Haavaldsen Gneiss Serie - first batch
Haavaldsen Gneiss Serie - first batch, 5 YO, 46%
Here is a brand new release from Norwegian whisky producer Haavaldsen Distillery. Haavaldsen Distillery is only the second Norwegian distillery to launch a single malt in 70 cl bottles to date; the other distillery being Feddie Ocean Distillery.
The Haavaldsen Gneiss Serie - first batch is now available to buy in Norway at NOK 1450 (19871001). It is limited to 250 bottles and only available on special order to their distributor in Norway, Fondberg Group.
Nose: This whisky has a sweet and seductive nose. Pure American oak influence here. Lots of vanilla and tropical fruits. It is warm and honey-like. With time notes of unsalted peanuts, then fresh and slightly burnt bread crust.
Taste: Full bodied and feisty in character. It packs some heat - materializing as notes of white pepper, black pepper and cinnamon. Then a wave of lighter and sweeter notes of honey drizzled tropical fruits; mainly pineapple and honey dew melon.
Finish: Medium long finish. The spiciness fades and we’re left with more of the melon and pineapple, followed by dried mango and apricot. Turning somewhat dry with a hint of oakiness in the end.
Comment: The tropical side of Norway. Exotic and endearing.
Score 86/100
This is Nordic whisky review #469 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.
Sláinte!
-Thomas
