Whisky Review: Tincup American Whiskey

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Tincup American Whiskey is a product which, if you believe the marketing materials, is made in Colorado by Jess Graber, the same guy who created Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. I don’t want to dwell on the details here too much (I’m more interested in trying the whiskey), but if you dig a little deeper, you will find the marketing is deceptive. Tincup definitely is not distilled in Colorado, and it is actually only bottled by Strananhan’s.

Even though the label doesn’t say “bourbon” anywhere on it, the high corn content makes it one. The reason it’s not on the label is possibly the fact that the rye content is higher than you would typically expect from a bourbon. The rye, corn, and malted barley actually are farmed in Indiana and not Colorado, but water from the Rocky Mountains is apparently blended into the mix, which presumably is the other reason the “Colorado” label is stamped under the name of the whisky.

Tincup American Whiskey comes in an attractive bottle debossed with the Tincup name and logo running vertically up the sides. The blue label wraps around the top of the bottle. Inside, the liquid is a bright amber color, which incidentally stands out nicely against the blue label.

When I uncap the bottle, I smell caramel, apples, spice, and a hint of oak. It kind of puts me in mind of apple cider, between the scent and the color. Tasting it, I’m surprised that the apple doesn’t come through as much as the other flavors of caramel, rye, corn, and spices. The finish is mild, but it lingers, and presents a slightly different flavor profile. Now the apple is coming out, and a hint of some other dried fruit. The cinnamon spice is still prominent, and there’s a sweetness that tastes like vanilla.

I wouldn’t say this is the most unique bourbon whisky I’ve ever tried; the flavor profile is pretty standard. I like the way the notes transform on the finish, though, and the flavors are plenty enjoyable. I’ve seen it sell anywhere in the $27-$37 price range. I’d say that at the lower end of that bracket, it’s a reasonably good deal for a pleasant, enjoyable drink. At around $37, however, I think it is a bit steep for something that isn’t all that standout or groundbreaking—and is sold through deceptive marketing tactics.

Tincup American Whiskey: Summary

Colour: Amber.

Nose: Apple cider: applies, caramel, spices and oak.

Palate: Caramel, sweet corn, rye, cinnamon. Vanilla, apple, dried fruit on finish.

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