Nordic Whisky #2 - Teerenpeli Kaski Distiller's Choice

Teerenpeli Kaski Distiller's Choice, NAS, 43 %

Teerenpeli Kaski Distiller's Choice

The second review in my new series covering Nordic whiskies, is the Teerenpeli Kaski Distiller's Choice. Teerenpeli is a Finnish whisky distillery, and I have been fortunate enough to visit them once. They operate out of the cellar of a restaurant in the town of Lahti. The same company owns the restaurant as well.

This whisky is about 6-7 years old, but there is no age statement on the bottle. The age information I have comes straight from the distillery manager. Teerenpeli Kaski Distiller's Choice has been matured in sherry casks only.

Kaski was introduced to the market, mainly in Finland, in the spring of 2013. You can purchase it at the Swedish Systembolaget at SEK 859. It is not currently available in Norway.

Nose (22/25): Lots of fruits, nice sherry influence. I find raisins, white pepper, cinnamon, baked apples and a slight hint of citrus and peat.

Taste (21/25): Nice mouth feel. I find the sherry influence from the nose immediately, clear but not dominating. It's a bit light and understated at first, showing its young age. It does open up a little after a few sips, and I find caramel/fudge, vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon, apple pie and a hint of a ghost of a long-lost memory of peat.

Finish (21/25): Comfortable and reassuring. It does stay around pleasantly long for such a young whisky. Right before it dies off, there is a brief wave of ginger and cinnamon - a sort of gentle kiss goodbye.

Balance (22/25): I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this whisky. I quite enjoyed it. Finland is definitely on the whisky world map.

Score (86/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas