Teerenpeli Aura

Although the name Aura doesn’t really indicate it, Teerenpeli Aura was matured in a porter cask. That’s right. An ex-bourbon cask that was seasoned with Porter beer (produced by Teerenpeli as well, after all they are originally brewers) for about a month. The whisky then matured its whole life (five years) in this cask.

We already know they make good spirit so we’re interested to find out how it works out in this uncommon cask type.

Teerenpeli Distiller’s Choice ‘Aura’ 5 yo (43%, OB 2016, 50 cl, 426 btl.)

Nose: sweet and malty, with subtle roasted / toasted elements. Something of Dutch liquorice, burnt pastry. Bread dough. Vanilla latte and light cocoa. I like it, you can actually get some of the Porter notes but it’s very balanced. There’s a very light bubblegummy note that doesn’t feel in place, but that’s fine.

Mouth: creamy, quickly showing a similar pumpernickel note and spices (pepper, salt). Gets rather bitter, on dark chocolate, espresso and Dutch liquorice again. Roasted nuts. Light yeasty hints.

Finish: quite long, on liquorice, pepper and coffee.

When reading all these dark flavours, you could think this is over the top. But in reality the balance is quite good, hinting towards the beer without overdoing it. A bit strange but quite successful. Around € 80.

Score: 82/100