smoky whiskey that isn't scotch?

[cheerwind]

Can anyone suggest some good smoky whiskeys that aren't scotch whisky? Are there any bourbons or other American whiskeys with the smokiness of an Islay malt?

Nothing against scotch! scotch. Just enjoyed a bottle of Smokehead in fact . Anything on this side of the pond that might interest me?

 

[jrhudgins]

I am not aware of any peated whiskies from the US. There are peated Irish whiskies, such as Connemara. You can occasionally pick up a faint smoke impression from some of the older bourbons such as Elijah Craig 18, but nothing like an Islay whisky.

I like to use a teaspoonful or so of Ardbeg 10 to add smoke to other whiskies, such as Black Bush.

But with the appearance of new independent distillers, who knows? Maybe one of them does, or will, make a smoky whiskey.

JR

 

[cheerwind]

I like to use a teaspoonful or so of Ardbeg 10 to add smoke to other whiskies, such as Black Bush.

It must take superhuman discipline not to take a few sips of the Ardbeg, and a few sips more, and a few more, and...

 

[thruster]

You might want to try McCarthy's Single Malt Whiskey. It is a american made Islay style whiskey.

http://clearcreekdistillery.com/whiskey.html

 

[jrhudgins]

You might want to try McCarthy's Single Malt Whiskey. It is a american made Islay style whiskey.
http://clearcreekdistillery.com/whiskey.html

Excellent! Luckily there is someone on the boards who knew of a peaty whiskey in the US. Now to see if there is anywhere to buy this here.

JR

 

[LostTexan]

Excellent! Luckily there is someone on the boards who knew of a peaty whiskey in the US. Now to see if there is anywhere to buy this here.

JR

Actually, you'll still be drinking the equivalent of a "Scotch" single malt...it will merely have different origins. Clear Creek even purchases their maltings from Scotland.

It's probably senility setting in, but I'm not sure I understand your quest.

Are you merely searching for "smokey" whisk(e)y of US origin?

 

[cheerwind]

Are you merely searching for "smokey" whisk(e)y of US origin?

Yes, that's what I'm hoping to find.

 

[LostTexan]

The McCarthy's is a fair sip...but they've got a lot of balls exploiting the Lagavulin name in the description of their product. They only wish it were so good.

If you're inclined to give it a go and cannot find it in your area, it's a local product up my way. Feel free to PM me if you need help acquiring a bottle.

FWIW, I've got friends in the cocktail industry who are using a smoke pistol type device to infuse smoke into bourbon at their establishments...maybe you'd be into that sort of thing too.

 

[danek]

McCarthy's is very peaty in my opinion. Definitely not for the whiskey-wuus.

Another great American whiskey is Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, although not near as smoky-peaty.

 

[dslazar9]

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon-not as smokey as the Scotch I like
but pretty close. It's very smooth and quite affordable at $30/bottle-much less than the Scotch I drink-Lagavulin.

 

[jlanger]

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon-not as smokey as the Scotch I like
but pretty close. It's very smooth and quite affordable at $30/bottle-much less than the Scotch I drink-Lagavulin.

Personally I wouldn't describe Woodford as smoky, smooth and delicious yes . However my experience with Buffalo Trace Bourbon would describe that as pretty smoky, not peaty like a scotch but certainly has some smokiness to it.

 

[VR6ofpain]

Another great American whiskey is Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, although not near as smoky-peaty.

I agree, if you are looking for Scotch taste in an American whiskey, you need to try Stanahan's. I would stay it falls between a Bourbon and a Scotch. Very interesting drink that is extremely enjoyable. I plan to pick up another bottle haven't replaced the last one I finished off.

That said, have you explored the great world of Bourbon? I used to like myself a Single Malt, but I have shifted over to Bourbon's almost exclusively. I found they bring with them the stronger flavors I liked from Single Malts such as The Macallan 12 year. The other bonus is these excellent Bourbon's are much cheaper than comparable Scotches in the states.

You might find you will no longer be searching for a peaty whiskey, but an excellent Bourbon. Also, look into some Rye. I love Rye...smooth as silk.

 

[mparker762]

There are also some pretty good Japanese whiskeys. Although most are more lowland-like, some of them - Hakushu and Yoichi in particular - can be pretty peaty. Hakushu is reminiscent of an Islay, though it's more like Caol Ila than Laphroaig or Lagavulin.

 

[Mickdaman]

There are peated Irish whiskies, such as Connemara.
JR

+1. There is a recent expression of the Connemara available with a Sherry Cask Finish. It's not cheap - about 65€ here - but is worth it, I think. I'm not really a fan of the Connemara Whiskeys, but this one really impressed me. Bottled at 46% vol., with the upfront peatiness mellowing into a sweet sherry finish, you can't go wrong!