I had the pleasure to be at the Box Distillery on the 26th of August. This was when the distillery launched its 2nd step rlease 02. The use of Oloroso casks have influenced the 02 release. However it almost pairs perfectly with the 01 release as well.  Below are extracts from the News release Box put out.

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When the Early Days Collection came to an end with the Messenger, Box chose to see the end as a message. A message saying it was time to take the next step in the Box Distillery world class whisky journey. This step turned out to be the 2nd Step Collection. The first 01 was Box distilleries first Smokey, fully peated whisky.

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After smoke it was time to take a closer look at how the Box distillery would use sherry casks. 

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For the 2nd step collection 02 the main part of the used casks are old Oloroso Sherry casks that have seen a lot of use. Most of them are manufactured in Spain or have been converted, into smaller casks. 48% bourbon stored whisky thats been matured in casks that previously had Jack Daniels. This acts as a softener and produces a balanced maturity. Together with the sherry casks results in a complex and tasty flavour where both the fruity sherry and sweetness of the whisky form part of the experiance. 5096 bottles were produced at 51.2%.

 ‘Whisky’… the name alone can provoke many different but particular reactions. Depending on where you come from you may think of Scotch and single malts from Scotland, an American rye whiskey or maybe a Japanese whisky. However most people will not think of Scandinavian whisky. But are we on the cusp of change? 

The Scandinavian whisky industry is a slow but awakening giant that has entered the market. From Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, distilleries have been laying down casks, releasing limited first editions or establishing themselves as serious contenders in the market with their current selections.  Iceland is a classic example of this brave new order. It has two young distilleries, Eimverk and Thoran. Eimverk is producing its first whisky this year after releasing its successful Flóki young malt, and Thoran is in the process of laying down casks.  Sweden has seven distilleries at various stages of establishment, however, most notably Box Distillery, Mackmyra, Hven and Gotland are making increasing head way into the whisky industry with a growing reputation for some of the finest whisky in the world. Denmark's five distilleries are led by Braunstein, Stauning and Fary Lochlan. Interestingly, Diageo has invested around $10 million in Stauning.  Finland and Norway have young distilleries, namely Myken, Trondheim, Teerenpeli & Kyrö, however all are set to make their mark in their unique ways.  Scandinavia is becoming a powerhouse of whisky production and when people think ‘whisky’ they will soon consider Scandinavian whisky as the norm alongside Scotland, America and Japan.

Emerging into the world market

Whisky, at any point in the production process can be influenced by a number of factors such as barley, water, yeast, casks, peat, the type of still used and the geographical atmospherics. All these factors make any two distilleries naturally different.  It is because of this that so many distilleries in Scotland are able to be produce such a diverse range of high quality whiskies. For instance, the water in Iceland will differ from that used in Japan, as does the barley, geographical atmospherics and the type of casks. However, Scandinavian whisky has a point of difference that will set them aside from the rest of the world. It is the true Scandinavian style that sets them apart. They do not try to replicate a Scotch, or a Bourbon but have created a boutique product with their own peculiar style, traditions and influences. Mackmyra is a classic example. This distillery matures and stores its whisky in a completely new way using different styles of cask and innovative storage techniques. Utilising Swedish oak, they store in 30 litre casks deep in a mine shaft where a constant 7 degrees Celsius is maintained all year round. Iceland has a unique climate resulting in barley production that yields 50% less sugar than normal barley crops. This means that barley use is particularly unique to Icelandic whisky production, or the use of geothermal power as is planned by Thoran distillery. The Swedish distillery Box uses three different types of oak wood, American, Swedish and Hungarian in its casks giving their whisky ‘The Traveller’ a fabulously worldly inspired maturation and flavour. The use of peat is another example of difference, the peat being used may be younger and inherently different due to it’s geographical formation. Other innovative processes and production methods such as the use of moss and juniper in the kiln or the organic nature of the production differs in each individual Scandinavian country but more importantly it is these very different and innovative new processes that have defined Scandinavian Whisky as its own emerging powerhouse region. Most Scandinavian whisky are small batched productions and created in a seasonal or ‘moment of time’ production. In a world where the consumer demands consistency and predictability this is a refreshing and risky approach to the development of whisky at this point in time. The Nordic people have never been gimmicky in their approach to anything and this is the same with their whisky. The Scandinavians stick to a uniqueness of production, an unsurpassable quality in their product and simplicity and style in their marketing. This will guarantee the longevity of their market and is why the demand for Scandinavian whisky is sky rocketing.

The future?

Scandinavian whisky is well on its way to becoming a serious contender in terms of the global whisky production. It would be especially appealing to those whisky connoisseurs that consider themselves leaders in the exploration of the new and unique. Undoubtedly, the essence of the Nordic people has been infused into every aspect of production of this fine liquid. This has been the key to the creation of what can only be described as a truly Scandinavian whisky, different in so many ways from whiskies from other parts of the world. The Scandinavian point of difference is a very good one - in nose, taste and finish and can be attributed entirely to the Nordic way. Skoll!

A new whisky blog and reviews page. Keep an eye as things progress. It is always good to get second opinions and intresting takes from a different prospective. No two people will taste a whisky in the same way, however we can all learn from someone elses views. 

We are very excited about the new arrivals from Mackmyra. Three completley different whiskies that all poses unique tastes. 

The first is Vinter Rök

Mackmyra Vinterrök is a tasteful Swedish single malt whisky from the innovative series ”Season whisky”. The character is fruity and smoky with a slightly spicy finish from casks saturated with a Scotch Strong Ale. The taste is well balanced with a slight saltiness, the texture is medium-thick and oily with a hint of spicy hop.

Nose; Fruity and spicy with oily and peaty notes of smoke. Floral with easy oak aromas, soft fruit and light butter notes. A spicy smoke is found along with herbs, white pepper, ginger and dried Tobacco leaves.

Taste: Fruity and smoky with prominent oily notes and a slight saltiness. A well balanced oakiness with vanilla fudge, citrus and pear fruit and light spicy notes of white pepper, ginger aniseed and dried tobacco leaves.

Midnattssol

Mackmyra Midnattssol is a limited edition summer whisky to discover for the whisky connoisseur as well as for beginners. The combination of American and Swedish oak, sherry and bourbon along with the final finish in casks that have previously stored Swedish wine made from birch sap results in a complex whisky with a floral, tart and fruity flavor picture.

Nose; Intensely fruity, berry, tart and floral with aromas of elderflower, birch sap, pears and citrus and a soft oak with a nice spiciness and herbal notes.

Taste; Floral, tangy and fruity with a slight spiciness where vanilla caramel, pear and citrus are combined with a delicate, spicy, oaky flavor. The aftertaste is soft, fruity, lightly oaky, spicy and spicy.

Iskristall

Mackmyra Iskristall is an exciting mix of flavors that come together in a final maturation on casks that has previously stored Pedro Ximenes sherry. The result is a spicy whisky with sweet raisin notes, caramel and vanilla. Powerful and clean, like the winter air in the Swedish mountains. Soft-warming, like the last embers of the fireplace. Versatile but perfectly balanced.

Nose; Spicy, fruity, oaky and berry with hints of honey and toasted oak barrels. Tobacco and fresh herbs mixed well with the aromas of dried fruits, pear and citrus.

Taste; Fruity with fine herb spices. Vanilla Toffee, anise, sweet raisins and grape fruit in a balanced spicy and oaky flavor. The  aftertaste is oaky and spicy with hints of dried fruits.

At Sigrún Whisky we have been looking very hard to find out how we can best bring a journey in whisky to you. Over the next few months we hope to bring some more and exciting whiskies from Scandinavia. These will include Box Distillery, Teerenpeli, & Fary Lochlan. This will expand our whisky from Sewden, Denmark and Finnland. Further down the track we hope to have Kyrö. 

Of course this year we will have Floki 1st Impression, the first full malt whisky from Iceland. Mackmyra will continue to bring us intresting whiskies we are sure. The future for your whisky journey is exciting. So remember, take a path less traveled, explore the exciting new whiskies.

We are now shipping to New Zeland, Canada and United States of America. It is with great pleasure to allow those outside of Australia the chance to purchase the products we love. 

It is with great excitment that we have the arrival of Floki Young Malt from the Eimverk Distillery in Iceland. This is the first release of the young malt before it becomes a whisky, and if this is anything to go by, next year will be very exciting to recieve the Floki whisky. Additional points to note is the way the distillery has gone about in the production of this whisky. 

During the month of November, poppies are worn to remember the service men and women who died in all the wars, past and present.  Every year, on Armistice Day, November 11 at 11:00 AM, people stop for a minute of silence to honor the dead for their ultimate sacrifice, to thank the veterans, and to hope for a world without war. 

If you ever find yourself in York England, a great place to stop and have a meal and drink is the pub the Guy Fawkes. Excellent food, service, drinks and of course whisky.

The Fifth of November

    Remember, remember!  
    The fifth of November, 
    The Gunpowder treason and plot; 
    I know of no reason 
    Why the Gunpowder treason 
    Should ever be forgot! 
    Guy Fawkes and his companions 
    Did the scheme contrive, 
    To blow the King and Parliament 
    All up alive. 
    Threescore barrels, laid below, 
    To prove old England's overthrow. 
    But, by God's providence, him they catch, 
    With a dark lantern, lighting a match! 
    A stick and a stake  
    For King James's sake! 
    If you won't give me one, 
    I'll take two, 
    The better for me, 
    And the worse for you. 
    A rope, a rope, to hang the Pope, 
    A penn'orth of cheese to choke him, 
    A pint of beer to wash it down, 
    And a jolly good fire to burn him. 
    Holloa, boys! holloa, boys! make the bells ring! 
    Holloa, boys! holloa boys! God save the King! 
    Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray!

As the web site is now 'Live' we are excited to offer a boutique and personal interaction for people who enjoy whisky. Stock is still coming in, and we will endevour to keep people updated when stock comes in and or is replenished.

We hope you enjoy the web site and if you have any requests or woud like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Welcome to Sigrún Whisky, we hope that you join us on an amazing adventure to find those whiksies that will add to your own personal whisky drinking experiance or to add to those collections for keep or special occassions. We will never be able to please everyone, but we will always try and as time goes on, we hope to increase, not only our selections but also our capacity to supply a little bit more. 

We hope to get Floki First Impression in early 2016. Exciting times with a new whisky from a great country.