American Metal Whiskey: Flagship, The Disciple, and 10-Years Tennessee Whiskey Reviews

 

In a universe of me-too whiskeys, brands struggle to find ways to differentiate themselves on the shelf. Some do pretty packaging. Others barrel finish their whiskeys. Then, some go whole hog on doing something unusual.

 

Today, we explore American Metal Whiskey, a brand out of Danbury, Connecticut. I can safely say that I’ve never tried whiskey from a company known for custom motorcycles and automobiles!

 

“American Metal Customs is an award-winning custom shop that builds and restores classic motorcycles and cars that showcase the glamor and elegance of vintage design coupled with the raw grit and pride of hand-made American craftsmanship.

American Metal Whiskey is small-batch, boutique whiskey brand that embodies the same values of craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail that goes into every car and bike built at the American Metal Custom Shop.” – American Metal Whiskey

 

American Metal Whiskey doesn’t disclose its source, but we know it comes from Tennessee. It used to mean George Dickel, but several concentrate on contract distilling in today's market.

 

Founded by Josh Allison, American Metal came to life in 2021. He employs a team of experts to make the magic happen at his shop. Concerning the whiskey, its Chief Global Brand Officer is Brian Stephenson. Bottling and packaging takes place at Vermont Spirits Distilling. It encourages its fans to Stay Rowdy.

 

We’ll dive deep into three of American Metal’s expressions: its flagship American Metal Whiskey, limited-edition The Disciple, and an American Metal 10-Years.

 

Before we start this #DrinkCurious adventure, I must thank American Metal for providing me with samples of these whiskeys in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest reviews.

 

For the record, I used a fresh Glencairn glass for each pour.

 

American Metal Whiskey

 

 

• Whiskey Type: Tennessee Straight Whiskey
• Age: NAS
• Mashbill: Undisclosed
• Alcohol Content: 45% ABV (90°)
• Price: $49.99 for 750ml

 

Appearance: The flagship whiskey was a brilliant, yellow-gold liquid forming a thin rim. It attempted to hold to the wall, only to have it collapse into a wavy curtain of tears.

 

Nose: Heavy on corn, the aroma included vanilla, oak, and butterscotch. Drawing the air through my lips allowed me to experience vanilla and malt.

 

Palate: I found the mouthfeel to be watery. There was a mineral quality on the front, followed by orange pith. Midway through, I found honey and floral notes. The back included green oak and licorice.

 

Finish: Somewhat bitter and medicinal, the mineral quality, honey, licorice, and floral sensations carried through. The finish clocked in at 1:12, classifying it as medium.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: The flagship whiskey drank like water on my initial sip, and for a few seconds, I wondered if something had gone awry. It was wet but with no front, middle, or back – then came a warm finish. The second sip added a few muted flavors. While American Metal Whiskey is an easy sipper, it lacks depth. Perhaps it is proofed too low? I’m unable to give this whiskey anything higher than a Bar rating.   

 

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American Metal “The Disciple”

 

 

• Whiskey Type: Single Barrel Tennessee Straight Whiskey
• Age: NAS
• Mashbill: Undisclosed
• Alcohol Content: 45% ABV (90°)
• Price: $79.99 for 750ml
• Note: The Disciple is the same whiskey as the flagship, except it was “sonically infused” with the sound of one of American Metal’s custom motorcycles called The Disciple. While exposing whiskey to soundwaves isn’t unusual, American  Metal approached it differently. Per Brian Stephenson, they submerged a speaker inside the barrel!

 

Appearance: The color was an almost pilsner yellow amber. A thin rim produced medium-with, tightly-spaced, fast tears.

 

Nose: The nose was more straightforward to discern than the flagship whiskey. I found corn, caramel, honey, vanilla, and old leather. Drawing the vapor into my mouth, there was a dollop of vanilla.

 

Palate: I found The Disciple’s texture to be creamy. The front of my palate encountered sweet corn, caramel, and a touch of grass. At mid-palate, I tasted orange zest, nutmeg, and mineral water. The back tasted of white pepper, clove, and charred oak.

 

Finish: The Disciple had an interesting combination of sweetness and spice, with plenty of caramel competing with white pepper, oak, and clove. That clove held on the longest; the duration was 2:21, ranking it as long.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I’ve always suspected what sound waves can do to whiskey and considered it more gimmicky. Compared to the flagship release, the nose was slightly different; the palate offered far more flavor, and I didn’t have to struggle to discern the notes. The finish was lengthened.

 

The Disciple is a far more developed whiskey with layers of flavors and character. I have no reason to doubt Brian that these are the same whiskeys, and I am beyond impressed with the difference. It is enough to bring my Bottle rating into play.

 

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American Metal 10-Year Whiskey

 

• Whiskey Type: Single Barrel Tennessee Straight Whiskey
• Age: 10 Years
• Mashbill: Undisclosed
• Alcohol Content: 48% ABV (96°)
• Price: $219.00 for 750ml

 

Appearance: I have to admit this whiskey’s color took me aback. It may be the lightest decade-old American whiskey I’ve come across. The liquid was a definitive yellow, somewhat pale at that. A microthin rim discharged thick, medium-spaced, fast tears.

 

Nose: The aroma comprised of vanilla and corn, along with caramel, honey, and light oak. Inhaling the air into my mouth allowed me to encounter light butterscotch.

 

Palate: This 10-year Tennessee Whiskey provided a thick yet airy mouthfeel. I first tasted charred oak, followed by corn and vanilla. Midway through, I found toffee, toasted oak, and subtle butterscotch. The back reminded me of cocoa, clove, and ancient leather.

 

Finish: Clocking in at 1:42, the cocoa, leather, and oak permeated. Not to be dismissed were toffee and vanilla. It was a medium-long duration.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: It takes something extraordinary for a 10-year American whiskey of any time to support a $200+ price. I enjoyed American Metal 10 Years. It was a far cry from its flagship whiskey. I appreciated the higher proof, allowing me to explore more flavors and a longer finish. This is a tasty whiskey, for sure. The average whiskey drinker willing to spend $219.00 will demand more than what American Metal Whiskey offers, and because of that, you must try this one at a Bar first.   

 

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Final Thoughts: I like what American Metal Whiskey stands for, and I believe whomever they’re sourcing from is competent. The proof must go up on its flagship, even by the same six points as its 10-Years. Six points can be a game-changer. The 10-Years is good, but it is simply overpriced. I was most impressed with The Disciple, which has me reconsidering the sound-on-whiskey impact statement. I’m curious about this brand’s future and want to be there for it. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.