Not long ago I reviewed five American whiskeys bottled for the Wu Dram Clan. Apart from their single malts they seem to have a sweet spot for bourbons as well. Just now they’ve released another Tennessee whiskey from the 2003 vintage, a sister cask of the one that happened to be my favourite last time.
At the same time they’re releasing a new Smögen 2014 – another sister cask of a previous release. Check their website for sales information.
Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey 21 yo 2003 (48,3%, Wu Dram Clan 2025, barrel #19, 109 btl.)
Nose: quite luxurious, on hazelnut paste, caramel and praline, but also fresh minty notes. Sweet corn, drier walnuts, balanced rich oaky notes and sandalwood. Subtle orange peels, roasted coffee beans and ethereal floral notes in the distance. A bit of an after-dinner dram.
Mouth: similar associations of velvet sofas and bathrobes, so to speak. Warming oaky notes, mixed with cinnamon and black peppercorns. Tobacco, hints of eucalyptus and honey. Then caraway seeds, maple syrup, just a little coconut, drops of Cointreau and sweet rye bread. A dash of Havana Club 7 Years too.
Finish: fairly long, with nice hints of orange cordial, more rye bread, molasses sweetness and hints of glazed chestnut.
Quite an excellent Dickel again. It is warm and seductive, but always retains its elegance.
Smögen 10 yo 2014 (59,1%, Wu Dram Clan 2025, first fill Four Roses bourbon barrel #13)
Nose: damp wood, some light rye bread, wet asphalt and some dusty cement. Then light smoke and fresh oak shavings, as well as a hint of glue and wet chalk. After a while hints of pear and citrus come out, along with subtle dried herbs, making it more Nordic in my opinion.
Mouth: intense. There’s a nice oily texture, as well as a sweet herbal theme. Then ashy notes, a pinch of salt, light dough, grapefruit peelings and sweet apple. Juniper berries too. Kilkerran springs to mind. In the background also hints of tapenade and plenty of earthy / leafy notes.
Finish: long, now more coastal and more citrusy. Decidely mineral with just a very light sooty hint.
A very successful youngster that wouldn’t misstand in a Campbeltown line-up. Tight, mineral, herbal and lightly smoky. Plenty of character, much in line with the previous cask. Score: 89/100