Hødal Whisky, Fortrylleren, 6 year old, Danish Single Malt, Denmark (46%, 50cl)

Hødal Whisky, Fortrylleren is a 6-year-old Danish single malt whisky hand-distilled at Nordisk Brænderi in Fjerritslev, located in the notable North Jutland region of Denmark. The name is a tribute to Denmark’s legendary polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, nicknamed "The Enchanter," who famously bypassed the American prohibition era during his 1921 Thule Expedition by legally registering his favorite bottles of whisky as essential "expedition equipment."

The production relies on a collaboration with three Danish craft breweries - Refsvinde Bryggeri, Thisted Bryghus, and Skagen Bryghus who brewed the barley wash before it was copper pot distilled at Nordisk Brænderi. This expression is a meticulous blend of whisky matured across three individual Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, which were filled between July 2016 and October 2018. It is non-chill filtered, cut with local water from the Hødalen area, and bottled at 46% ABV.

The profile is deeply marked by rich sherry wood maturation rather than any smoke. The nose is highly aromatic, opening with distinct notes of dark raisins, sweet malt, warm cinnamon spice, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, the liquid is smooth and round, delivering deep flavors of brown sugar, dried plums, and caramelized nuts, perfectly balanced by a clean northern freshness from the base distillate. The finish is long, smooth, and comforting, leaving a lingering warmth of sweet oak, spice, and dark fruits.