Smoky Quartz V5 Bourbon

I appreciate exploring the offerings from craft distilleries, as there are numerous unique and exciting whiskeys waiting to be found. I especially enjoy discovering local or regional treasures and have several bottles from most New England states, excluding Vermont and my home state of New Hampshire. Smoky Quartz had been available in the New Hampshire state liquor store for a while, but my interest was tempered by caution. With a mash bill of 100% corn, aged for just over a year (in New Hampshire, which doesn't exactly offer rapid aging conditions like Texas), this whiskey seemed destined to be harsh and untamed. Furthermore, Smoky Quartz currently produces four items: vodka, moonshine, gin, and bourbon, with the bourbon listed last on their website. Perhaps it's not their flagship product... On Sunday, during dinner at my sister's house, she surprised me with a local bourbon to try – Smoky Quartz, a gift from a friend. Smoky Quartz is based in Seabrook, NH, and sources all its grains locally. The V5 is made from 100% corn, aged for about 15 months in small (15-gallon) barrels, and bottled at 45% ABV. The aroma is rich with corn and vanilla. The palate begins with a strong vanilla and caramel impact, followed by a moderate alcohol presence that isn't overpowering and is balanced by a grassy note. The heat and grassiness gradually subside, replaced by a pronounced burst of fruity and caramel sweetness at the conclusion of a lengthy finish. It's undeniably a young whiskey; the spice and nuttiness found in more mature bourbons are absent, as is a fully developed profile. On the other hand, the harshness is well-managed, there's an interesting progression from the palate to the finish, and it avoids the harsh oakiness that can result from small barrel aging. While not revolutionary, it's a very competent effort, and I intend to visit the distillery soon.

Nose: Vanilla (almost excessively so), corn, with a peculiar chemical scent (is it rubber? varnish?) Palate: Oak, char, and a touch of vanilla near the end. Finish: A sweet yet somewhat bitter conclusion, short to medium in length. As a resident of New England, I was eager to sample a product from Seabrook, NH. The distillery, owned by veterans, utilizes a 100% corn mash and ages it for 16 months in 15-gallon white oak barrels, which are considerably smaller than the standard 53-gallon barrels. This smaller size facilitates greater wood interaction and accelerates the aging process. The process explains the resulting product: while its sweet character shows great promise, it still exhibits significant youth and lacks balance. I am curious to taste a more aged version.

A veteran-owned American distillery making its mark in the New England craft distillery scene. I visited the Distillery in Seabrook directly, and while the Owner was bottling, he gave me a personal tour and answered all my questions. Interestingly, he's finding vodka and gin to be his top sellers, but bourbon is his passion. Very, very drinkable and tasty – smoother than I anticipated. Not complex but sweet and not overly alcoholic. I will return for more!

Very enjoyable! It definitely has that 'new craft distillery' feel from not being aged long, but it's pleasant and very drinkable. I'll be keeping an eye out for them, hoping for a 4-year version.

Sweet initial taste of vanilla and molasses, followed by a spicy and floral finish with clove, anise, and perhaps a touch of cardamom. Overall a very rich and complex flavor that is well-balanced and enjoyable.

Aroma: Burnt caramel, hickory smoke, and roasted coffee. Palate: Very sweet, with complementary notes of chocolate and mint.