I asked ChatGPT to write a WhiskyNotes-style introduction (no kidding) and this is the result…
Two new Smögen releases from the folks at Decadent Drinks — a name that’s quickly become synonymous with characterful selections. This time we’re looking at a 2014 and a 2016 vintage, both distilled at Sweden’s Smögen distillery, known for its muscular, heavily peated spirit. Let’s see how these two Nordic beasts perform in the glass.
Smögen 10 yo 2014 (57,1%, Decadent Drinks ‘Decadent Drams’ 2024, Madeira hogshead / refill hogshead, 166 btl.)
Nose: heavily peated in an elegant way, with lots of eucalyptus and green pine wood, as well as a salty edge, light mentholated notes and hints of polished Ifé wood. Motor oil and smoked bacon too. Then apricots and bright citrus in the background, with some burnt orange peel.
Mouth: oily and coastal peat, again showing this refreshing mintiness and pepperiness that balances the smoke. Green peppercorns, along with plenty of citrus oils. Mid-palate the tarry side becomes stronger, with liquorice, salty brine and seaweed. Then pink grapefruits and sour plums.
Finish: long and sooty, with a sliver of salty wood and light herbal notes.
This very precise style of Smögen again. Despite the heavy peat it manages to bring along some citrus fruits, coastal notes and this peculiar Nordic herbal element. Really good. Still available from Decadent Drinks or The Whisky Exchange for instance.
Smögen 8 yo 2016 (57,1%, Decadent Drinks ‘Decadent Drams’ 2024, Oloroso quarter casks / second-fill sherry hogshead, 172 btl.)
Nose: the Oloroso is on top. There’s tobacco, some coppery notes and red berries. Subtle industrial smoke, with more engine oil and nice car workshop aromas. Something musty and even a little cheesy, but it doesn’t bother me. Then big hints of soy sauce, smoked meat and fresh tar.
Mouth: a lot of umami notes again. Smoked meat, a salty berry note, earthy peat and plenty of pipe tobacco. Hints of caramelized fruits (maybe dates), cold coffee and charred oranges and black pepper. Then smoked herbs appear, although the Nordic side is less prominent here.
Finish: long, salty and tarry, with some dark sweetness in the distance.
A bit peculiar again, but so much fun. Dirtier than the Madeira version, for sure. When forced to choose I would pick the other one because it’s more typical in my opinion, but both are definitely worth discovering. Sold out, I believe. Score: 89/100