Nordic Whisky #66 - Stauning Peated 2nd Edition

Stauning Peated 2nd Edition, 4 YO, 55 %

OK, here goes. This is the second peated release from Danish distillery Stauning. The Stauning Peated 2nd Edition was distilled in 2009, just like the 1st edition. This release was bottled a year later though, in 2013, making it four years old. The outturn this time was 750 bottles at 50 cl each. Again the whisky was matured in 1st fill ex-bourbon casks from Makers Mark.

I think it also bears repeating that Stauning malt their own barley, and the peat used is excavated by Klosterlund Museum. Quite an impressive and ambitious setup to do your own maltings.

The Stauning Peated 2nd Edition won the Best European Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014.

It appears this whisky is sold out, but at launch it sold at DKK 895.

Nose (21/25): Feels a bit fresher and more mature than the 1st Edition. More vanilla and sweetness fro the cask coming through, tempering the peaty and vibrant spirit. Caramel, vanilla, and very rich and appealing chocolate-y wood smoke. It feels slightly maritime? A bit of salt and iodine.

Taste (22/25): Every bit as super smooth and silken as the 1st Edition. Again there's lots of chewy richness here. Peaty, fruity and simple. Simple in a good way. OK? Okay.

Finish (21/25): Medium to short finish. Warm, rich. A touch of the green towards the end. Slightly herbal.

Balance (22/25): So much more mature and well-balanced than the 1st Edition. It feels more whole now, there's more cohesion. Well done, Stauning! I must say it is fun working my way through these earlier releases. I hope you find it entertaining as well.

Score (86/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas