SanTan Sacred Stave Single Malt Whiskey

Intense spice, earthy wood, tobacco, orchard fruits, vanilla, and toffee
Review by Steve Kirwan

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Product Name: SanTan Spirits Sacred Stave American “Mouvedre” Single Malt Whisky
Description: American Single Malt Whisky
Price: $39
Producer: SanTan Distillery
Parent Company: SanTan Spirits and Brewery
Additional Information: SanTan Brewery, a local Phoenix, AZ favorite among beer aficionados recently launched a line of craft whiskeys, including an American reboot of 100% malted barley “Irish” Single Malt Whiskey. SanTan’s foray is a great first attempt in an arena dominated by distilleries with hundreds of years of history. Despite its “New World” heritage, it could easily pass as a proper youthful Irish whiskey.

REVIEW:

Impressions:
Sacred Stave’s clear but dark caramel color presages its intensely dark-spice aromas of clove, cardamom, and rosemary. Backed by notes of earthy wood tones and tobacco, the nose also exhibits subtler hints of orchard fruits, vanilla, and toffee. On the tongue, youthful fire gives way to a softer warm glow and a sense of oil and browned-butter. The initially overwhelming winter spice flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves drop off quickly, leading to hints of tawny leather and fruitcake. There’s also a noticeable malt cereal aftertaste in the swallow. The warm but short finish reveals red wine notes from the Mouvedre aging casks mixed with some bitter tannins and an oaky texture. Adding water softens the first heat, but also muddies and diminishes the spice intensity in favor of malt and cinnamon.
Overview: Youthfully exuberant with initial winter spiciness followed by a short, woody landing.
Rating*: 3

*RATING KEY:
Ratings are based on personal opinions! Your tastes/preferences may vary!
Price based on local market price (USD) in Phoenix, AZ

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