Colkegan Cask Strength Single Malt

This bottle was purchased during a visit to Santa Fe. Though I didn't visit the distillery, I sampled five different bottles at their downtown tasting room. My top choices were this one and the single malt finished in apple brandy. I understand the single malt is a combination of 30% mesquite smoked malted barley and 70% unsmoked. Compared to the Del Bac Dorado, the mesquite flavor is subtle. In fact, I detect no mesquite or smoke on the nose, only apple, bubblegum, and a hint of something herbal. The mesquite seems to appear on the palate and finish, but I'm not sure I would identify it without actively searching for it. It's quite understated. It's enjoyable neat, but I prefer it with a bit of water. The palate offers more apple, plus caramel and cinnamon. A subtle smoke emerges on the back end leading into the finish. It's not immediately identifiable as mesquite smoke like with Del Bac, but some smoke is present. A mildly herbal note reappears, which someone else noted as sage, and I agree with that assessment. Overall, I like this. It's possibly less intriguing than Del Bac Dorado, but it's more approachable with the mesquite dialed back to nearly imperceptible. It still holds some interest with the slight smoke and herbal character. It's not on the same level as some of the superior Balcones single malts, but I believe it's worth exploring, especially given the fair prices at the distillery. The standard bottling is $49, the apple brandy finished is $59, and the cask strength is $69.

I haven't tried Colkegan before. A friend sent over a generous sample, so I'll be tasting it this evening. Colkegan is an American single malt from New Mexico, made with 30% mesquite-smoked malt and aged at a high altitude of 7000 feet. It appears to be around 3 years old and close to 60% ABV. The nose is amazing—apples and smoke. The smoke is not intense but gentle, and quite different from what you'd typically expect from Scotland. That 30% mesquite makes its presence known without being overwhelming. The palate has oak, and then the mesquite emerges—wow, I personally love the aroma of mesquite, so this is right up my alley. Flavors include cinnamon, apples, and mesquite. This is an incredible American single malt. It doesn't attempt to emulate Scottish whisky; it's uniquely American. I'm unsure of the price, but anything under $100 would be an immediate purchase. Thanks again to my friend for the pour!

Cask strength Colkegan. Nose: Leather, butterscotch, caramel, dates, mesquite smoke, and light tobacco (like Connecticut). Taste: Hints of brine, pepper, tobacco, vanilla, and mesquite. A truly excellent sipping whiskey. The cask strength really amplifies the intense barrel notes. The mesquite is more noticeable on the nose but lingers in the taste. I enjoy New Mexican whiskey, and this is my top choice among the three Colkegan varieties (with two more to review).

This is my top pick from the Colkegan selection (a must-try when visiting Sante Fe), and it best preserves the distinct character of the single malt. The mesquite smoke isn't for everyone (it has an almost faint peat-like quality), but it's accompanied by delicious earthy, almost vegetal notes, fruit jam, chocolate, and dark honey. (Colkegan's sherry finish is also quite good, but its sweetness dominates the entire experience and comes at a higher price.)

Heavily smoky aroma with mildly sweet undertones. Barley, a hint of vanilla, a good amount of apple, and smoke. Spice and barrel heat on the tongue; the smoke takes a backseat to the alcohol's impact. The same barley sweetness is present; it's actually a rather pleasant balance. The finish is long and spicy; this is wonderful.

Nose: Fruity and leathery with a whisper of peat. Palate: Initially honey, then evolving to brine and smoke with a persistent spiciness. Finish: Remarkably smooth, especially for 59% ABV, with just a faint bitter note and a suggestion of peat.