Isle of Fionia Little Isle is an excellent starter whisky bottled at 43% ABV, offering a soft, rounded, and fruity character with a gentle sweetness. Little Isle forms part of the organic whisky range under the Isle of Fionia brand from Nyborg Distillery. Crafted from organic barley grown on the island of Funen, it has matured in bourbon casks before being finished in STR and Port casks.
This organic single malt whisky has been aged for 3–4 years in three distinct cask types: bourbon, port, and STR. The combination of these casks results in a whisky that, despite its youth, delivers impressive complexity, balance, and liveliness.
Nose:
Vinous, fresh, and fruity with a clear influence from the Port casks. Notes of red grapes, cherries, and subtle spices emerge, followed by hints of vanilla and pear. Beneath it all lie deeper layers of toasted nuts and charred oak, adding depth and warmth.
Palate:
Sweet and fruity with pronounced Port cask influence. The roundness, fruitiness, and depth promised on the nose are echoed beautifully in the taste. A young whisky with a mature profile, which also benefits from a drop of water – opening up its sweetness and revealing even more complexity.
Bourbon Casks:
Little Isle spends its first years in bourbon casks, developing notes of vanilla, green apples, and pears. The charred interior of the cask helps smooth out the edges of the young whisky, giving it a gentle and creamy mouthfeel.
Port Casks:
The 300-litre Port casks used previously held Ruby Port and impart sweetness, depth, rich fruit tones, and colour to the whisky.
STR Casks:
STR stands for Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred. This method involves shaving about 5 mm from the inner staves of the cask, toasting them again, and finally re-charring the surface. Maturation in STR casks enhances roundness, adds complexity, and deepens the whisky’s colour compared to whisky matured solely in bourbon casks.
Awards:
Winner of the Gold Medal at Uppsala Beer & Whisky Festival 2023, in the category World Whisky – Non Peated.
100% organic whisky. Distilled and matured at Nyborg Distillery, Denmark.
