let’s begin
An exciting new collection from spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd, the Nordic Collection is four high quality whiskies from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
New Ventures
While there have been Nordic whiskies available in the UK whisky market for a while now, this is the first time an independent bottler has created a series dedicated to drams from the Nordic countries. This is a fantastically exciting range from Berry Bros. & Rudd, covering
Jonny McMillan, who is the brand’s Reserve Spirits Manager, said, “The Nordics is one such region that has intrigued me and, although young, it is already developing its own identity and character,”
He continued, “The people of this rugged and majestic landscape, not dissimilar to Scotland, have long been known for their love of great whiskies. Of all the emerging global whisky regions, the Nordics has so far perhaps had the least acclaim, but with distillers of such quality and passion it’s unlikely to remain that way for long.”
TASTING NOTES FOR BERRY BROS & RUDD NORDIC WHISKY COLLECTION:
Berry Bros & Rudd 2014 Fary Lochan Danish Single Malt Whisky
Bottle cost: £150.00
A rare nettle-smoked whisky, this is an intriguing entry into the Nordic Collection, with lots of character and offering something a little different.
The nose begins with wafts of bonfire smoke, a slightly musty, earthy aroma and a tangy hint of sharp green apples. It is rich and interesting.
The palate abounds with green fruit, melons and limes. It is fruity and zesty and ties in the nettle smoke well. Camphor and a slightly malted note round it off well.
The finish is bold and smoky, with hints of fruit appearing.
Berry Bros & Rudd 2014 Fary Lochan Danish Single Malt Whisky
Bottle cost: £150.00
Unpeated Swedish whisky with a sherry cask finish.
The nose brings in aromas of dried fruits, seaside air, brine and bacon. It is complex and flavoursome, with a lovely warming edge.
The palate brings in spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, with hints of oak wood and sherry. Dried fruit and Christmas cake flavours appear and give it real depth. The sherried notes are well rounded.
The finish is salty and spicy.
Berry Bros & Rudd 2017 Myken Norwegian Single Malt Whisky
Bottle cost: £150.00
A lightly peated expression from the Myken Distillery in Norway.
The nose is slightly smoky, with notes of citrus. It has a lovely herbal flavour and a hint of fresh cut grass.
The palate brings in more smoke notes, with a lovely charcoal flavour. The peat is lightly herbal and goes with a hint of oak wood.
The finish lingers on smoke and citrus fruit.
Berry Bros & Rudd 2016 Kyrö Finnish Malt Rye Whisky
Bottle cost: £150.00
This is the first time a rye whisky from Kyrö has been bottled independently.
The nose is full of creamy, malted notes with a lovely sweet vanilla flavour. There is a hint of oak wood and dew covered grass as well.
The palate is bright and homely. The rye flavours really come through and offer a spicy, sweet combination of perfection. There is a gentle menthol note as well.
The finish is warming and soft, with more rye notes appearing.
This is a truly remarkable collection, full of flavour and character. In these four bottles is an exploration of the Nordic whiskies that the UK market has not seen before.
Are you a fan of Nordic whiskies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!