Whisky Review/Tasting: Flóki Young Malt

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Iceland
Type: Young Malt (not yet classified as whisky due to its maturation period of just one year)
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in fresh American oak barrels, which had not previously contained bourbon, contributing to its dark color despite the short maturation period.
Age Statement: 1 year
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky has a dark color, likely uncolored given its maturation period. It comes in a half-liter bottle with a plastic cork. The bottle design includes details like "first edition," "barrel number 8," and "bottle 370," though some details are unreadable.

Balance of Flavors: The Floki Young Malt presents a complex balance of deep fruity notes, caramel, cake, and a hint of nutmeg, with barley and vanilla in the background. The use of American white oak contributes to a profile rich in caramel and maltiness, with a touch of fresh pepper, but lacks the spiciness typically associated with long maturation.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its young age, the whisky exhibits an intense cask influence, offering a profile that is more reminiscent of an American malt due to the fresh American oak barrels used for maturation.

Distillery Background: The Eimverk Distillery, founded in 2009 and located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, is a small, family-owned business. Despite its unconventional appearance, it offers a comprehensive distillery experience in a compact space.
Local Ingredients: The barley used for Floki Young Malt is sourced locally from Iceland, with each batch coming from a different Icelandic farm, highlighting the scarcity and value of local barley.

Iceland's Prohibition History: Iceland had a prohibition period starting in 1915, with a gradual weakening of the ban from 1922 and a specific prohibition on strong beer lasting until 1989. The lifting of the beer ban is now celebrated annually on Björðagurinn, or the day of the beer.
Geological and Legal Identity: The Eimverk Distillery is situated on the American tectonic plate, adding a unique twist to the whisky's identity—it's geologically American but legally European.

"This smells more than a bourbon than a European whiskey because of the fresh cask."
"Very interesting, a young malt and hopefully we will see in two years the first real single malt from Iceland."

Floki Young Malt is a unique young malt from Iceland, matured for one year in fresh American oak barrels.
It exhibits a flavor profile similar to American malts, with deep fruity notes, caramel, and a hint of nutmeg.
The Eimverk Distillery, a small family-owned operation, emphasizes the use of local Icelandic barley.
Iceland's prohibition history and the distillery's location on the American tectonic plate add interesting cultural and geographical dimensions to the whisky.
The whisky is described as having an intense cask influence and a complex balance of flavors despite its young age.

Whisky Enthusiasts Interested in Unique Origins: Those intrigued by whiskies from non-traditional whisky-producing countries.
American Malt Lovers: Individuals who appreciate the flavor profile of American malts might find this young malt intriguing due to its similar characteristics.
Collectors and Adventurous Drinkers: The unique story and limited availability make it a compelling choice for collectors or those looking to try something new and different.