Swift Single Malt Texas Whiskey

This tastes like a Speyside scotch and upon reading the distillery's website, wouldn't you know it: that's exactly what they were going for. There is also an interesting similarity to a bright Amber ale or IPA that is unique among whiskies. Swift reminds me a bit of Pendleton 1910 in that it isn't what I expected and it has a bit of a nutty, oily element to it. This a very fruity whiskey without being sickeningly sweet or inundated with cherry. There is a nice hit of sharp wood that adds a tartness that fits well with the fruit. In terms of fruit, there are clear flavors of orange and Fuji apple present. There are also notes of honey, cinnamon, and vanilla with a tiny bit of smoke and some oiliness that blends with the occasional almond reference to make the profile slightly creamy. The lack of peat, minerals, salt, or other flavors makes this a refreshing drink. The taste of alcohol is definitely more present because the other flavors are subdued, but it does not impart any strange aftertaste. The flavor is well-rounded and develops a bit, leading into a finish that is dominated by honey and marmalade (and tastes darned good). All in all, this is an interesting and enjoyable drink despite being a bit young. The high price is a bit irksome given the whiskey's age. At this price, you have to really appreciate interesting drinks for it to be worth purchasing. I can't wait to see how Swift's whiskey develops as they age it longer and tweak the formula. There is some nice spiciness that is reminiscent of Compass Box Spice Tree, but is more mild. It has a lot of subtle elements, but really needs some more time to develop a stronger flavor. All of the flavors that are there are spot-on, but the need more development. Fortunately, the alcohol does not overwhelm. Barley, mild orange, cinnamon. It's fairly smooth, especially for its ABV. I would love to try this after it had aged for a bit longer. It's like a young Scotch with bourbon elements, but with some depth and excellent flavors. On a less important note, the whiskey's aesthetics are subdued but well executed. The similarity in color between the fox on the label and the whiskey itself is fascinating and the label is full of details like letters hiding partially behind the fox's tail that make it feel refined. The wooden top on the cork is a nice touch too. This is a smooth and refreshing whiskey, but the alcohol is noticeable, much like it is in a vodka. The key distinction is that there is tons of depth here, but it is subtle. I wish this whiskey had been aged longer though so that the beautiful flavors from the aging overtook the generic alcohol notes. The flavors include orange, cinnamon, ginger, and a bit of caramel all right there. It is simultaneously refreshing and viscous, but I wish that it were less watery.

Edit: I got a new bottle, and I can honestly say that it is far more impressive than the first bottle I had. The tasting notes on Distiller are pretty close to what I get, with a few additions. The nose is a bit more floral now, like honeysuckle. I also get some lemon, black tea, and a nice tanic quality on the palate. It's still a young spirit, so it is a bit hot, vibrant, and effervescent. This is a well made whiskey, and was worth trying again. Leaving my original notes below. (Original notes follow) I really wanted to love this, but it wasn't worth the price tag in the end. I'm willing to believe that the bottle I had just wasn't good, but there was just an off flavor throughout. I want to attribute it to cask selection, as the spirit itself was malty and flavorsome, but that funky undercurrent was there. I'll try this again another time, because I like supporting Texas distillers. Just for comparison, this was $50 in College Station.

This place is about a half hour from me so support local is what Im thinking. Plenty to like here with the small business model and husband /wife workforce. The whiskey itself is not bad but boy is it green. Very young with new make all over the profile. Noses some sliced apple and pear with youthful malt and barrel. Juicy fruit gum after you chew it for awhile. Palate is all new make malt tinged with some fruit and new barrel. Perhaps some peach tea and shrink wrap settle in with time. Dry finish with the oak in the front with distant fruity malt. Comes across as underripe and rushed to bottle. That said the quality of the product is evident and with longer ageing there could be a winner here. For what this is and at price point its a tough sell.......71/100......... will not repurchase

I found it on sale for $35 a while back. I'm finding it hard to get anything pleasurable out of it. Perhaps I got a bad bottle/batch, but I've had 6 other people try it with similar negative feedback. I'd love to support another Texas distiller, but I'm not sure if the Texas climate is really made for a good single malt, which often needs a long time in cool conditions to really mature in a barrel without over oaking it. The young age and hot climate really puts this off for me. I might visit the distillery at some point to try them out again, but until then I won't be getting another bottle since I'm struggling to find use for the one I have right now.

Sweet and well-balanced, albeit a bit thin. I’m pleased with the product & can’t wait to see what else comes out of this distillery. Nose: Light, sweet, apricots, lots of rubbing alcohol. Taste: Sweet like a tootsie roll. That’s what this. The sherry is nice & lingers, but I can’t get over how much of a tootsie roll I taste. There’s oakey vanilla in here, too. Finish: Dissipates and the chocolate lingers like…a tootsie roll. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t melt down a bunch of tootsie rolls and throw them in this.

I loved this whisky from the first taste! I agree that it is young and I know it will only get better! The nose is a blossom of sweetness, a malted barley bouquet! It is almost like perfume! The taste is bright and the sharpness of the alcohol hits your tongue briefly, then it melts to a sweetness that is fruity, laced with vanilla and a tangy, almost citrusy burst. The finish is short, encouraging another sip to experience this fresh Malt Whisky all over again.