Kyrö Wood Smoke Malt Rye Whisky (700mL)

Here is another surprise. I never expected the Finns could make a great rye but they did here. It has a smokey nose and taste. Very smooth with a nice aftertaste. A 7 out of 10.

If you are not a fan of smoke you will not like this rye. But if a nice smokey flavor is appealing, this bold Rye will be a very elegant expression. It is interesting in that the smell is vastly different from the taste and I really can't place it: licroce? bubblegum? Anyway, once sipped this is winter night warming at its best. The smokey hints give it warmth, the rye flavor is spicy as usual, but laced with vanilla and caramel to make the sip almost sweet. On the finish the wood comes out and leaves a nice warmth. If you like rye and smoke, this is an excellent mix!

Not much of a nose, just a little smoke but once you take a sip its all over. Literally nothing but fake smoke taste combined with an alcohol base. I let it sit to aerate, tried couple drops of water but still literally undrinkable. My drain spit it back up when I dumped it!

There were many hesitations in trying this whiskey: I'd never had a Finnish whiskey, I've never been a big fan of ryes, and not really liking wood smoked beverages (thinking about beer here, a Smoked Helles Lager). I have to say I was floored by what I tasted. This whiskey was my favorite from the 2025 Advent Calendar and I ordered a bottle immediately. It doesn't smell strongly of smoke, but it is present on the tongue without overpowering the flavor of the whiskey, which again I've never been a fan of rye whiskey, but the rye holds up well against the smoke. The sweetness of the caramel and vanilla notes take the edge off the smoke as well. I find this whiskey to be nicely balanced. Reminds me a bit of High West Campfire whiskey, which doesn't hold a candle to this.

Interesting on the nose as it’s different than it tastes. Rich, long, and complex. The “Finnish” (pardon the pun) is long-lasting. The only knock is that it could be a bit situational, and perhaps not an “entry level” spirit, as it doesn’t taste how people would imagine. I’m excited to taste this whisky on my next camping or ski trip in the woods.