Hiernagla Håkon den gode
Hiernagla Håkon den gode, 4 YO, 52%
This is the fifth and last in the initial series of five special releases from Norwegian distillery Hiernagla. The previous four releases in this series were Ravnafloke, Torfæus, Tora and Flagghaugfyrsten. The Hiernagla Håkon den gode is limited to just 850 bottles (50 cl)
Four main components go into this product:
Most of it is from a 200L 1st fill Jim Beam ex-bourbon cask filled 2021-04-16. so very close to five years old at bottling
Some from 3x 100L Garrison Brothers 1st fill ex-bourbon casks filled between 2020-03-04 and 2020-03-06, recasked into a 225L ex-Pineau Des Charentes cask on 2023 -05-11 (I suspect same cask as partly used for the Lotherus Whisky).
A small portion matured in a 225L virgin Hungarian oak cask, finished for 18 months in a 225L ex-Pineau Des Charentes cask
Finally a tiny portion from a 50L Garrison Brothers refill cask filled 2021-03-24.
The Hiernagla Håkon den gode is available to buy in Norway at NOK 940 (20507602).
Nose: Cool, restrained and quietly powerful. Gradually reveals malty and fruity depth, warming into caramel, fudge and honey cake.
Taste: Full bodied and rich. Fruity and sugary sweet with creamy caramel and vanilla. Wine-like grape notes intertwine with tropical fruits, lifted by a hint of mint and white pepper.
Finish: Medium to long. Creamy, rich and fruit-forward throughout, turning slightly drier toward the end.
Comment: Powerful elegance with creamy fruit.
Score 87/100
This is Nordic whisky review #499 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.
Sláinte!
-Thomas
