Andalusia Stryker Smoked is an American single malt produced in Blanco, Texas, by Andalusia Whiskey Co. Distilled from 100% malted barley in a copper pot still, it is smoked with oak, mesquite and apple woods. The whiskey is double distilled and aged at least 2 years in charred oak barrels before being bottled at 50% ABV. It comes in a 750ml format and retails for around $51.99.
I think this is an absolute win. They have made a single malt triple distilled whiskey that excellently incorporates some of the best flavors of their home state of Texas. It is one of the most truly local expressions of whiskey that I’ve had.
The Stryker was also really very much defined by its smokiness. I didn-t get much from it other than that. A redeeming factor of that was the smoke itself. Wood smoke can be very one dimensional and flat, but the use of multiple woods allowed the qualities of each to shine through.
It has a caramel nose, and a sip reveals notes of Irish breakfast tea, pine, and loads of vanilla and caramel, along with solid hardwood smoke and mineral notes. The finish is long and mentholated, reminiscent of an herbal aperitif. A big, delicious Texas whiskey.
