Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey

Last night with a good group of guys and some great cigars we had this most excellent libation. This whiskey is fun and playful. The mesquite smoke does give it a different dimension while still seeming very traditional in the single malt style. The thing about this whiskey is it's youthful maturity. It's smooth like a good 10 to 12 year whiskey even though only aged 2 years in the Southwest's high deserts. The great mouth feel is oily in texture. The initial nose reminded many of us of pie crust and on the palate there was a vanilla Italian cream soda note that prevaded through the whiskey the entire night. I'd give this a 94 over a 91 but that's because of my own personal tastes. I strongly recommend this to anyone that likes a great single malt with a nice twist.

This is a prime example of what I like about the current state of American craft distilling. It is a decidedly New Mexico take on the single malt. The mesquite smoke provides a subtle, slightly different flavor profile that catches one a little off guard. To me it has a good balance and is not too smoky. I keep thinking a hint of white chocolate mixed in with a touch of smoke on the edges. It's a young whiskey and there is a small hint of a "white lightning" rawness. One might want to compare with a Balcones Brimstone which smokes with Texas scrub oak, but I think the end result is quite different. Definitely worth a try if you are up for a curve ball. The bottle I tried is the barrel strength version which has a stronger flavor on the smoke side and a longer finish. A single cube really let's it bloom.

$55. Mesquite smoke.