Smögen, Swedish Puncheons, 8-Year-Old, Single Malt Whisky, Sweden (56%)

Whisky like this is one reason I love this job, as I get to see the hard work and talent of the producer blossom into fully fledged liquid-genius. This is richly textured and emphatically flavourful either with, or without, a splash of water. This beguiling Smögen shows a restrained peatiness on the nose, that grows broader and rounder from the palate to the finish, culminating with a glorious smoked-spice crescendo.

Rob Whitehead, Spirits buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (Jun 2022)