Nordic Whisky #186 - Teerenpeli VYS

Teerenpeli VYS, 4 YO, 61.7 %

Nordic Whisky #186 - Teerenpeli VYS

I am a long time fan of Finnish distillery Teerenpeli. They have had a number of fine releases over the years. They have never before released a cask strength whisky though. That makes this special bottling for the Finnish whisky association the Fellowship of Whisky ("Viskin Ystävien Seura" or just "VYS") very unique indeed. The man behind VYS (the club) is Mr Whisky himself in Finland, Jarkko Nikkanen.

The Teerenpeli VYS is an official bottling from Teerenpeli, in their Distiller's Choice series. This is a young whisky at just 4 years old. It has been matured in bourbon quarter casks at first, then finished in a Madeira cask. The total outturn was 400 bottles.

Nose: Sweet - light and delicate. Top notes that tickle the nose in a pleasant way. Grapes, fresh apples and vanilla. Rich maltiness with notes of freshly baked bread. Makes my tummy rumble and growl - hungry now! Richer and deeper notes of sweetness as well - wine-like with an earthy touch. Hints of green in the back - possibly grass and mint. Actually the delicate grape notes mixed with vanilla make the most lasting impression.

Taste: Creamy and rich mouth-feel. Super rich. Deep fruity notes - fresh and dried fruits. Honey - heaps of honey - almost overwhelming, but it works, it definitely works! Malt and vanilla. Ginger and mild spices.

Finish: Medium to long finish. It continues to hammer the senses in an intimate and pleasurable way. There is so much going on here, all the way to the finish line. This is a dram that does not relent and let up. So, so rich and powerful. Still fruity, still sweet. Definitely minty right at the end.

Comments: Is this really just 4 years old? I am flabbergasted! Bravo, Teerenpeli! "Well, cover me in eggs and flour and bake me for 40 minutes!" I'm done!

Score (91/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas