Hiernagla Torfæus

Hiernagla Torfæus, 3 YO, 54%

The second of five special releases from Norwegian distillery Hiernagla. Their first release was the Ravnafloke, and here’s the second in the series - the Torfærus. So named after Thormod Torfæus, royal historian and translator back in the 1600s. In 1711 he finished his main work - the “Historia rerum Norvegicarum” (the history of Norway). Born on Iceland in 1636, he lived most of his life not far from where the Hiernagla distillery is located.

Here is the composition of the Hiernagla Torfæus:

• Peated malt (35 ppm) from Castle Malting in Belgium:

  • 2 ex-bourbon barrels (Heaven Hill)

  • 1 ex-bourbon barrel (Woodford Reserve)

  • 45 litres from: 9 month initial maturation in 200 L virgin American oak from Canton Cooperage (char 4) + 30 months maturation in ex-bourbon barrel (Heaven Hill)

  • 90 litres from: ex-PX sherry barrique (225 litres)

• Unpeated

  • 3 ex-bourbon barrel (Garrison Brothers) (100 litres) for three years then finished for 10 months in an single ex-Pineau des Charentes barrique.

All produced using distillers whisky yeast from Lallemand, with an average fermentation time of 90 hours. Water taken from the distillery's own well. Limited to 1980 bottles.

The Hiernagla Torfæus will go on sale shortly at NOK 1090,- (17108002).

Nose: Begins with the rich scent of artisanal sourdough bread, featuring a slightly burnt yet savory and crispy crust. It carries a malty backbone with a sooty streak. As it unfolds, it softens into lighter notes of creamy vanilla, black pepper, almonds, and homemade caramel pudding.

Taste: Super smooth and full-bodied, this whisky opens with a spicy introduction, marked by wisps of peppery smoke. It evolves to include soot and wood smoke, beautifully balanced by creamy vanilla and decadently rich caramel.

Finish: Medium-long, where the initially subtle sweet fruitiness gradually becomes more prominent, emerging as the earthy wood smoke fades. It concludes with a fresh whiff of green herbs, just crossing the finish line.

Comment: Thirst quenching and hunger inducing yumminess.

Score 87/100

This is Nordic whisky review #389 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas