It’s been some time since I last tasted. Finding time to do so seems to be getting tougher. But tonight, a window of opportunity arises. Tonight is a pour from a relatively new distillery from Sweden. Founded by a whiskey enthusiast who seems to be pushing limits, creatively.
The color is a deepen rust with a slight purplish hue.
There is soft, sweet, maritime entwined a slight synthetic vinyl note. Air it out and the notes become more clearly become tangible. Clam shells, rubber inner tube, chocolate milk shake, Mexican vanilla and licorice.
The palate receives a soft and silky, medium dense body that remains true to its original arrival entry. As for the flavors: Apple smoked salted meat, apricots, brown sugar, soy sauce (hot and sour sauce), bitter dark chocolate, figs, roasted plums and cracked black pepper.
The finish is long and lasting. Cigar ash, burnt toast, lemon zest, black pepper, black licorice with a nice touch of vanilla sweetness.
For me, this is somewhat akin to Bunnahabhain. Overall, the balance of aromas and flavors is outstanding. Young yet mature. Sweet yet savory. Soft yet firm. This is an enjoyable, excellent slow sipper from nose to finish. If you find this, grab one and sit back and take it in. Thanks @PBMichiganWolverine for the sample. [92/100][Tasted: 7/24/20]
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@Scott_E funny you mention you were caught off-guard. @Richard-ModernDrinking and I had this with a few others at a tasting. We were caught off guard as well. Came in 3rd in the lineup after Michter’s 10 rye and Ardbeg 19.
@Scott_E @Slainte-Mhath the two Smogens I’ve had have all been amazing. I’m not a fan of the other Swedish ( MacMyra or Box), but Smogen is great. Huge downside is the cost—-for 500ml, it’s about $130USD give or take
@Slainte-Mhath Thanks. I was definitely caught off guard with one; not knowing much about the distillery. In the short amount of time, they pushed out a good whiskey. The carry over effect is on my mind: are the other products mastered with the same level of attention or did they harbor some great casks, etc.
@Scott_E Nice review, I should return to Swedish whisky myself one day, given that it's our neighbouring country...
@Richard-ModernDrinking i don’t—-but I do have their 6 yr old sherry matured. That’s supposedly even better. Will need to dig it out
@Richard-ModernDrinking @PBMichiganWolverine I didn’t know what to expect. A really good pour. Smogen is now on my radar.
@PBMichiganWolverine yes, I’d love some more. Do you have any left?
@Scott_E I remember having this about an year ago with @Richard-ModernDrinking...was the surprise of the evening. Really liked it as well