Corn | Oak | Light vanilla | Lemon essence | Faint marshmallow | Ethanol

Mixed peppercorn spice | Lemon bar | Prominent dry charred oak | Grain | Dash of brown sugar

Heavy charred oak | Leather | Light vanilla powder | Dry spice

Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, Uncommon Spirits sources their whiskeys from Indiana and produces a proprietary blend of bourbon and light whiskeys. The company states that “the American was made to embody two things: the bold spirit of America—rich, storied, and unapologetically fearless—and a whiskey that is Authentic, Exceptional, and Uncommon.” The whiskey comes in two forms, a standard expression, which still clocks in at 104 proof, and a barrel strength edition, which adds on 20 proof points comparatively.

While the standard version of the American used its 100+ proof to tease out flavors, the barrel strength version of the whiskey really leans into its namesake; to a fault. The sip’s proof is overwhelming, creating a muddled nose that leans into its ethanol, while the midpoint is heavily focused on dry, overly charred oak and spice. This theme carries over to the finish and is only amplified as the dryness and spice make sure to remind you of the whiskey’s proof. For its price, the American Whiskey Barrel Strength is a hard sell.