Introduction
When I opened this set from Wu Dram Clan, pairing a mature Tennessee bourbon with a bold young Swedish single malt, I wasn’t sure what to expect. These are two whiskies from opposite ends of the spectrum — not just in terms of geography, but also age, style, and character. I tried them side by side over two evenings so I could take time with each one properly. Both are single cask bottlings, presented at cask strength, which always adds a bit of anticipation.
Nose
Starting with the Tennessee 2003 (20 years old), the nose is expressive and layered. There’s classic bourbon sweetness — vanilla, caramel, toasted nuts — but also a restrained oakiness that suggests a well-aged spirit rather than wood dominance. Dehydrated banana chips, a touch of dusty spice, and a faint floral note round it out. It's gentle and composed.
The Smögen 2014 (9 years old), in contrast, is immediately more intense on the nose. There’s peat smoke — dense and dry — paired with maritime notes that reminded me of seaweed or rockpool air. Underneath the smoke, I picked up on grilled citrus skins, tobacco leaf, and a smoked meat vibe. It's bold, punchy, and feels much younger than the Tennessee, even before tasting.
Palate
On the palate, the Tennessee continued along familiar but satisfying lines. Rich brown sugar, charred oak, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and a soft maple glaze quality. It’s warm and rounded, with a velvety texture that reminded me of well-integrated bourbons like aged Elijah Craig or some of the better Dickel releases. The alcohol is there — it’s nearly 60% ABV — but very well carried.
The Smögen, however, hits hard from the first sip. The peat smoke is front and centre, but there’s also a resinous woody note, grilled herbs, struck match, and waves of tar. It's chewy and quite dry, with spirited intensity. I picked up eucalyptus, burnt heather, and salted liquorice. Almost a sensory overload, but well composed despite its youth.
Finish
The Tennessee’s finish is long and mellow, moving slowly through lingering spice, dried fruit, and polished wood. It subtly fades rather than cuts off, and there’s no bitterness, which I appreciated.
With the Smögen, the finish is persistent and drying, dominated by smoke and a medicinal bitterness that lasts well after the sip is gone. There’s a late menthol/fennel hit that pulled me back for another taste, even though one dram felt quite filling. It’s the kind of finish that stays with you — probably not for everyone, but undeniably characteristic.
Price and Value
These aren’t everyday whiskies in terms of cost. The Tennessee, at its age and quality, feels fairly priced for a well-chosen single cask bourbon with real maturity. Smögen, though young, attracts a premium because of its cult status, especially in Europe. For me, the comparative value more strongly favors the Tennessee — it’s more approachable and balanced — though Smögen collectors will likely see the cost as justified for its bold uniqueness.
Background
Wu Dram Clan has a solid reputation for sourcing distinctive single casks from around the globe. The Tennessee whisky was distilled in 2003 and is likely from Cascade Hollow (formerly George Dickel), though that’s unconfirmed. It spent 20 years in an American oak barrel before bottling at 59.2%.
Smögen is a small Swedish craft distillery known for heavily peated expressions and punchy releases. The 2014 cask was distilled from heavily peated malt and matured in a first-fill oloroso sherry hogshead for close to nine years. Bottled at 59.5%, it reflects the Smögen Distillery’s robust house style — intense, youthful, and unfiltered.
Final Notes
Would I buy either bottle again? The Tennessee 2003, definitely. It’s balanced, quietly complex, and just a real pleasure to sit with. The Smögen 2014 I would revisit on occasion, but more for specific moments — it’s strong-willed and aggressive, not something I’d reach for regularly but worth keeping in the collection.
Is either one suited to newcomers? The Tennessee is a much gentler introduction to cask strength whiskies, while the Smögen is a challenge even for experienced palates due to the peat and power.
Which whisky suits which moment? The Tennessee fits best after dinner, maybe with a small piece of dark chocolate. The Smögen is more experimental — something to bring out in a small group, where the peat lovers can debate it.
How does the Smögen compare to other peated malts? It holds its own surprisingly well. It's distinct from Islay whiskies — sharper, drier, and less polished, but in a way that feels deliberate rather than underdeveloped. If you’re into young, fiery peat, it’s worth trying at least once.