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| Hello, that is one in every of our (virtually) every day tastings. Santé! |
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September 2, 2021
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Effectively, I had first thought ‘the Nordic whiskies’ had been whiskies from anyplace north of France on a vertical line as much as the North Pole, together with Luxemburg, Belgium and The Netherlands, however a brand new very pretty leaflet by Berry Bros. & Rudd simply taught me that these had been ‘solely’ Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland (I suppose Iceland’s part of the Nordics too, identical to the Faroes). However that is rather a lot already since we may beforehand attempt fairly just a few excellent juices from up there within the lands of rakfisk, smalahove and surströmming. Oh and of fine mates. Perhaps kick this off with somewhat apéritif, after which attempt to go dive into the wilderness?…
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(PS some accents, slashes and umlauts will certainly be lacking right here and there – with apologies, blame it on my Mac.)
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Fary Lochan 2012/2017 ‘Forar Batch #02’ (47%, OB, Denmark, 1500 bottles) 
That is totally ex-bourbon barrels and quarter casks. The distillery appears to be situated in a city known as ‘Give’, which might solely be an excellent signal. The 2 or three Fary Lochans I may do that far have been somewhat uncommon however fairly good in my e-book. Color: white wine. Nostril: it is actually contemporary and fairly bready, you are virtually nosing a mixture of 90% breadcrumbs and 10% sawdust, earlier than it will gear in direction of cider and simply plain apple juice. Tends to grow to be even breadier over time, at all times a growth that I take pleasure in. Farmhouse bread with bits of apricot, additionally maybe somewhat yoghurt (from the identical farm). Mouth: kind of related emotions, flour, somewhat sawdust, rye bread, apple juice, barley syrup, cider. May very well be my thoughts enjoying methods on me (once more!) however I may quaff this, very flippantly chilled, with gravlax and caviar. End: loses one or two factors right here due to this sense of sawdust that tends to take over in your palate. Feedback: jogs my memory of Russian barley vodka made in pot stills. Very nice breadiness.
SGP:441 – 81 factors. |
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Fary Lochan 2014/2021 (60.9%, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Nordic Casks #1, hogshead, cask #6, 243 bottles) 
I imagine the truth that some very outdated, extremely reputed retailers similar to BB&R would now bottle some Nordic whiskies and never simply Scotch does say rather a lot, particularly given the truth that they’ve some super-noses on board. Color: white wine. Nostril: much less sawdust for positive, extra tart fruits (inexperienced gooseberries and rhubarb), a wee fermentary, yeasty and even form of bacterial aspect as nicely (concern not, that is good!), and quite a variety of ethanol. Let’s not push our luck – since we have got many extra Nordics to attempt at present – so, with water: contemporary pancakes and polenta, with quite touches of blood oranges this time. Some chalk too. In whisky, chalk makes me stroll (it is good that you do not work in promoting, S.) Mouth (neat): heavy, sizzling, peppery and quite stuffed with pear and pineapple sweets, plus a curious contact of vegetable, between asparagus and eggplant I’d say. Teases you… With water: a really delicate fruitiness emerges, I’d say prickly pears, along with no-less delicate, fairly minimal natural smokiness. The malt is meant to be smoked over burning nettle right here however I am unsure I may really detect that. End: medium, gristy. Feedback: excellent for positive. Some sides jogged my memory of some Westland.
SGP:452 – 85 factors. |
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Stauning ‘Kaos’ (46%, OB, Denmark, +/-2021)
With such a reputation, this child could not not have piqued my curiosity. This little chaotic whisky is a self-blend of Stauning’s rye with their peated malt and was aged in first fill bourbon and virgin American oak. Aye, we’re prepared… Color: mild gold. Nostril: a variety of enjoyable, with smoked mangos, litres of chamomile tea, eucalyptus, cough syrup, rye bread, a saucerful of muesli (not secrets and techniques), then quite liquorice and even somewhat tar. No dissonances this far, we’re good. Very reasonable vanillaness, we’re even higher. Mouth: excellent, fairly bombastic, with enormous fruits (melons, apricots, mangos) and this bready smoke that is not seen in all places. Touches of juniper and caraway, somewhat nutmeg, then fruit breads and even somewhat sourdough bread. We name that süweck right here in Alsace. End: quite lengthy and extra on liquorice. Frivolously salted liquorice. Feedback: a joyful whisky that is each very wonderful, modern (for as soon as, when some whiskymakers innovate they don’t have precisely the identical improvements as all people else), and simply enjoyable. Advisable if the value is true. No we do not test costs.
SGP:652 – 85 factors. |
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That one simply known as for an additional newish Stauning…(boy this session will probably be lengthy)…
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Stauning ‘Bastard’ (46.3%, OB, Denmark, +/-2020) 
Wie bitte, what bastard? Are you able to, in non-Japanese whisky, bear the identify of a distillery and but be a bastard? In any case, that is 70% malted rye and 30% malted barley, aged in deep-charred casks, and completed in… drumroll please… Mezcal! So yeah, an utter bastard… Color: gold. Nostril: proper, maybe somewhat an excessive amount of. You do get the agave-y smells, that are at all times extraordinarily singular, and also you get that wealthy floral fruitiness that you would discover in some younger American ryes. Violets, lavender, bitter peaches, then moist high-honey gingerbread, extra gingerbread, much more gingerbread, a cartload of gingerbread… And tequila! Not too positive, however good enjoyable. Mouth: that is virtually tweaked aquavit, virtually an actual shamble… So, ginger wine, tonic, tequila, lavender, rye bread, gingerbread (you wager), beech smoke, pink pepper… End: quite lengthy, spherical and but fruity and spicy, with extra candy ‘ex-char’ vanilla. Feedback: we have heard Diageo had been doing stuff with whisky and tequila, however it’s the first time I am encountering such an UFW (unidentified flying whisky). Now, would not Stauning Distillery form of belong to Diageo? That will clarify why that is all somewhat ‘hipstery’.
SGP:762 – 83 factors. |
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From Denmark we’ll swim to Smögen, then maybe stroll up north to Excessive Coast…
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Smögen 6 yo 2014/2021 (58.5%, OB, Unique to Germany, Sweden, PX hogsheads, cask #41+42, 852 bottles)
Smögen’s case is now closed, as each Tom, Dick and Harry now is aware of that it is the most effective small distilleries on the planet. Color: gold. Nostril: one other one which oozes of smartness. Some sides are clearly unlikely (I imply, deep-caramelised pad Thai? Mussel curry and raisins?) however this wealthy fermentary nostril that appears to be stuffed with esters – Jamaican-style – simply burst with pleasure and hope (maintain your horse, S.) Are we positive it was PX? With water: myrtle, chilly range, scoria, eucalyptus wooden, a pack of salmiak… Mouth (neat): what a wealthy, smoky, caramelly, phenolic, resinous, extremely extractive concoction! I would swear you would imagine this was quite cold-distilled, or that somebody’s smoked raisins over burning rubber boots or tyres. With water: wooden oils, liquorice, garam masala, juniper berries, marmalade. End: form of countless, a side that any taster ought to consider when constructing a line-up. Feedback: massive and beautiful, virtually monstrous. I am positive our expensive German mates take pleasure in this with their greatest currywursts. Peace and love!
SGP:474 – 87 factors. |
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Off to Field/Excessive Coast, additional north…
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Excessive Coast ‘H’ (51%, OB, Sweden, Silent Mills Assortment 03 Svanö, 2021)
I am not completely positive I am getting the entire story (I’ve to admit I first learn ‘Silent Stills’ and felt somewhat unhappy) however there, we’re right here for the whisky anyway, are we not. Color: mild gold. Nostril: some zesty peat, it appears, with a reasonably Islayian tightness, so fairly the alternative to the exuberant Smögen, oranges, contemporary kelp, contemporary almonds, lemon squash, lemonade… With water: will get extra medicinal, with bandages, ointments, some grist, some chalk… Mouth (neat): simply excellent, lemony, wealthy and considerably oily, with some spices from the wooden, ginseng, turmeric, ginger… Some bell pepper too, this one too has a form of Thai fashion. I might have holidays, having mentioned that. With water: don’t add multiple drop or it will make the oak come out. End: lengthy, contemporary, extra on lemons, angelica, contemporary turmeric… Feedback: I will should enquire about these ‘silent mills’. The whisky’s wonderful.
SGP:563 – 85 factors. |
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Excessive Coast 2013/2021 (60.9%, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Sweden, Nordic Casks #1, hogshead, cask #1384, 290 bottles) 
Seems to be like that is an unpeated Excessive Coast, and one other one on this model new Nordic sequence by BB&R. I am simply questioning, would in addition they add Highland Park to this wee sequence? Color: deep gold. Nostril: bang, butterscotch and heather honey plus cappuccino and amontillado. Am an utter sucker for this pretty fashionable fashion. With water: treasured hardwood, field of Partagas (as I bear in mind them), toffee and fudge, roasted pecans and peanuts… To be sincere, I am reminded of the early batches of Macallan 10 Cask Power. Mouth (neat): chic! Enormous, on fudge and pine liqueur, chartreuse, millionaire shortbread lined with pepper liqueur and crème de menthe, juniper and its buddy caraway… Effectively in my very own approach of organising issues, this falls into the DDIA class. Which simply means ‘Do not Drink It All’. With water: oh, oils and natural liqueurs, with only a tightness that tickles your tongue and teases your lips. I do know, I do know. End: lengthy and extra resinous. Feedback: seems like first fill fino or maybe amontillado, but it surely simply says ‘hogshead’. What do I do know…
SGP:471 – 90 factors. |
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Since we’re at Excessive Coast, rapidly…
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Excessive Coast 2015/2020 (63.6%, OB, for Taiwan Single Malt Membership, 2nd fill Hungarian oak, 76 bottles)
What’s this wee bottling? Hungarian oak is European oak and is broadly utilized in winemaking. Until they imply ex-Tokaji cask of one thing? Color: gold. Nostril: too sturdy, burns your nostrils and leaves you with no different choice than Netflix. Let’s keep away from that… With water: tight, lemony and natural, with notes of absinth and menthol. Pastis maybe, vanilla, brioche… Mouth (neat): excellent. Yellow chartreuse and fudge, it appears… However it is vitally sturdy. With water: cautious, it isn’t one of the best swimmer ever, some extreme paraffin and plastics might come out. That is the factor with these super-high strengths, they are a chore to deal with. Resins. End: lengthy, resinous, nonetheless arduous to deal with… Feedback: 100° proof do not do no hurt, increased strengths would are typically pointless in my e-book, except you are some form of fetishist. See what I imply, cowboys and all that. I feel I kind of missed this one.
SGP:363 – 82 factors. |
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Good , let’s transfer to Norway in case you do not thoughts…
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Myken 2017/2021 (61.4%, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Norway, Nordic Casks #1, barrel, cask #15, 246 bottles)
This can be a first on WF. What’s putting me is the very fact the overwhelming majority of those wonderful Nordic distilleries had been began by whisky fanatics and positively not by any massive faceless companies. By the way in which, Myken sits on an island within the north of Norway, close to the artic circle. Let’s simply hope that with world warming, they will not find yourself with a local weather that is equal to that of Dar-es-Salam. Effectively they might at all times distil figs… Color: white wine. Nostril: just a few sugary touches, fruit lotions, berries, gooseberries, inexperienced plums, some hay for positive, sourdough… As soon as once more, it’s a little sturdy. With water: ah good, sourdough, weissbeer, smoky porridge (simply one other identify for porridge with Ardbeg), oxalis, oyster plant… Mouth (neat): very tart and citrusy. Limoncello! A milder, natural smoke within the background. With water: smoked bitter bread, lemon, bone-dry sauvignon blanc, etcetera. Touches of fennel seed and liquorice, inexperienced smoke, Korean smoked oysters… End: lengthy, blade-y, quite wealthy, fermentary and yeasty. Thoughts you, that is hardly 4 years outdated. Feedback: nice shock. All of them appear to maintain their whiskies near nature, except they’ve learnt the sorcery of wooden expertise. Do you know that some distillers now have an Alexa pod in every barrel? Nah in fact I am joking. Anyway, a superb younger Norwegian whisky, we’re happy.
SGP:452 – 85 factors. |
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Time to drive to Finland, through the north of Sweden…
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Kyro 2016/2021 (54.6%, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Finland, rye, Nordic Casks #1, barrel, cask #16037, 256 bottles)
I bear in mind nicely Kyro’s early ryes, they had been wonderful. However I am afraid I’ve misplaced contact… Color: deep gold. Nostril: yeah there. Sauna oils (as if by likelihood) and muscat, gewurztraminer, pomegranates, and simply, nicely, Sauternes. Yep, Sauternes. With water: oh, pumpernickel, home made gingerbread… I simply adore this! My Germanity is flattered. Mouth (neat): oh lol, that is tremendous good, extraordinarily candy and overly spicy, on turbo-charged rye and rose jellies. Probably the most treasured Turkish delights. With water: lavender, wisteria jelly (unsure you would make that), candy rye, pink liquorice… End: lengthy, very spicy, very fruity. Some form of light monster-spirit, now it tends to grow to be a tad wishy-washy, on chicory and workplace espresso. Grenadine and liquorice allsorts within the aftertaste. That is at all times the tough stage. Feedback: was this artificial? AI whisky? As at all times, the end decides on the rating. Effectively, kind of; having mentioned that, I quite love this boisterous wee Kyro.
SGP:652 – 87 factors. |
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Time to name this a tasting session, with a final Scandinavian whisky. One which bites and hits you (I suppose)…
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Teerenpeli 7 yo (70.5%, OB for Kirsch Import, Finland, sherry, cask #09122013A, 276 bottles)
I imply, holy featherless crow! I will let you know what, if this did not come from these fabulous and reliable individuals at Kirsch Import, I would not even contact this drop. I imply, 70%, is not that simply legal? Then again, you are proper, I doubt any variants of Covid-19 would resist this little liquid. So, with confidence and religion… Color: gold. Nostril: butterscotch, Jim Beam and polish. Discover the odd one out. With water: yeah butterscotch, yeah bourbon, yeah varnish, yeah chestnut ice cream, and yeah malt soup. Only a few individuals nonetheless eat malt soup, but it surely’s a really high quality dish and I am positive *** Michelin eating places will quickly put this again into their menus. Effectively, they need to. Mouth (neat): it is loud however you do really feel that this loopy caramelly and toffee-ish concoction form of works. Pay attention, that is virtually chilly espresso. With water: extra malty and bourbony sourness. You might have known as this the lacking hyperlink. What I actually take pleasure in is the way in which it turns into soupy, salty, bouillony, with even caramelised onions and pickled figs. Not too positive about these pickled figs. End: lengthy, salty and malty, fairly yeastier at this stage, going in direction of espresso and chicory espresso within the aftertaste. Feedback: what was that? Terribly malty whisky. Thanks Finland.
SGP:362 – 86 factors. |
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Eleven Nordic whiskies, seems like we have made it! Congrats my buddy, and thanks to your unconditionally unconditional assist… (Ed: S., that was so pointless!)
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(Danke Sebastian und Jonny)
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