Nordic Whisky #93 - Smögen French Quarter

Smögen French Quarter, 4 YO, 61,1 %

On April 14, 2016, this latest bottling from Swedish distillery Smögen Whisky was released.  The Smögen French Quarter is a limited release of just 792 bottles. This whisky was matured for four years in virgin quarter casks (120 litre) made from French oak. The casks were made in Cognac, but they have never been filled with cognac.

The spirit was distilled in January 2012 and bottled in February 2016. According to Pär Caldenby, teh owner and master distiller, this expression is a further development and continuation of the very first whisky he released - the 3 YO Smögen Primör.

Smögen French Quarter was sold at SEK 934 and is already sold out in Sweden. You can still pick up a bottle online in the UK at just under GBP 80.

Nose: Sweet, soft and delicate. Lots of vanilla, summer fruits, red berries, sweet wood smoke, and soft wood spices. There's hints of pine wood in the background. The peatiness is muscular and has a maritime touch to it.

Taste: Super smooth and creamy. Lots of spices up front. Pepper, chilli, and ginger. Red berries still, and the peat is just as rich on the palate. Sweet and with a hint of saltiness.

Finish: Medium long finish. Warm and sweet all the way. The creaminess is just right, and there's rich honey as well now. Actually, think home made caramel pudding, covered with a rich caramel and honey sauce and a large dollop of whipped cream.

Comments: Anyone ready for dessert? Well, just say no, and enjoy a dram of this fine creation instead.

Score (88/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas