Nordic Whisky #126 - Gjoleid Praksis 1.1

Gjoleid Praksis 1.1, 4 YO, 47,4 %

Gjoleid Praksis 1.1

Finally the wait is over. We have new products released from Norwegian distillery (giant) Arcus, under the brand Gjoleid. They have previously released two whiskies (see here and here). In November 2016 they released three new expressions. The first one under review, the Gjoleid Praksis 1.1 is a Travel retail only release.

The Gjoleid Praksis 1.1 has been matured in two casks; a 200 litre fresh American oak cask (10342), and a 200 litre 1st fill ex-bourbon American oak cask (10329). The mash bill consisted of light malted barley, malted wheat, and malt lightly smoked using logs of alder wood. Four years old, or as they say on the label 'almost five years old'.

I am not entirely sure if it has been made available to buy yet, and if so where. I looked everywhere at Oslo Airport Gardermoen the week before Christmas, but found no traces of it. The staff at the Travel Retail stores had not heard of the product either. If you hear anything, please let me know!

Nose: Light notes of fruit (mainly apples - but also citrus), vanilla, malt, white pepper and fresh oak.

Taste: Medium body and oily mouthfeel. Vanilla, pepper, simple syrup, ginger and caramel.

Finish: Medium long finish. Not a lot more happening. A rather harmonious mix of vanilla, caramel, honey and ripe apples bring us in for landing. A touch of wet planks right at the end.

Comments: A pleasant enough whisky. Still feels somewhat young-ish.

Score (82/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas