Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey

Quite peaty and smooth, hints of caramel. Good local whisky on par with some scotches I’ve had.

Wonderful unique. I loved the distinct mesquite smokiness, paired with the complexity of the single malt. There’s something just so American, Southwest about it, like a cowboy walked into a single malt competition and this was his entry. This is a drink to ponder and appreciate, and I loved the direction it takes.

Smooth on the finish, no noticeable burn. Front end flavor didn’t knock my socks off.

I was in New Mexico recently for a conference and had heard a lot of buzz about this whiskey over the years and decided to pick up a bottle. I'm a sucker for a good story and a unique approach to making a whiskey. At first pour, the liquid is remarkably amber in the glass given the purported lack of age (2-4 years). I've spent a good deal of time in New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, and I know how hot it can get there in the summer and how cold it gets in the winter (somewhat like some of the Canadian whiskies we like so much). The nose is enticing. It's unlike anything else I've ever smelled. I can certainly tell that the mesquite smoke is there, but it's not in your face like the Laphroigs of the world, it's more subtle and integrated throughout the whiskey. When you swirl it around in the glass it has long legs. The taste starts out strong, with a nip from the 46% ABV, but mellows quickly into more of that mesquite smoke, reminding you of burnt ends from a brisket or the tail end of a good southwest campfire. As you let it sit a little longer you start to get the malted barley notes poking through. Repeated visits bring out more of the malt notes, and a bit of a menthol note towards the end. The finish is gentle and warm, and as I stick my nose back in the glass I get more of that lovely mesquite smoke. I've always had a soft spot for New Mexico. The food and the scenery are incredible and the people are always super nice. Now I have another great reason to love the state. As far as I know, you can't get this one many places outside NM. When I was living in CO we could get it there, but it's nowhere to be found in TX. If you're in the region, poke around the local liquor stores and pick up a bottle. You'll be glad you did.

Barr none the greatest whisky I have ever tasted. Great maltiness paired with mesquite smoke (1/3 of the barley is smoked). A little orchard citrus at the front before it rounds out widely in the mid and back palate. I would never turn down a chance to drink this gem.

smokey and peaty