Santis Malt Whisky Dreifaltigkeit Peated Malt 52% 500ml

Dreifaltigkeit' means trinity in German, and this whisky apparently gets its name from a local Swiss mountain peak. Reportedly the barley is smoked in multiple ways – first wood-smoked in beech and oak woods, then re-smoked with local peat from the Appenzell Highmoor. It' makes for an experience not all whisky drinkers will appreciate, even some peat freaks. Having said that, an earlier edition was awarded Jim Murray's “European Whisky of the Year” for 2010. Unlike anything from Islay, we'd describe it as 'progressive', even a bit of a one-of-a-kind in its deceptively powerful, intensely smokey-malt profile that evokes bbq grill, bitter herbs, pepper and high-cocoa chocolate. The long, weighty finish is matched by few whiskies: thick with wood smoke, followed by an almost chewy sensation that introduces choc fudge, walnut brownies and hints of dry molasses. Overdone, perhaps, but it grows on you. Seasoned whisky lovers, expect to be surprised and intimidated in equal measure! 52% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... The kind of smokey infusion which just makes you purr with happiness. One of my favourite peat styles: a kind of mix between cattle sheds and bacon frying in the pan... Thick, chewy and frankly magnificent... such a long finale. The smoke pulses, the spices tingle and the fruit allays with the barley and the growing oak for a deeply pleasing sweet-dry interplay... Santis back to its most brilliant... If you see a bottle grab it and ask questions later. 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024