Nordic Whisky #33 - Teerenpeli Hosa Black Cask Edition

Teerenpeli Hosa Black Cask Edition, 10 YO, 43 %

Teerenpeli Hosa Black Cask Edition

Earlier this year we caught up with Jari Mämmi from Teerenpeli Distillery in Lahti, Finland. We were curious to see if he had any new products for us to try, and he certainly did! We have previously reviewed the Kaski in our Nordic Whisky series.

The Teerenpeli Hosa Black Cask Edition is a limited release of just 672 bottles. Teerenpeli only produce unpeated spirits, but the fun twist for this release is that it has been matured in ex-Islay casks, which gave it a smooth and soft peat note. The Islay distillery in question is a well-kept secret, so I will not speculate on that. It is also rather impossible to tell, as this is literally secondhand smoke influence.

The name 'Hosa' refers to the leafy tree branch the farmers use to beat out the flames when they burn off their fields to prepare for the next cycle of grain crops.

This is a no age statement release, but we have been told the whisky is 10 years old.

As far as we know there are no plans to sell this whisky in Norway or Sweden. You might be able to pick up a bottle at one of the Viking Line ferries.

Nose (21/25): Malty and fruity, with a very light peat lingering in the background. The peat works as a soft spice here. Very soft and delicate nose.

Taste (22/25): Sugar, vanilla, and light fruit notes. Malty and sweet. The Islay cask influence is again present in the background as a dry wood smoke.

Finish (21/25): Hints of dry wood smoke still.  Sugary and now with light licorice notes added.

Balance (22/25): A fine dram that shows that Teerenpeli with a bit of peat works very well.

Score (86/100)

Teerenpeli Hosa Black Cask Edition

Sláinte! - Thomas