The Original Santa Fe Whiskey is an American single malt made by Santa Fe Spirits in New Mexico. It uses 100% malted barley with 30% mesquite-smoked malted barley instead of the traditional peat smoking used in Scotch whisky. The whiskey is aged in used bourbon barrels at 7,000 feet above sea level and bottled at 46% ABV for around $50.
The palate is bolder than the nose and actually makes me think of Highland scotch, showing well integrated notes of vanilla custard, ginger, toasted walnuts, pear, cereal grain, and a touch of pepper. The whiskey has a creamy mouthfeel as well, and the finish is fairly long. I am quite enjoying this whiskey, and I expect it will particularly appeal to Scotch fans looking to branch out into American single malts.