Nordic Whisky #39 - Smögen 2011 3 YO (Svenska Eldvatten)

Smögen 2011 3 YO, 55,4%

This is the first independent bottling of a Swedish single malt, as far as I know. This Smögen 2011 3 YO is extra heavily peated at 90 ppm. It was distilled on New Years Eve 2011, matured in a 40 liter 1st fill sherry cask, and bottled in January 2015.

With a cask this small the amount of bottles was very limited. The owner of the cask kept parts of the contents himself and the rest was bottled by the Swedish independent bottler Svenska Eldvatten. The outturn was only 39 bottles!

Svenska Eldvatten held a lottery when announcing this for sale. Since they only had 39 bottles they wanted everyone that were interested to have a fair shot at getting a bottle. They received hundreds of requests, we also participated. Unfortunately we did win the lottery, but one of our good friends was lucky (as always!), and he was kind enough to share a couple of samples with us.

Needless to say this whisky was sold out before it hit the shelves.

Nose (22/25): Wow! Is this just three years old? It feels fully matured on the nose. The peat is not overwhelming, it's just right I would say. Sweetness - fruits and berries (blackcurrant). A bit sugary perhaps? Ripe plums, peaches, sawdust and soft oaky spiciness. Give it time and it opens up more - lovely sherry notes - tempered and rich.

Taste (22/25): Rich and full-on! The delivery does attack on all fronts, but the attack is most welcome. I lay down all my defenses and just wait for the hit. Again the peat feels just right. No über-peated scariness here. It works - it has a harmony rarely seen in such a young whisky. Sherried sweetness, top-shelf quality.

Finish (21/25): Rich caramel and peaty honey. Dark fruits and pepper. Lands a bit too soon, but that is to be expected.

Balance (22/25): This dram is a feast in a glass.

Score (87/100)

Thanks Tobias, you're the best!

Sláinte! - Thomas