Santa Fe Spirits’ Smokey Single Malt Gets A Limited Colkegan PX Sibling

The new Colkegan PX from Santa Fe Spirits takes the smokey flagship American single malt from this distillery and tempers it somewhat via finishing in ex-sherry casks.
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Santa Fe Spirits recently announced the fourth expression in their whiskey line up: the 100-proof, limited release Sherry Cask Finished Colkegan PX. The release marked the distillery’s 10th anniversary and follows after Colkegan Single Malt, Colkegan Apple Brandy Finished, and Colkegan Cask Strength.

Colkegan PX “sits at the top of the pyramid,” said head distiller Kris Bohm in a prepared statement.

This is the oldest Colkegan to be released to date. Bohm and founder Colin Kegan tasted the beverage at various proofs, from 92 to 116, and both decided upon 100. “It really showcases the character and depth,” continued Bohm. “The 100 proof has a heavier body and best maintains the character coming out of the cask.”

Colkegan PX
Colkegan PX (image via Santa Fe Spirits)

The distillery team chose to age the three-year-old Colkegan for an additional year in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry barrels. “We like our whiskey,” noted Kegan. “The Apple Brandy Finished Colkegan was a huge success.  We decided to build on that success by trying a different finishing variation.”

Though an American single malt, Colkegan was created in a style similar to Scotch, and aging Scotch in sherry barrels has been tradition for hundreds of years. To proof down the Colkegan PX, Bohm used the élevage process of gradually adding water to reduce the proof of the whiskey while it is still in the cask.  “This extracts different sugars form the wood.  It helps the whiskey take on more of the character from the cask.”

While Colkegan is known for its smoke, this expression also, according to official tasting notes, includes subtle hints of wood from the sherry butts and sweetness from the Pedro Ximénez. The character has a rich flavor profile with notes of stone fruits and cherries, with a sherry finish that accentuates the fruity notes and gives a multilayered finish. It is said as well that “the extra year of aging tempers the smoke a lot”.

Colkegan PX was launched with a very small release of 100 cases of 750ml bottles. It will be available exclusively in Santa Fe Spirits’ tasting rooms through the end of the year, or while supplies last.

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Lilly Lion

Lilly Lion, a Portland-based freelance writer and film/video editor, finds joy in exploring new destinations, mastering languages, savoring craft beverages, and spending time with exceptionally fluffy dogs.

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