Haavaldsen Gneis Serie - Sherry Finished, 5 YO, 47 %
So this is the evolution of Haavaldsen Gneiss Serie - first batch, here with an added 5 month finish in an ex-Oloroso sherry cask. This is a single cask limited edition.
If you recall the original Gneiss Serie was matured in ex-bourbon and virgin American oak casks.
The Haavaldsen Gneis Serie - Sherry Finished will be available to buy in Norway in a couple of days.
Nose: Tropical fruits and vanilla straight off, followed by a second wave of warmer, richer dried fruits. With time, cinnamon, honey and pencil shavings emerge.
Taste: Medium to full bodied. Less heated and more mellow than the original Gneis, although still somewhat spicy and a little dry in character. White pepper, toasted oak and nutmeg lead the way, softened by a lovely layer of sweet dried fruits and honey cake. A touch of fizzy fun adds a playful twist to the proceedings.
Finish: Medium long. Tropical fruits take centre stage, just as with the original Gneis, but this time it plays across a wider register. Dried fruits provide the bass notes, bringing a deeper, richer sweetness to the mix. Towards the end, a distinct note of slightly burnt cinnamon buns, straight from the oven, emerges. Slightly burnt in a very good way, mind you.
Comment: Familiar fruit with richer harmonies.
Score 87/100
This is Nordic whisky review #522 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.
Sláinte!
-Thomas
