Nordic whisky #231 - Myken Peated Sherry 2019

Myken Peated Sherry 2019, 3 YO, 47 %

The tiny Norwegian whisky “industry” is coming to life. In just a few days we will see new expressions from two Norwegian distilleries. I will first have a closer look at the third generally available release from Myken Destilleri. The Myken Peated Sherry 2019 is a three year old whisky that is just what the name says - peated and sherry matured.

It has been matured in 40 litre sherry seasoned casks, and it is the first ever release of a peated Norwegian single malt, as far as I know.

Here are a few words from Roar Larsen, the Distillery Manager, on the Myken Peated Sherry 2019:

"It has been matured in 7 small 40 litre casks seasoned with ex-sherry Oloroso. Two of the casks were only half full when emptied, as they had been subject to quite a few cask samples previously. The total outturn was around 540 bottles (50 cl), and 402 bottles will be made available for sale. The malt used is from Castle Maltings in Belgium, peated to a level of 35 ppm using Scottish peat".

The Myken Peated Sherry 2019 will be launched on November 1 in Norway, and will sell at NOK 899 for a 50 cl bottle.

Nose: Wood fire and toasted oak. White pepper and vanilla. Then more smoky aromas. Finally, behind the veil of smoke there is a hint of dried fruits and chocolate. Maybe not a very exciting nose, but I find it soothing and quite pleasing. Nosing this dram is a form of meditation. With time I also find home made caramel pudding - the luxury variant my grandmother used to make. Near perfect harmony.

Taste: Medium body. The smokiness is dialed down a fair bit from the nose. Here is comes across more like a mix of wood smoke, black pepper, medium dark chocolate and sweet licorice. Cinnamon and vanilla in the back.

Finish: Medium long finish. Mellows out and descends to low altitude fairly quickly, but remains coasting at that altitude for a good while. Soft fruitiness, licorice, mild spices and whisps of smoke.

Comment: A very fine nose indeed, and a solid dram.

Score 87/100

Roar Larsen, and his wife Trude, presenting the latest “baby” from Myken Destilleri.

Sláinte!
- Thomas