I’m not sure what booze I think when I think of Finland. It certainly isn’t whiskey.
Maybe Finlandia? Ah, Finlandia vodka. Remember vodka, you guys? It was the late ‘90s. You couldn’t get enough different vodkas for your Cosmo (or Kozmo! Anyone out there—New Yorkers—remember Kozmo?! Kozmo—the OG Drone. Dead before its time, a victim of the first Internet bust. Okay, I digress). For what it’s worth, I actually liked vodka. I could tell the differences. Really. And I enjoyed Finlandia.
Aside from that, though, what alcohol represents Finland? Well, the various types of Finnish alcohols one can read about online seem in the clear/mead-ey/fruity family. Whiskey didn’t register on my radar.
And then I got to try Teerenpeli Single Malt Whisky.
What I love about trying new whiskies for The Whiskey Wash is that you get to learn that things like Teerenpeli exist—and become very glad they do. Family-owned Teerenpeli Distillery was established in 2002, and in the ensuing 14 years has become the biggest distillery in Finland, producing more than 100,000 liters per year.
Teerenpeli uses traditional pot stills that have been handmade in Scotland, and whiskies are aged in oak casks for at least three years. The casks include former sherry, bourbon, and port wine casks from Scotland and Spain. A true cultural marriage. Viva Europe!
Tasting Notes: Teerenpeli Single Malt Whisky
Vital stats: Teerenpeli Single Malt Whisky uses Finnish malt from a local malting factory, and water from the Salpausselkä region. It is aged for eight years in bourbon and sherry casks. It is 86 proof, was released in October 2015, and costs about $75. It is currently only available outside of the US.
Color: Tap water with too much iron; a light lager color; Budweiser.
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Nose: Apples; nectarines; fresh paper; new rubber.
Palate: Clear, a little lively. I find many single malts to have a burnt rubber quality, and although this has a slight rubber nose, it doesn’t carry through onto the palate. It’s very mild, with a mellow finish, savory with a hint of vanilla.
It’s not super-substantial at first. You wonder: “Did I just have a drink?” But it’s not forgettable, either. It’s just really, really easy drinking. It’s clear and easy, with a clean, aquavit quality. Not peaty in the least. If you’re not experienced in single malt, it’s a nice way to test your palate.
Final thoughts:
Teerenpeli Single Malt was a happy surprise and a relief: I’m not normally a big single malt fan; frankly, I find them intimidating. But this one was approachable and well made—and doesn’t taste like I’m eating exhaust.
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