Valamo Monastery, Batch No. 1, Single Malt Whisky, Finland (47%)

This remarkable dram was distilled by the good brothers of a beautiful Orthodox monastery nestled betwixt pine forest and frigid lake in Eastern Finland. The monastery has produced communion wine since time immemorial, and, over the last half-decade, has also been producing single malt whisky. This unpeated expression has been aged for four years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and virgin oak, with each barrel being blessed by the Abbott during this slumber. The whisky is savoury and serious on the nose, with lots of thick-husked cold-climate-grown barley character evident, the palate broadens out to show some stone fruit alongside lush vanilla and various custards. The liquorice-laced finish is as gently comforting as a monastic evensong.

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (July 2022)