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Smoking Furnace Blended Scotch Whisky Review

Smoking Furnace is a well-crafted blended scotch from Claxtons that delivers approachable peat smoke alongside citrus zing and dried fruit sweetness. At 46% ABV and naturally presented, it's a brilliant value gateway into peated whiskies.

OVERALL RATING

7
$46
  • Jeff, a UK-based whisky reviewer with a lighthearted approach.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Smoking Furnace is a blended scotch whisky produced by Claxtons at the Dalswinton Bond. Described as including a high proportion of peated malt and is finished for 12 months in specially prepared oak casks that have been both toasted and heavily recharred. These casks are selected to enhance the whisky’s flavour profile, adding elements of sweetness and additional layers of smoke.

This has been released with natural colour, non-chill filtered, and at 46% abv.
Appearance:
Quite a deep copper colour.
Nose:
The nose first hits you with a distinctly earthy and dusty peat smoke with a sharp citrusy lime cordial zing cutting through the smoke. There is a bit of a briny coastal almost seaweed note floating from the glass.

Beneath that, there’s a muddle of soggy dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and other stewed orchard fruit which brings a rich, slightly fermented sweetness. Rounding things off is a comforting hint of cherry jam tarts, adding a warm, pastry note that lingers nicely with the smoke.
Palate:
The texture starts off surprisingly light and thin at first but it evolves into a creamier, more oily mouthfeel that coats the tongue nicely. The smoke is ashy and subtle, not aggressively peated, but rather a pleasant, woody smoke that enhances the notes without overwhelming.

Notes of fresh strawberries which is a signature note I often find in STR casks, bringing a vibrant, juicy contrast to the darker elements. A slightly menthol freshness cuts through the sweetness balancing beautifully with the soft apricot tones from the nose.
Finish:
The finish is light and floral, but it’s elevated by a lingering wisp of smoke that clings to the roof of the mouth. It leaves you with a enough gentle, smoky warmth to keep things interesting.
Comments:
A brilliant value slightly peated blend which would be a great gateway to try smoky whiskies without diving too deep into the Islay medical peat. It is really great to see brands like Claxton’s putting out well presented and affordable blends which avoids being too grain dominant.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

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