Colkegan Cask Strength Single Malt

This is my favorite of the Colkegan line-up (must stop on a Sante Fe visit), and it retains the most of its unique character of the single malt. The mesquite smoke element is very subtle (faint peat note), but there is a delicious earthy, almost vegetal note alongside fruit jam, chocolate, and dark honey. If I had to compare, it reminds me of a smoky Bunnahabhain. (Colkegan's sherry finish is also very good, but the sweetness envelops the whole experience and is pricier.)

Heavily peated aroma, mildly sweet undertones. Barley, touch of vanilla, a good amount of apple, and peat. Spice and barrel burn on the tongue, peat takes a backseat to the alcohol hit. The same barley sweetness is there, it's actually a pretty nice balance. Tail is long and spicy, this is lovely.

👃: fruity and leather notes, with a hint of peat 👅: honey at first, giving way to brine and smoke notes with lingering spiciness 🏁: exceptionally smooth, especially for 59% ABV. Just a very slight bitter note and the idea of peat

Nose: peat, woodsmoke Taste: the strength of the cask gives if a bit of burn, but underneath there's additional heat from spiciness, as well as brine Finish: very mild for the ABV

I don’t think i’ve had a Colkegan before. Well, finally will this eve, thanks to @soonershrink , who sent over a generous sample. Colkegan is an American single malt from New Mexico. Uses 30% mesquite smoked malt and ages at an high altitude of 7000 feet. It’s maybe 3 yr old or so, and close to 60% ABV. Nose is incredible—- apples, smoke. Not overpowering smoke, but gentle—-and very different than what you expect typically from Scotland. That 30% is enough to make the presence felt, but not overpowering Palette …oak, and now the mesquite makes an appearance… wow, personally i love the aroma of mesquite, so this is right up my alley. Cinnamon, apples, mesquite This is an incredible American single malt. It doesn’t try to be Scottish, it’s uniquely American. Not sure the cost, but anything less than $100 would be am immediate buy. Thanks again @soonershrink for the pour!

It's sweet on the nose. It's sweet, smoky, and spicy, like a mesquite barbecue sauce that coats the tongue on the palate. A long smoky finish with hints of honey and spice.

A bit of a bite. Very comples set of flavors throughout.