Iceland-based Eimverk Distillery is best known in the dramming community as the maker of Floki. Over the last couple of years, the brand has made quite a name for itself, also internationally. Still, annual production at Eimverk remains so small that all of its releases so far were single cask bottlings. This is also true for the recently released Distiller’s Choice 2016/2022. What sets the five-year-old drop apart from other editions, however, is the fact that this is the first-ever Floki whisky that is fully matured and bottled at cask strength. In the past, the distillery had already released its new make and select young malts with 60 per cent ABV or higher; but this is the first time they launched a complete single malt whisky with such a lot of oomph! And the extra-power suits the spirit well! It transports lots of taste, provides additional solidity, and challenges the taste buds in a positive, satisfying way. Also, the combination of virgin oak and sherry-soaked wood works great here, bringing forth a stimulating interplay of intense smells and flavors – all of have the unmistakable Floki character. Personally, I have been very much looking forward to this release – which is a Kirsch Import exclusive – ever since I heard about it at last year’s Bottle Market fair. And now that I finally got to try it, I am fully pleased with the result. Floki Distiller’s Choice 2016/2022 is great offering from a unique distillery that is well worth our love and attention!

by Tobi

Eye: Darkened crimson.
Nose: Besides Floki’s typical moss and grass notes, this powerful single cask whisky also bursts with crunchy apples, dark cherries, caramelized nuts, aromatic honey, and fresh spearmint. With time, a dry-ish sherry spiciness spreads out in the background, too.
Palate: After a sweet and syrupy start, the very high ABV of 62 per cent makes itself known. It lights up the oral cavity with an electrifying tickle. Then, a plethora of intense flavors come rushing in: Cough candy, citrus zest, maple syrup, red berries, sweet licorice, cracked walnut, and fresh peppermint. The virgin cask in which the whisky spent its first 20 months, also takes part in the party: It adds a fresh n’ tart woodiness.
Finish: The aftertaste is full of vigor! It brims with mint pastilles, ginger cookies, brittle chips, licorice bites, sage leaves, and bramble squash. Furthermore, there are medical as well as earthy undertones. And piney flavors, too!

Type: Single Malt Whisky
Region: Iceland
Age: 5 years
Alc. volume: 62 per cent
Cask type: Virgin oak w/ Oloroso finish
# of bottles: 275
Bottle size: 0.5 litres
Price range: ~70.00 Euro
More info: https://www.flokiwhisky.is/ (Distillery) ; https://kirschwhisky.de/ (Importer)

*** I got the bottle for free from Kirsch Import. ***