What can I write about Thy Distillery that I haven’t already? This Danish producer has completely captivated my imagination with their organic field-to-bottle approach. And now there are new limited releases, a few of which we’ll review here. They include two beechwood smoked whiskies (yes, please!) and a new Caramel Malt.
I will say this, my excitement for Thy Distillery hasn’t waned one bit since completely falling for them some years ago. There’s an online tasting coming up in a few days. I recommend you get your sample set from Whiskybase or the distillery. Even if you don’t have it in time, the set is a great way to discover Thy and what they’re all about. And you can always view a recording of the tasting afterwards on the distillery’s YouTube channel.
Also, did I mention Thy will once again hold their Whisky Festival in June? It will be the second edition. I attended the first one (which was great) and will be at the upcoming festival as well. Should you also take part and happen to spot me, feel free to come over and say hi. I always love talking to fellow whisky enthusiasts.
And now, finally, here are my tasting notes for three new limited releases from Thy Distillery.
Thy 2019 6 Years (51%, OB, Cask 277+174)
- Distilled in December 2017 and March 2019
- Made from 75% beechwood smoked malt and 25% pale malt
- Fermented with M-1 yeast for 8 to 21 days
- Matured in a first-fill ex-bourbon quarter cask and first-fill ex-bourbon barrel
Nose: There’s a faint mezcal-esque influence here. Hints of mustard seeds, vegetal agave notes and some warming notes of sandalwood and smoky embers. There might be some juniper as well, but then roasted chestnuts and fudge too. Maybe some Demerara sugar as well, while there’s definitely a floral element too.
Taste: Just an immediate recognition. There’s no other distillery in the world that produces whisky like this. (That I know of.) Hints of wood smoke, orris root and a sweet earthiness. There’s a light peppery touch too, as well as a hint of quince and some soft ashes. Lightly floral and with a tinge of aniseed.
Finish: Medium length. Soft floral honey, savoury wood smoke and smoked apples.
Thy 2020 4 Years (51,5%, OB, Cask 951+409)
- Distilled in March 2020
- Made from 100% beechwood smoked malt
- Fermented with M-1 yeast for 6 days
- Matured in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel and a first-fill ex-Oloroso quarter cask
Nose: The beechwood smoke seems to be enhanced by the sherry influence. Hints of smoked paprika powder and grilled beef accompanied by gentle notes of liquorice. Also whispers of oregano, thyme and dark honey. There’s a layer of ripe and dried fruits that elevates this whisky’s complexity.
Taste: Thick, viscous mouthfeel (albeit slightly dry) with a sliver of cloves and cinnamon, but always with the beechwood smoke in a starring role. Hints of mocha, nougat and marzipan with a touch of damp oak and a pleasant earthiness.
Finish: Medium length. A whisper of aniseed, cedar, oak spices and wood smoke.
Thy Caramel Malt 4 Years (54,5%, OB, 1815 bts.)
- Distilled between August 2019 – January 2021
- Made from 60% pale malt, 30% caramel malt and 10% beechwood smoked malt
- Fermented with M-1 yeast for 6 to 14 days
- Matured in a mixture of hogsheads, barrels, quarter casks and octaves, either ex-bourbon, ex-Pedro Ximénez or ex-Oloroso
Nose: Bold, round, sweet and slightly bitter. There’s a touch of stroopsoldaatjes (traditional Dutch candy), as well as mellow notes of breakfast tea. Maybe even with a few drops of milk in there. Just a sliver of burnt toast but with some melted butter as well. Is it the power of suggestion when I say caramel is the most assertive aroma? Every other element is kind of derivative.
Taste: Again, this is bold whisky. The oak spices are prominent, but there are dark caramel notes, a pleasant maltiness and strong honeyed flavours. Also a gentle bitterness, like coffee grounds. Maybe even a ristretto. There’s a pleasant aniseed-esque note as well, with a hint of rooibos too.
Finish: Medium length. Hints of barley husks, honey and cocoa.
