Sheep dip is not one of the first things I think of when I’m looking forward to tasting a scotch whisky. However, there is a connection which goes back to the days of illegal distillation. Wikipedia says, “Sheep dip is a liquid… which shepherds and farmers may use to protect their sheep from infestation against external parasites.” Of course, any time there is alcohol distillation, the government wants their share of the tax revenue, so they would send revenue agents to the farms. The Scottish farmers saw them as parasites, and in a bit of high irony, hid their whisky in barrels marked SD or “Sheep Dip”.
For those of you who care for such details, Sheep Dip is a blend of sixteen different single malt whiskies, aged between eight and twenty years, in first-fill American oak casks. You can read my review of its sibling “Pig’s Nose” here.
Sheep Dip Whisky (80 proof)
Visual: Light, golden sunrise.
Nose: Quite intense with a moderate amount of smoke.
Taste: Malty and lightly smoked with a healthy dose of oak. Despite this being a blend rather than a single malt, a whole lot of the single malt shines through. Some alcoholic heat permeates the overall effect tho’.
Finish: Medium long with a lingering sweetness.
Overall: Plenty of Scotch flavor here. Basic, down to earth and homey. A good one for shots and a Blood & Sand.
GSN Rating: B+
For more information go to: Spencerfield Spirit Co.
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