisingly, the taste was less intense than the nose. The rose carried over, joining honey and hints of almond. The whiskey seemed to gain in temperature as I chewed.
Score: 3.5/5
Tasting Notes: 291 Bad Guy Colorado Bourbon Whiskey
Vital Stats: Wheated four-grain made from corn, malted rye, and beech smoke barley mash. 125.5 proof (62.7% ABV). ~$100/750ml.
Appearance: The bark of a red cedar tree.
Nose: Earthy wood mulch and the crystallized sugar off a fig.
Palate: Flavors of clover, dandelion, and tobacco. With sweet spicy notes, nutmeg and clove, I’d add this whiskey to some egg nog on Christmas day.
Score: 4/5
