Woven blend celebrates Nordic distilleries

Blended whisky producer Woven has unveiled Experience N.20 Friends in the North, a limited edition expression that aims to highlight the ‘dynamic and diverse’ whisky landscape of the Nordic region.

Scheduled for release this month, the spirit is described as a world whisky of multiple origins, having been crafted from liquids sourced from noteworthy Nordic distilleries, including Kyrö Distillery in Finland, High Coast Distillery and Agitator Distillery in Sweden, and Feddes Ocean Distillery in Norway. Woven’s whisky maker, Peter Allison, said he was inspired by the recent surge in interest in Nordic whisky production, and spent the last two years exploring the region’s burgeoning whisky scene. His journey took him through Finland, Sweden, and Norway, where he connected with like-minded distillers who are ‘redefining what whisky can be’. "We wanted to create something that truly represents the vibrancy and creativity we encountered in the Nordic whisky scene," Allison said. "Each distillery brought not just its own techniques and geographical quirks to the table, but also a human dimension. Passionate people, forged by their unique culture, producing whiskies that speak of them and the place in which they operate. Friends in the North is our way of sharing those stories with the world." The result is a whisky that is said to not only capture the spirit of Nordic whisky-making but also celebrates the diversity and innovation that are the hallmarks of the region. In keeping with Woven’s relatively minimal style of blending, the brand noted that each element of the whisky can be deconstructed on the palate to reveal the individual characters that have lent their qualities to the final blend; smoky rye bread notes from the Kyrö Rye component; pear drop and citrus notes derived from High Coast Distillery’s unpeated whisky; depth from Sweden’s Agitator distillery; and a subtle minerality and lingering smokiness from Norway’s Feddies Ocean Distillery on account of its use of ex-Islay casks in maturation. Meanwhile, a ‘well-aged’ single-grain whisky from the North British Distillery in Edinburgh provides a ‘buttery backbone’ for the distinct Nordic flavours to rest upon. The result of the blend is a richly textured, lightly peated but complex whisky that sits roundly on the palate. Only 2,035 bottles will be available, priced at £75 (US$97) per 700ml. It rests at 47% ABV.