Nordic Whisky #264 - Vattudalen Rye Whiskey

Vattudalen Rye Whiskey, 3 YO, 46 %

This is probably the first Nordic “whiskey” I have tried. The norm is otherwise to use the spelling “whisky” in the Nordic countries.

The Vattudalen Rye Whiskey is made form a mashbill of 70 % rye and 30 % barley. Like a “proper” rye it has been matured in charred new American oak barrels. Distilled on 2016-03-22, and bottled in April 2019. It was released on 2019-05-09, and limited to 400 bottles.

This product has since been replaced by a new product under the exact same name, but bottled at 48 % ABV, released in November 2020 - and again limited to 400 bottles.

Nose: Pepper, oak and honey. Vanilla, and light notes of tropical fruits. Toasted oak and ripe banana. With time assorted nuts.

Taste: Medium body. Not very challenging on the palate. Caramel and soft peppery notes. Banana and cocoa nibs. A bit dry.

Finish: Medium to short finish. Even drier now. White pepper as well as dried hay and green herbs. Softly astringent and bitter finish.

Comment: A fine effort, but the Spirit of Hven Hvenus Rye Whisky is in another league entirely.

Score 83/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas