Smogen is a lesser known brand of whisky that is making EXCEPTIONAL liquid. Have faith. They operate in the way you would want it to as a whisky guy. Even if you aren't these guys do not disappoint. Decadent Drinks would not work with liquid that was not exceptional if you have tried any of their previous releases.
This is the second of a pair of Smögen bottlings for our Decadent Drams series.
After our Madeira-matured 10 year old last month, comes this 8 year old that was distilled in 2016, matured initially in two oloroso sherry quarter casks, then combined and re-racked into a 2nd fill sherry hogshead for the remainder of its maturation. We also bottled this one at the same strength as its sibling bottling: 57.1%. It's a very big whisky this, with immense sherry influence and gorgeously intense peat. These big forces are well integrated and create a wonderfully dark, umami, salty, peaty and intense example of Smögen.
Tasting Notes
Nose : Despite being heavily peated it’s the sherry-forward nature of this Smögen that stands out. Hints of soy, pralines and plums, as well as a touch of smoked coffee beans. There’s a touch of diesel, plenty of soot and definitely tar. Also brown sugar, a faint liquorice note and even a sliver of chocolate.
Palate : Such a great oiliness. Hints of fresh cherry wood, bonfire smoke, charcoal and salted caramel. Also game meats and black pepper, but with earthy tones too, as well as some strong breakfast tea AND coffee.
Finish : Long. Rich smoke. Sweet peat. Lingering pepper.
About Smogen
Smögen is a small, artisanal Swedish distillery founded in 2009 by Pär Caldenby, known for producing heavily peated single malt whiskies from Sweden's west coast. The distillery emphasizes bold, intense, and complex flavours, often with maritime and smoky characteristics derived from heavily peated barley and maturation in bourbon and sherry casks. Key features include a focus on quality ingredients, a craft production process, and a distinctly robust, peated profile that distinguishes it from other whiskies.
About Decadent Drinks
"Decadent Drinks" is the name of a Scottish independent bottler of fine spirits like whisky, rum, cognac, and wine, known for its fun, creative, and sometimes satirical approach to bottling, featuring original artwork on its labels and a range of products including its original Whisky Sponge brand and other brands like Whiskyland and Decadent Drams.
