In the grand world of whiskey, the term "smooth" is subjective yet universally coveted. While some enthusiasts favor bold, complex flavors, many seek out smoothness, that delightful absence of bite that allows the nuances of the spirit to shine. If you're among the latter, you're in luck; 2019 was a triumphant year for smooth whiskeys.
As with any subjective taste, what constitutes 'smooth' can vary greatly. For some, it's the lack of harshness, for others, it's the creamy, buttery mouthfeel. Regardless, these five whiskeys from 2019 were widely recognized for their smoothness, standing out in a market saturated with exceptional drams.
The Role of Age and Mash Bill
When it comes to smoothness, age often plays a significant role. Older whiskeys have had more time to mellow and integrate their flavors. Additionally, the mash bill - the combination of grains used in the whiskey's production - can greatly impact smoothness.
In 2019, master distillers continued to experiment with these variables, creating smooth whiskeys that pushed the boundaries of what we expect from the category.
Bourbon: A Supple Classic
Bourbon remains the king of smooth whiskeys, with an array of releases in 2019 that showcased the category's versatility. The Heaven's Door Bootleg Series Batch #1, for instance, offered a remarkably smooth ride with its high rye content, embodying the classic sweet-heat symphony of a bourbon.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Jefferson's Ocean, Aged at Sea Anchor 16-Year-Old demonstrated that age and motion can conspire to create an exquisite smoothness, with ocean air and wave motion imparting unique characteristics to this rich, elegant pour.
Rye: Spicy and Silken
Rye whiskey, traditionally spicier than its bourbon counterparts, has gained traction among smoothness seekers thanks to careful aging and innovative finishes. The Templeton Rye 10-Year-Old Small Batch Reserve was a standout in 2019, offering a harmonious balance of rye spice and sweetness, with a velvety smoothness that belied its age.
Meanwhile, the Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass, a blend of Indiana ryes, was a smooth operator, blending youthful vibrancy with mature complexity, a feat accomplished through careful selection and blending.
Evolution in Cask Finishing
Cask finishing - the practice of aging whiskey in secondary barrels - has become increasingly popular, with distillers experimenting with everything from ex-rum barrels to port pipes. The results of these experiments, in 2019, yielded an array of smooth whiskeys that showcased the art of the blender.
By influencing the final stages of a whiskey's maturation, cask finishes can significantly impact smoothness, adding layers of flavor and rounding off edges.
Sherry Finishes: Velvety and Rounded
Sherry casks, with their rich, nutty, and fruity profiles, have long been favored for their softening effects. In 2019, releases like the Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels demonstrated the smoothening power of port, wrapping the whiskey's heat in a luscious, velvety embrace.
The Redbreast 12, meanwhile, showcased the smoothing effects of a good ol' Oloroso sherry cask finish, harmonizing the spirit's spice and sweetness in a cocoa-nutty symphony that slid down the throat like liquid silk.
Unconventional Casks: Smooth Surprises
Beyond the traditional sherry, port, and rum finishes, distillers turned to other casks in 2019, yielding smooth whiskeys with surprises around every corner. The Knob Creek Rye Quarter Oak, for instance, was finished in quarter casks - small barrels that facilitate faster maturation - creating a smooth, robust whiskey with the complexity of its elder siblings.
The Balvenie Tun 1501 Batch 8, a blend finished in various casks, was a smooth operator, showcasing the distillery's mastery of the art of blending, with a velvety, complex pour that hinted at the future of smooth whiskey.
The hunt for smoothness is endless, and 2019 was but a chapter in this ongoing adventure. As distillers continue to innovate, one thing remains certain: the future of smooth whiskey is as exciting and full-bodied as the spirit itself. So, keep exploring, keep tasting, and most importantly, keep enjoying the smooth ride.