Bourbon

Far North Bødalen 5-Year Bourbon

OVERALL
RATING

10

Bourbon Review: Far North Bødalen 5-Year Bourbon

We review Far North Bødalen 5-Year Bourbon, a single barrel version of a bourbon from an estate farm distillery in the northern part of Minnesota.
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes:

About:
98 Proof, Single Barrel, Aged 5 years in a 53-gallon barrel, Mash Bill: 60% heirloom corn, 30% AC Hazlet winter rye, 10% malt barley, 750ml, Limited Release in MN and WI
Appearance:
Light, toasty caramel with black, flaky sediment. More honeyed in light.
Nose:
Very earthy, hints of pine trees lead into lemon zest and orange marmalade, with a touch of vanilla.
Palate:
Syrupy thick. Up front is the freshness of hay, then becomes hearty cereal grains like whole wheat bread. Oak and rye grassiness pop up in the middle, then mostly fade into a long finish of cornflakes.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a bourbon the likes of which I really haven’t tried before. It tastes more like an experience than a collection of flavors, though it’s rich in those too. The rye is very apparent, but different from how rye usually presents. This whiskey somehow reminds me of childhood, of playing outside in the afternoon in the first warm days of the year. rn

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Far North Spirits. This in no way, per our editorial policiesinfluenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

Far North is all about homegrown. This estate distillery is focusing on the most fundamental aspects of whiskey distillation. The grain, water and sourcing are all focused on their Minnesota location, with an eye out for sustainability and environmentalism. The farm distillery has been in the Swanson family (of Michael Swanson, co-founder and head distiller) for over a hundred years, and in its time has grown wheat, corn and rye – all the standards in American whiskey.

And the distillers put a huge focus on these grains. In addition to growing terroir-specific and tasty grains, the distillery chooses to grow ones that are sustainable as well. They’ve chosen non-GMO varietals that hold up well to the nearly subarctic climate.

The corn comes in two varieties, Blue River Organic and Minnesota 13 Heirloom. Being non-GMO requires less chemical use, according to the distillery. Far North’s main whiskey focuses are their rye expressions, making their corn needs fairly low. Because of this, corn tends to be planted less often, and crop rotations aren’t necessary. 

This is the second bourbon expression from Far North, a five-year-old single barrel version of the first (which in 2019 won Best Bourbon in Minnesota from the American Craft Spirits Association). When I asked Michael Swanson about the future of new bourbons in the company, he said that there are possibilities. In particular he was considering a wheated bourbon.

The distillery’s focus will still be rye; however, we don’t need to fear the loss of this delightful expression. According to Swanson, “after tasting that five-year bourbon, I’m going to be making a lot more of it.”

And I have to profess myself glad to hear it. I found this bourbon wildly unique and tasty, but you don’t have to take my word for it: It’s already been named a 2021 Good Food Award Finalist. 

Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.

By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Far North Bødalen 5-Year Bourbon
Far North Bødalen 5-Year Bourbon (image via Far North Spirits)

Tasting Notes: Bødalen 5-Year Bourbon

Vital Stats: 98 Proof, Single Barrel, Aged 5 years in a 53-gallon barrel, Mash Bill: 60% heirloom corn, 30% AC Hazlet winter rye, 10% malt barley, 750ml, Limited Release in MN and WI

Appearance: Light, toasty caramel with black, flaky sediment. More honeyed in light. 

Nose: Very earthy, hints of pine trees lead into lemon zest and orange marmalade, with a touch of vanilla. 

Palate: Syrupy thick. Up front is the freshness of hay, then becomes hearty cereal grains like whole wheat bread. Oak and rye grassiness pop up in the middle, then mostly fade into a long finish of cornflakes. 

Talia Gragg

Talia is part of the Portland service industry community, and an alumna of the Multnomah Whiskey Library. She’s an avid spirit and cocktail enthusiast, and likes to experience them both academically and recreationally. When not sipping whiskey she’s a ceramic artist and lover of travel.

All Posts
Search
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews