Here’s something fun: a new(-ish) single malt from a small Norwegian distillery, Hiernagla. I’ll blame my own ignorance, but I had never heard of them until a few weeks ago. Someone gave me sample of the Hiernagla Torfæus (thanks Pim), and now here you are reading this review.
The Hiernagla Torfæus is only the second-ever whisky from this distillery, succeeding their inaugural single malt, Ravnafloke. Not a whole lot has been written about Hiernagla yet, or at least not in English. Some background is provided in this article, explaining the distillery was founded by a group of friends after being struck by the similar landscapes of Scotland and Western Norway.
Another great source for Nordic whisky (maybe even the best) is Whisky Saga, a website run by Thomas Øhrbom. Not surprisingly, he wrote about the Hiernagla Torfæus not long after it was released earlier this year. He had some intriguing facts about this whisky’s composition.
Peated malt (35 ppm) from Castle Malting in Belgium:
- 2 ex-bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill
- 1 ex-bourbon barrel from Woodford Reserve
- 45 litres from: 9 month maturation in 200-litre 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 malt:
- 3 ex-bourbon casks from Garrison Brothers (100-litres) for three years then finished for 10 months in a single ex-Pineau des Charentes barrique
Only 1980 half-litre bottles of the Hiernagla Torfæus were made available. It’s not sold in a lot of places outside of Norway. Some German webshops stock it, as well as Must Have Malts in the Netherlands. The price is rather affordable for whisky from such a small facility. And for Nordic whisky too.
Hiernagla Torfæus (54%, OB, 2024)
Nose: Hints of resin, fir trees, soot and damp wood smoke, but very subtle. There’s a distinct sort of farminess, as well as draff, dried hops and some candied fruits. Also just a sliver of black tea leaves. Plenty of straw and hay too. In a weird way I’m reminded of my childhood pet rabbit – never thought I’d write that.
Taste: Very barley forward, but also dry smoke, soot and tar. Again, there are all these hay-like influences. Also some heather, and even something slightly herbal. Soft spices too, accompanied by a tinge of mint and honey. All the while the mouthfeel is deliciously velvety, carrying all those flavours.
Finish: Medium to long. Lingering wood smoke, earthy and draff.
Photo: Must Have Malts
