Corsair Wildfire

Rating: 16/23 I strongly suspect I was too generous with my previous rating, but I remain hopeful it's still quite good. Nose: Definitely smoky, but not peaty. There's a tart sweetness reminiscent of apples. The smoke also imparts a meaty quality (smelling like hickory with apple and a hint of mesquite, though perhaps I'm just thinking of barbecue). Some maltiness is present but not very pronounced or complex, suggesting youth. With its tartness, sharpness, and lack of subtlety, this certainly smells like a young whiskey aged in a warm climate. While not exceptionally complex or hedonistic, the nose is solid in both dimensions and also intriguing, earning a thumbs up. Palate: Yes, it's lighter and younger than I remembered, but not excessively so or uncomplex. It lacks the deep, rich, mature complexity of expressions like Ardbeg Corryvrecken or Uigeadail, but there's still a fair amount going on. It's more akin to Amrut Peated – strong and relatively young, but not in a negative way. It exhibits the tartness of hot climate aging and a sweet smokiness (no peat). The tartness and sweetness combine for a pleasant sweet apple flavor. It has a taste somewhat like barbecued pork ribs. I suspect the apple sweetness, combined with the smokiness and slight meatiness from the malt, contributes a hint of ketchup flavor. The alcohol is a bit sharp, but not harsh, especially considering it's 50% ABV. A touch more complexity would be welcome to balance the sharpness, but I don't fault it. Finish: It mellows out on the finish. The smoke becomes less intense, and the apples develop a more floral character. The meatiness persists as well. The apple sweetness and floral notes linger long in the sweetness, but the smokiness prevents it from being too light, bland, or off-putting. Unfortunately, I must admit I misjudged this previously. My prior rating was much higher than it warrants. This remains a very good and highly sippable smoky whiskey, though many others surpass it at a similar price point. It certainly carries that BBQ smokiness, and I do detect pork ribs with BBQ sauce, but I don't want to overstate that specific flavor. It's smoky, not peaty. It possesses solid complexity and maturity, but lacks the subtlety of many other peated whiskeys, and I'd rank it below both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigideal. It's still very good and worth considering for $50, but unlike with the Corsair Grainiac, I wouldn't regret if I never purchased another bottle. I like it and find it interesting, but I believe its youth is holding it back. I appreciate its direction, but it's somewhat unrefined. The complexity is decent, but not particularly impressive. I do enjoy sipping it, though, so I think it warrants a 15. It could be a 16. It's very close to being either. It seems about a point below the Corsair Buck Yeah due to its youthfulness and boldness. It's also about a point behind Amrut Peated, though I could see it being two points behind. I realize this is an odd comparison, but they are both smoky whiskeys aged for short periods in hot climates, and the malty richness in the Amrut places it somewhat between the Wildfire and Buck Yeah in profile, making it a useful benchmark. I wonder if, during my previous tasting where I gave it a 20, the bottle had benefited from years of oxidation in the bar, or if my palate was simply off that night. Hopefully, my current bottle will improve, but it's already been open for a few months, so I don't have high expectations. This tastes rather young and bold, but it's also reasonably complex, interesting, and tasty. I considered giving it a 15, but I'm currently leaning towards a 16. It's very borderline between the two.

Score: 17/23 I thought I was finished with this bottle, but I'm returning for the last pour because I've assigned it a rather broad range of scores. It's had a substantial amount of air (a lot), but not so much that I believe it's excessive. Nose: Apple, dried smoke, roasted pork loin, minerality, heather, a whisper of blackberry, vanilla, and a hint of oily nut. It presents as youthful but without common youthful faults, and it's quite well-balanced and complex. Palate: Smoky and barrel-spiced (ginger, clove, cinnamon). Notes of malt and apple emerge, along with occasional large wafts of vanilla. There's a bit of hickory in the smoke, but less than anticipated, and thankfully no mesquite. A very subtle roast pork loin note is present, evoking a campfire slightly, but not overpoweringly. The minerality is noticeable, acting more as an additional layer than a detractor. It reminds me somewhat of a Laphroaig, though fruitier and without the peat. The combination of spices, smoke, fruit, malt, meat, vanilla, and other elements blends harmoniously into a flavorful young dram. It's a little light, but it generally seems content with its character and lacks any harshness. Finish: Vanilla, hickory smoke, apples. Perhaps faint spices and pork loin. Some minerality. It's an adequate finish. No issues, but not particularly memorable. - Conclusion - This is quite enjoyable and instills confidence in Corsair's offerings. Their innovative approach often yields positive results. However, when compared directly, I would prefer Laphroaig 10 (17-18/23). The Laphroaig is more robust (even at a lower proof) and possesses a greater maturity that appeals to me. While the Laphroaig might be slightly less distinct (if only it had a bit more alcohol), its overall profile is more compelling. Still, there are commendable flavors here. The vanilla note adds a decadent quality that counters the Laphroaig's smokiness. I'm more undecided than I first realized. When compared to Amrut Peated (17/23), it's a harder decision. I believe these two are neck and neck, and I'm genuinely wavering between them. Corsair Hydra (19/23) is surprisingly similar to this in ways I wouldn't expect. The Hydra has less malt character and focuses more on leather and dark fruits. I detect more complexity here, and the higher proof is evident (I wish the Hydra were bottled at a slightly higher proof), but I find the Hydra's profile more appealing overall. I have no doubt the Hydra is superior, but is it truly two points better? I lean towards yes, but I could be persuaded differently. Ultimately, I'm settling on a 17. It's very good, but it could benefit from some refinement. I'd appreciate a version with a bit more depth, perhaps from aging in less active barrels (not first-fill). Allowing it more time to interact with air. I'd also be curious to experience the impact of a touch of peat. Regardless, this earns a 17.

This smells more potent and less sweet than the Corsair Triple Smoke. A distinct turmeric note is present, which is unusual for whiskies and imparts an earthy, western character. Smoke is evident, as is a hint of pork loin. The taste is quite smoky with significant alcohol harshness, balanced by enough malty sweetness to counter the turmeric. It has a chocolatey quality, yet the turmeric anchors it in a barbecue profile. More malt than anticipated is detected. Moderate apple fruitiness complements the pork and plentiful vanilla. A touch of licorice is present, but it's a playful amount, sweetened by some toffee. This is smoky with meaty barbecue notes for sure. Its flavors are very good and quite well-balanced. It's rich, and the high ABV prevents it from tasting too mild. It elevates the triple smoke for a rich sipper that's also sweet and meaty. There's adequate spice to hold its own without being unpleasant. It has elements of nicely barbecued ribs, but is less astringent and shows more sophistication. This is truly an impressive spirit. Corsair has set a new standard here. The mineral note simply tastes like barbecue, and the apple pairs perfectly with the pork. It tastes good from every angle. A great achievement by Corsair. Magnificent complexity and balance.

Strong barbecue aroma with mesquite, sweet and smoky. The taste is not quite as good as the smell, but it's still decent. It tastes just like barbecue, with a medium finish where the bbq sweetness transforms into smoke. A bit limited in its appeal but earns points for originality.

Light smell; can't really detect the smoke. Mildly smoky taste. Sweet toasted caramel. The aftertaste persists and is quite pleasant. Easy to drink, average profile, probably good for mixing.

Made from 100% barley malt smoked with hickory wood. It has a darker copper hue and tastes like smoky barbecue sauce. An excellent American single malt.