- 92
Colkegan Apple Brandy Cask Finish Single Malt American Whiskey (750ml)
UNITED STATES
$165. 00
Bottle
$1980.00 Dozen
ABV: 46%
Colkegan's latest expression has been aged for over six years, initially 52-months in 200-litre barrels, then, as the master distiller was monitoring the stock, one barrel was selected for an extra 12-months of finishing in apple brandy casks, added to still wet barrels of apple brandy that Santa Fe Spirits also distill themselves.
Tasting note: Pale straw gold. Initially shy, but builds with hints of apple tart, cinnamon and bitter almond-like aromas as well as light balsa wood and milk chocolate. Light on entry ; Some baked apple / cider fruitiness at mid palate then white chocolate gives way to creeping wood smoke, especially towards the finish. The aftertaste sees the cidery / cocoa / chocolatey notes return with the sooty, camp fire smokiness in the background. An eclectic, sometimes beguiling arrangement that makes for a one-of-a-kind whiskey. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Soft and juicy aromas of ginger juice, apple tart, strawberry shortcake, and light, sweet smoke. Very aromatic, with lots of citrus, clove and cinnamon. Orange Creamsicle on the palate, with a good deal of apple, poached pear, marmalade and light smoke. Salted butter, gentle oak and wispy smoke keep. A good harmony of flavours.
92 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Adam Polonski (Fall 2018) Santa Fe Spirits is owned by an English expat, Colin Kegan, from whom the brand's name is derived. Just like Scotch Single Malt, this whisky is produced from 100% malted barley and aged (largely) in used bourbon barrels. Being subject to New Mexico's arid climate, the elevated warehouses experience significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which tends to accelerate the aging process. Up to 40% is lost to evaporation during the maturation period. The major point of difference for this whisky lies in the kilning process: 30% of the barley used is dried using a mesquite fire. Mesquite refers to wood sourced from small desert shrubs. It's actually one of the more expensive lumbers in the U.S and a mature tree can fetch thousands of dollars. It was a popular ship building material for the early Spaniards, but it's now most commonly used for high end rustic furniture. The smokey flavour mesquite imparts is nothing like peat, but like its Scottish counterparts, it can add amazing complexity to the finished spirit.
92 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Adam Polonski (Fall 2018) Santa Fe Spirits is owned by an English expat, Colin Kegan, from whom the brand's name is derived. Just like Scotch Single Malt, this whisky is produced from 100% malted barley and aged (largely) in used bourbon barrels. Being subject to New Mexico's arid climate, the elevated warehouses experience significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which tends to accelerate the aging process. Up to 40% is lost to evaporation during the maturation period. The major point of difference for this whisky lies in the kilning process: 30% of the barley used is dried using a mesquite fire. Mesquite refers to wood sourced from small desert shrubs. It's actually one of the more expensive lumbers in the U.S and a mature tree can fetch thousands of dollars. It was a popular ship building material for the early Spaniards, but it's now most commonly used for high end rustic furniture. The smokey flavour mesquite imparts is nothing like peat, but like its Scottish counterparts, it can add amazing complexity to the finished spirit.