Hiernagla Ravnafloke

Hiernagla Ravnafloke, 3 YO, 54.3 %

This is the very first single malt from Norwegian distillery Hiernagla. A massive milestone for them, and another great addition to the family of Norwegian single malt.

This whisky was composed from two main components. The first was initially matured in 50 litre and one 100 litre Garrison Brothers ex-bourbon casks for about 18 months, which was then moved to 200 litre ex-bourbon barrels from Woodford Reserve and Brown Forman. The second component was initially matured in one 50 litre virgin French oak cask for 6 months and then moved to a 50 litre ex-rum cask for about 2.5 years.

The malt used was Viking pilsner malt, and the water source is Hiernagla’s own well. Limited to 1250 bottles.

The Hiernagla Ravnafloke was released just a few days ago at NOK 1290 (16499002).

Nose: The aroma is softly spicy and has a dark-ish allure, exuding a warm and comforting presence that - to me- makes it a perfect winter whisky. With time, the layers unfold to reveal a festive mix of cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and the sweet merriment of strawberries paired with gingerbread men and women. As moments pass, "green" notes of dried herbs, tomato vine, and hay subtly appear, bringing an earthy freshness. The alcohol is very well integrated.

Taste: On the palate, it's full-bodied, with an assertive spice profile that's perfectly counterpoised with a rich and creamy fruitiness. There's an earthy sweetness lingering in the background, reminiscent of wet leaves and dried fruits, with herbal whispers of basil and cloves adding depth.

Finish: The finish is medium to short but doesn't skimp on richness or juiciness. The fruitiness is lush, complementing the enduring spiciness. Towards the end, notes of almond paste and marzipan provide a sweet, nutty closure.

Comment: An impressive debut, showcasing true craftmanship.

Score 87/100

This is Nordic whisky review #381 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas