Haavaldsen Norwegian Single Malt - Stiger Serie

Haavaldsen Norwegian Single Malt - Stiger Serie, 3 YO, 47 %

This is the very first single malt release from Haavaldsen Distillery AS (formerly known as Kimerud Distillery AS). Matured in virgin American oak, two casks (cask #402 and #403). Limited to 900 bottles (500 ml). Distilled 2020-05-20, and bottled 2023-07-04. Peat level is set to 5 ppm.

This whisky goes on sale in Norway in early September 2023 at NOK 849 (50 cl).

Nose: An honest and pure nose greets me. Soft notes of sweet malt, vanilla and tropical fruits. With time a tickling of orchard fruits and grape fruit juice. Then puffs of toasted oak. White pepper as well.

Taste: Medium to full body. Sure it is a little feisty and rough, but it plays really nice all the same. There are no off notes anywhere in sight. This is solid - malty, fruity and clean - all the way. Menthol and hints of green herbs.

Finish: Medium to short finish. More of the sweetness coming through now. Creamy vanilla, marshmallows, and even Wilhelmina Pepermunt hard candy. Remains malty and fruity.

Comment: A rock solid and honest debut!

Score 84/100

This is Nordic whisky review #354 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas