Single Malt Whisky, Sweden

Founded in 2009 by Pär Caldenby, the Smögen distillery is known for its cask strength releases. This heavily peated version (50 ppm) made with Optic barley is an exception to the rule and was bottled at 95 proof on the Sikes scale (a unit of measurement previously used in Great Britain and Canada), the equivalent of 54.3% ABV. The remarkably contrasting palette of flavours and aromas focuses on an omnipresent peat which in turn highlights the other elements.