The Tasting Alliance, renowned for its spirits judging expertise, hosts a series of prestigious competitions around the globe. Three of these major events occur annually in San Francisco, Singapore, and New York, where industry leaders, bartenders, and whiskey experts evaluate thousands of entries. In a historic move, the Tasting Alliance pitted the winners from each of these competitions against each other in 2023, creating what can be called the “Spirits Olympics.” The latest revelation of the champion in American whiskey comes in the form of the unfamiliar brand, Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon White Label.
One cannot easily forget the name Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon White Label, which was coined by the brand’s founder and acclaimed pitmaster, Carey Bringle. Not only did Bringle invent the distinctive name, but he also developed a unique filtration process for the liquid. Every drop of this 4-6-year-old sourced bourbon passes through hickory charcoal that has been charred down in the pits of his renowned Nashville BBQ eatery. While this technique was inspired by the traditional Lincoln County Process used in Tennessee whiskey, it differentiates itself by occurring after the maturation process and involving the flavors of smoked meat.
The intention behind Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon White Label was to craft a whiskey that perfectly complements the flavors of barbecue. As the liquid won the 90-proof bourbon category at the Singapore World Spirits Competition in 2023, its distinctive characteristics were highlighted. From strong caramel and honey notes in the nose to a smoky and tangy flavor profile on the palate, this bourbon promises a complex sensory experience. The nutty mouthfeel adds to the enjoyment, as each sip slowly dissipates through the finish, leaving ample time to savor the diverse flavors.
To secure the top position on the podium, Peg Leg Porker outperformed tough contenders such as 15 Stars Sherry Cask, which triumphed as the Best In Class at the New York World Spirits Competition, and Buckner’s 13 Year from Augusta Distillery, the leading bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. While Bringle and his team keep the distillery producing Peg Leg Porker a secret, the blend of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley in its mash bill strongly suggests a provenance linked to George Dickel. Regardless of its origin, Peg Leg Porker is set to grace the shelves of select liquor stores in Tennessee, New York, Florida, and other markets. A bottle of this award-winning bourbon can currently be purchased online for approximately $40.
American whisky sales have experienced a steady ascent in the 2020s, with brands like Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon White Label contributing to this growth. While the overall spirits sector faced some stagnation in 2023, bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey distinguished themselves with a 3.8% increase in sales compared to the previous year. The latest data from the Distilled Spirits Council reveals that these combined categories reached $5.3 billion in domestic sales during this period.
The rise of Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon White Label showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and innovation within the world of American whiskey. With its unique charcoal filtration process and dedication to creating a whiskey that harmonizes with barbecue flavors, this brand has earned its rightful place among the champions of the Tasting Alliance’s Spirits Olympics. As American whiskey continues to captivate enthusiasts and drive sales, Peg Leg Porker stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal and evolving artistry of this beloved spirit.
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