Walnut | Caramel | Cocoa | Coffee bean | Coffee flavored ice cream | Sweet & expressive

Robust caramel | Milk chocolate | Coffee bean | Baking spices | Smooth yet flavorful

Roasted malt | Chocolate malt balls | Faint clove | Lingering black pepper & coffee aftertaste | Mild ethanol | Medium length

Arcane Imperial American Whiskey is made in Brooklyn by brewers who decided to take their knowledge of beer making and apply it to a new style of whiskey. The whiskey is distilled from imperial stout using a custom-built vacuum still, which according to the company, “captures and preserves the aromas and flavors created during fermentation. Traditional distillation involves boiling the distillers beer to vaporize the alcohol, but this process would kill a lot of beer’s delicate flavors.” Using a vacuum still, Arcane is able to evaporate the alcohol at a much lower temperature, which they say preserves the beer flavor. Arcane can definitely talk the talk, but does their end product walk the walk?    

You immediately notice the potent aroma this whiskey exudes out of the glass. Giving off a sweet scent that will remind you of stout beer, a single malt whiskey, and your favorite coffee house. This concentration is carried over to the palate and finish, which manages to be smooth and robust at the same time. Caramel, chocolate, and coffee are the whiskey’s three major tiers of flavors. While not overly complex, the whiskey manages to pack in a lot of flavor at just 83 proof. It stays away from the bitterness many stout finished whiskeys can feature and instead is quite sweet. This makes for a rather enjoyable sip especially if you prefer its particular flavor profile. With the number of stout-inspired whiskeys on the market in 2022, this one immediately finds itself cutting in line and belonging in the conversation with the major players. With a great price point, smooth delivery, and great flavor, Arcane Imperial American Whiskey definitely walks the walk.