Black Whiskey – Andean Black Corn Whiskey

At Don Michael, it is a the privilege of presenting a whiskey unlike any other. Made from Andean Black Corn and the purest mountain spring water, our whiskey is aged to perfection in American white oak barrels. This is Black Whiskey. The first, and the best Andean Whiskey in the world.

If, when you think whiskey, you do not think Peru – then think again. This is a fascinating drop. A Peruvian whiskey distilled from Andean black corn in Lima. The dram is produced in traditional pot stills, and made with traceable ingredients, before being matured partly in “honeycomb” barrels from the Black Swan cooperage.

Don Michael is a family-owned Peruvian company that initially began making petrol. Thankfully, they’ve pivoted to a more palatable liquid – Andean whiskey. This dram takes its inspiration from the ancient Peruvian beverage “Chicha Jora” – a kind of corn beer. 

To soften the edges of the powerful Andean black corn, they have added malted wheat and barley from the US and diluted it with pure Andean mountain spring water. The final product is a delectable, well balanced spirit with a distinctly Peruvian character.

Tasting Notes:

NOSE: Bright, succulent corn sweetness opens the nose, accompanied by thick slices of malt bread, pencil shavings and a slightly vegetal Mezcal-like smokiness. Truly unique.

TASTE: A thick, oily mouthfeel presents flavors of corn husk, treacled pecans, subtle cinnamon, and nutmeg cream. There’s charred oak and pepper, but it is less vegetal and smoky than the nose.

FINISH: That Mezcal-like note returns, with spicy smoke and wheat beer lingering on a long, buttery finish – a testament to the diversity of world whiskey.