Smögen 2013 8 YO Single Rivesaltes Barrique

Smögen 2013 8 YO Single Rivesaltes Barrique, 59.9 %

This is a single cask release exclusive to the Norwegian market. Distilled December 2013, cask filled 2013-12-22 (cask #76/2013), bottled early 2022, and with a total outturn of 386 bottles.

The cask used is a French oak ex-Rivesaltes cask, that was first used for whisky being a private cask of Port Charlotte between 2004 and 2012. Then the cask was brought to Smögen in Sweden. Thus it is actually an ex-Rivesaltes / Ex-Port Charlotte barrique.

This Smögen 2013 8 YO Single Rivesaltes Barrique is available in Norway at NOK 1755 (14049102).

Nose: On one hand rich, dark and almost meaty - on the other hand light, fruity and rather green with mint and pine wood. Super soft and delightful puffs of peaty smoke. With time whipped cream with a few drops of orange juice added, and sprinkled with orange zest.

Taste: This is Scrooge McDuck rich and very creamy. Peppery, hot ashes. But also juicy and sugar sweet orchard fruits. Vanilla, raging wood fires, raw ginger and hints of licorice. Deeply sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Lighter smokiness, but also an added greenness - like the one experienced on the nose. I again find mint and pine wood, as well as cut grass. Orange zest and sweet orange juice in the end.

Comment: Sweet Smögen, this is great!

Score 88/100

This is Nordic whisky review #307 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas