Introduction
I picked up JW Powell American Single Malt out of a mix of curiosity and regional pride. Being distilled in Colorado, it had the local craft appeal I often look for. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I hoped it might strike a balance between a classic malt character and a uniquely American style. I'd tried a few domestic single malts with mixed results, so I wanted to see where this one would land.
Nose
On the nose, it welcomed me with dry cereal notes that came across like toasted whole grain bread, rather than sweet malt. There’s a modest undercurrent of orchard fruit – red apple skin, maybe a touch of underripe pear. A hint of coriander and worn leather gave it just enough intrigue to suggest a bit of depth. I didn’t find it aggressively aromatic, but it had a clean and honest profile.
Palate
The palate continued in the same direction – toasted grain came through first, followed by some gentle baking spices. Cinnamons and clove flickered in and out without dominating. The texture was soft, even slightly oily, and the fruit notes took a step back compared to the nose. There’s a youthful quality here, but not in a harsh or unfinished way – more like a straightforward, easygoing spirit that doesn’t pretend to be older than it is. Mid-palate, I could pick up some nuttiness and a resinous edge that reminded me faintly of pine or fresh-cut wood.
Finish
The finish was medium in length and fairly dry. It drifted off with a combination of cocoa powder, cracked pepper, and a touch of oak bitterness. The aftertaste didn’t linger too long but closed things out in a tidy, no-frills way. It left my mouth clean and ready for the next sip, which I appreciated.
Price and Value
I paid just under $50 for the bottle, and I think that’s in line with what it offers. It's not trying to be a luxury pour, but as an American single malt with some character and clarity, I’d call it a fair deal. This isn’t a dram I’d sit with for an hour dissecting on a quiet night – it’s more of a casual evening pour with friends or even a slow sipper while cooking dinner.
Background
JW Powell is distilled by the folks at Peach Street Distillers in Colorado. American single malt is still a relatively young category, and this bottle reflects some of that ongoing experimentation. Made from 100% malted barley and aged in new American oak, it shows a clear influence from both Scotch styles and American whiskey tradition. While we're seeing more distilleries carve out distinct profiles for American malts, this one feels tuned for accessibility and drinkability more than complexity. You can find more about the producer at Peach Street Distillers.
Final Notes
Would I pick up another bottle of JW Powell? Probably, though not right away. It's enjoyable in a familiar, easy-going way, but not one that demands my full attention. For someone new to American single malts, it’s a low-risk introduction – approachable, reasonably priced, and without heavy-handed flavors.
If you're wondering what setting suits this whiskey, I'd say it's best enjoyed in relaxed company, when you're not looking for something overly challenging. I’ve had more distinctive pours from other Colorado distillers, but this one feels intentionally simple – whether that’s a strength or limitation depends on what you’re after. Curious if it stacks up against traditional Scotch single malts? It shares some traits, like malt focus and spice, but it doesn’t carry the same depth or age character – to be fair, it’s not really trying to. Still, it carves out its own space just fine.