Those clever craft distillers over at FEW Spirits in Evanston, Illinois, have created a spirit that has been smoked with not one, not two, but three different types of wood - hence the name Triple Smoke. It's fairly descriptive, right? The base spirit is made with 100% malted barley, and it's smoked with cherry wood, apple wood and mesquite wood, giving it a powerful, oily, and smoky (of course) flavour profile.
Roasted apricot and apple, earthy smoke and a hint of burnt sugar.
BBQ char, vanilla pod, more toasted sugar and a hint of pastry.
Savoury and slightly salty, with plenty of smoke sticking around.
As much as I want to enjoy this one fully, I have to rate it a three. This is quite possibly the most inaccessible whisky I've tried. In terms of nose, its very smoky but not in the peated, germolene way. I'm immediately taken to being headfirst over a smoke pit, smoking pork or ribs. This carries into flavour too. An incredibly meaty experience. This can make it an interesting drop, unlike anything I've tried. So points for being unique and offering an experience like no other. And in some respects, is quite enjoyable; somewhere between the first two offensive sips and then pondering if you want a second glass (you don't)
Avoid. Nose like wood stain, and not in a good way. Really can't get anything beyond that, not joking it smells like the stain for my tv unit. Wood stain on the palate too. Mellows into fruity wood stain on the finish. Not getting any smoke really. If you want smoke, get an islay. Truly awful whiskey. So disappointed, as the red label is one of my favourites.
