The Nordic whisky industry has changed dramatically over the past decade, not only in the number of distilleries and bottles reaching drinkers, but also in the visibility of Nordic whisky on the secondary market. Auction data from DramX records 11.608 lots of Nordic whisky at auction since 2012. The growth is particularly striking in the annual number of lots: from 88 recorded in 2014 to 1.876 in 2024.

Over the same period, the number of Nordic distilleries represented at auction rose from nine in 2014 to 38 in 2025. Sweden dominates by volume, while Denmark, Norway and Finland have made a significant impact since 2020.

The chart below illustrates this development (note that the 2026 data is YTD as of 2026-09-14).

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The distilleries dominating the market

A small group of distilleries make up much of the auction activity. Mackmyra is by far the largest name in the dataset, with 4.071 lots recorded since first appearing in 2012. This is not surprising as Mackmyra was the first single malt distillery in modern times in the Nordics. They started production back in 1999.

Fellow Swedish distillery High Coast (formerly Box) ranks second with 2.299 lots. Interestingly, Norway's Aurora Spirit, whose whisky is sold under the Bivrost brand, is third with 1.836 lots. This is interesting because Aurora Spirit was only established in 2016 and first appeared at auction in 2020.

Stauning is the largest Danish presence on this list, with 1.041 lots. Again, not very surprising as it is one of the oldest Danish distilleries and by far the largest in production capacity. Smögen from Sweden ranks fifth with 524 lots.

I find it a little surprising that the Finnish distillery Teerenpeli is only in 10th place. They started whisky production back in 2002, making them one of the oldest Nordic distilleries.

Top 10 Nordic distilleries by number of auction lots

More bottles for sale, but prices are going down

The increase in auction volume has not been accompanied by a general rise in prices. The typical Nordic whisky bottle in 2026 sells for £38. Between 2016 and 2023 the price per bottle hovered in the range £50 to £65.

I do not think we should read too much into this. Most Nordic whisky brought to market is still young (5 to 10 years old), and only a select few have even been around long enough to release a 20-year-old whisky. For example, in Norway only two distilleries have released 10-year-old whiskies.

Also during this period, more and more Nordic distilleries have slowly moved from releasing a couple of expensive and very limited editions annually to having their first core range products which naturally sell in larger volumes and at lower prices.

The premium end of Nordic whisky

Now let us look at the typical bottle prices per distillery rather than number of lots. This gives a radically different list. Det Norske Brenneri (their brands are Eiktyrne and Audny) sits at the top of the list, with a typical price of £118. Please note that this is based on just seven lots! Aurora Spirit is close behind in second place with a typical bottle price of £110. This is a lot more significant as this sales price is based on 1.836 lots. It should be noted here that Aurora Spirit has actively used auctions to promote their brand and whisky. They have themselves launched a small number of exclusive bottles of their first releases at auction.

Smögen is the highest-priced Swedish distillery in the top ten at £75, followed by Denmark's Thy Whisky at £65 and Norway's Myken at £60.

It’s also notable that Mackmyra, with the by far highest number of auction lots, is nowhere to be seen on this second table.

Top 10 Nordic distilleries by typical auction price

Nordic whisky reviewed on Whisky Saga

All in all, I have reviewed 514 different Nordic whiskies since I started the blog in 2012. I thought it would be interesting to add a graph showing how the reviews are spread across the Nordic countries and the years since I started:

What we have learned - if anything

The most obvious is that Nordic whisky has moved from being a very small presence at auction to a more visible and available category. We now see close to 2,000 lots per year, and close to 40 Nordic distilleries are represented.

A greater auction activity has not resulted in increasing prices. I believe this is mainly down to 1) a changed mix of bottles reaching auction; more higher volume core range products, and 2) a greater supply both in terms of number of distilleries and higher volumes for the individual releases. I am sure other factors also contributed, such as a higher cost of living and consumers moving toward more affordable products.

I also see this data as further proof that Nordic whisky is an up-and-coming category.

Data note: Figures supplied by DramX and based on 4.8 million auction results across 30 auction sites. The charts state that the figures are current to 14 September 2026. Prices shown are hammer prices.

Sláinte!
- Thomas

I was recently back at GlenDronach Distillery (see details from my previous visit). Back in 2022 it was announced that Brown-Forman, owner of GlenDronach Distillery, was going head with a £30m plus investment to increase production capacity.

“The project is estimated to take three years, with the expectation of doubling the distillery’s capacity and improving its operational energy efficiency.”
- Whisky Magazine (source)

I visited the distillery just a few weeks ago and could witness the expansion personally. The new stills had only been run around six times by then (mid August 2026), and everything was still fresh.

All in all the new expansion brings the production capacity of the distillery up from around 1.4 million lpa to close to 3 million lpa. Actual production is expected to be around 2.4 million lpa.

The expansion includes a new full lauter mash tun with a capacity of 6 tons (27k liters) replacing the old mash tun with a capacity of 3.76 ton (18k liters). The new mash tun was in place around a year ago, and for months they were both used in parallell. They still run three waters at 65.5, 87 and 96 degrees. The output of the new mash tun is enough for three batches of distillation.

They have also put in 10 new wash backs, expanding on the existing four. They do not need all this new capacity currently, and have just recently started using the new ones. Each wash back has a capacity of 27k liters. Fermentation time is, as before, 60 hours.

Finally they have installed two new stills in a new still house block, bringing the total to 6 stills. The last expansion in production was back in 1967.

The two news stills are near exact copies of the old ones, but they are raised a bit higher. The reason for this, as I understood it, is to improve the working conditions for the production staff.

The new stills have a very high energy efficiency with advanced heat recovery.

As a bonus I will also add a picture of this beautifully restored old sled that was used during the winter way, way back when. This felt like a little bit of Norway in the GlenDronach courtyard.

Sláinte!
- Thomas 

This is an expression in the The Master's Anthology from GlenDronach. Other releases in this series are Ode to the Valley (see review) and Ode to the Embers (see review). The GlenDronach Ode to the Dark has been matured exclusively in ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The age is not disclosed for this expression, but I have it on good authority that the component whiskies here are between 8 and 12 years old.

The GlenDronach Ode to the Dark is available in Norway at NOK 1249 (20866401).

Nose: The nose certainly projects a dark theme straight off. But it is a welcoming and safe darkness, with no ominous or scary shenanigans going on here. Cocoa beans, dark chocolate, coffee beans and dried fruits, with raisins and dates standing out. Sticky, sweet cherry jam adds richness. With time, earthy vanilla, leather, toasted oak, pencil shavings and even a hint of mint emerge. It almost feels sooty on the nose.

Taste: Full bodied. Dark is the theme on the palate as well. Somewhat dry in character, with deep sherry notes, red berries, dried fruits and softly burnt caramel sauce. Almond paste and earthy cinnamon add further depth.

Finish: Medium long. Remains dry and fruity, with raisins and figs. Some oaky astringency develops now, alongside pencil shavings and toasted oak. Dark chocolate and a hint of soot follow, turning minty and herbal towards the end.

Comment: Dark, rich and comfortable. 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is a hand-filled Distillery Exclusive in the series Cask of Character. Distilled 2014-05-06, matured in a single ex-Pedro Ximénez puncheon (cask #5826), and bottled August 2026.

Nose: A delight to nose. So soft, so fluffy, so cosy. Dried fruits, caramel and toasted oak. With time, the picture becomes clearer, revealing raisins, figs, dark caramel and sun-warmed oak.

Taste: Full bodied. Dry and spicy in character. It really packs a punch (puncheon?), firing on all cylinders. A massive wave of dried fruits and red berries, followed by cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and white pepper.

Finish: Medium to long. It just keeps firing away. Massive, big, bold and beautiful. A sherry bomb that goes off immediately, before peppermint, dark chocolate and cut grass emerge towards the end.

Comment: Yowza!

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is a hand-filled Distillery Exclusive in the series Cask of Character. Distilled 2013-09-06, matured in a single 1st fill ex-Amontillado cask (cask #726), and bottled August 2026.

Let me just say that hand-filled distillery exclusives like this is one of many major reasons to go visit distilleries in person.

Nose: Juicy and fruity. Soft, sweet notes of milk chocolate and caramel-flavoured ice cream. Warm and comforting. With time, it simply turns softer, mellower and sweeter, with almond milk and freshly ground coffee beans adding further richness.

Taste: Full bodied. Scarily drinkable at this ABV. Sweet, rich, fruity and simply vibrant with life. The juiciness from the nose carries straight through, with red berries and orchard fruits. Some nuttiness, plenty of chocolate and a mildly earthy undertone.

Finish: Medium to long. Continues to entice and tease with its rich, fruity sweetness. Wave after wave of fruits, nuts, nougat, chocolate and sugary sweetness, before ending on pure liquid sunshine.

Comment: Vibrant, decadent and dangerously drinkable. 

Score 92/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is the 14th release in Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Blue Hanger seriers. The 13th release was released back in 2016, so I guess this is a kind of comeback or re-launch. This whisky was crafted from seven carefully selected casks, six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one ex-sherry butt. It was bottled earlier this year (2026) and limited to 2500 bottles. The oldest components in this whisky are 34 years old (source: Master of Malt).

“Named for William “Blue” Hanger, third Lord Coleraine, this whisky honours a Georgian dandy famed for his blue attire and impeccable taste. A devoted patron of Berry Bros. & Rudd at the end of the 18th century, he embodied elegance, loyalty, and discernment - qualities captured in every carefully crafted drop.”

The Blue Hanger 14th Limited Release is available in Norway at NOK 1778 (20682601), and in the UK at around GBP 110.

Nose: Light and delicate, with milk chocolate, nougat, orchard fruits, red berries and floral honey. With time, citrus, apple wax and a whiff of toasted oak add further complexity.

Taste: Full bodied with a creamy, almost oily mouthfeel. Black and, more prominently, white pepper are accompanied by a firm oakiness. Dark chocolate and espresso martini follow, with dried fruits lingering in the background.

Finish: Very long. Soft yet persistent spices linger, particularly white pepper and cinnamon, alongside mild oakiness. A gentle astringency develops towards the end, balanced by creamy vanilla and hints of citrus.

Comment: Delicate nose, rich spicy palate. 

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Say hello to anew limited release from Myken Distillery, Norway. The Myken Never Night is blended and bottled under the Norwegian midnight sun in June.This whisky is made using malted barley from Norway, Germany and Belgium. The composite whiskies in this expression were distilled between 2014 (there are a few drops of the very first cask included - cask #14/001) and 2020. Most of the liquid was distilled in 2018 and 2019. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks, ex-Sauternes casks and Hungarian oak. The cask sizes varied between 50L and 225L. Lightly peated at 6 ppm, and limited to 442 bottles (70 cl).

The Myken Never Night is currently available in Norway at NOK 1500 (20984101).

Nose: Rich and fruity, with a whiff of wood smoke in the background. Creamy vanilla and a hint of almond paste add softness. With time, the fruitiness intensifies, becoming livelier and juicier. There is a clear and playful vibrancy throughout.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich, semi-dry and full-on fruity. Toasted oak and wood smoke mingle with sugary soot and a twist of lemon.

Finish: Medium to long. Sweet licorice and unsalted peanuts enter the mix. It remains fruity, creamy and sooty throughout.

Comment: Vibrant fruit with sooty sweetness. 

Score 87/100

This is Nordic whisky review #514 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is the latest addition to the Beaufort Wind Scale Series from Myken Distillery, Norway. This series of windy whiskies is part of the core range selection from the distillery. The Myken Still has a planned annual outturn of 300 bottles (70 cl). The whisky is 3 to 5 years old, made using a combination of Norwegian and German malted barley. Matured in 40-50L 1st fill ex-sherry casks.

The Myken Still Air is available to buy in Norway at NOK 1500 (20983801).

Nose: Deeply sweet and fruity. Raisins, floral honey, earthy peppermint, demerara sugar and caramel sauce. Red berries and honey-glazed peanuts add further richness. With time, the red berry notes intensify, joined by ripe rowan berries. A very rich and rewarding nose.

Taste: Full bodied. More of the rich red berry symphony from the nose, now accompanied by distinct peppery notes and a dryish oakiness.

Finish: Medium long. The tempered oakiness persists, with white pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and earthy vanilla. Hints of green herbs, dark chocolate and dried fruits emerge towards the end.

Comment: Rich berries with spicy oak. 

Score 88/100

This is Nordic whisky review #513 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This remarkable whisky was distilled 1965. It is a blend, married as new make spirit and and matured in a single American white oak ex-bourbon cask. Limited to 192 bottles.

“Made by whisky making techniques no longer allowed today.”

The Blended at Birth (House of Hazelwood) is sold out.

Nose: Chocolate, cacao nibs, marzipan and creamy vanilla. Dark and almost "dirty" in character, in a very good way. With time, dark fudge, well-worn leather, nuts, incense and cigar box add further depth.

Taste: Full bodied. Light and fresh at first, before vibrant citrus and green herbs take over. Pencil shavings and rich nougat provide a deeper, more structured counterpoint.

Finish: Very long. More nougat, turning increasingly nutty as it develops. The oakiness is ever present but tempered, before refined notes of mint and eucalyptus bring freshness towards the end.

Comment: Dark, dirty and beautifully refined. 

Score 91/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

On October 1, the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2027 will be published. This is the 22nd edition of this must-have book. As always, it is full-bodied and superbly balanced, with a long and rewarding finish. I always get this book, as it is an indispensable source of facts.

Here are a few facts and numbers to whet your appetite:

• New articles from Felipe Schrieberg, Stefan van Eycken, Jan Wiesniewski, Kristiane Westray and Nick Morgan

• 1017 distilleries covered - with updated facts and figures

• 200+ tasting notes

• Stats and trends for the whisky industry last year

• Comprehensive coverage of independent bottlers

• Lists of recommended whisky shops and blogs

Ingvar Ronde, editor of the Malt Whisky Yearbook and Keeper of the Quaich, ensures we are up to date yet again. This book is highly recommended. You can get your own copy of the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2027 at www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com.

Sláinte!
- Thomas

The Queen of the Hebrides is a 36 year old Islay blended malt from House of Hazelwood. It is part of their Legacy Collection and is limited to 274 bottles. The distilleries involved are not disclosed, but the whisky has been matured in American white oak casks.

You can purchase the Queen of the Hebrides online from House of Hazelwood at GBP 2000.

Nose: Dark storm clouds overhead. A blazing driftwood bonfire on the beach, with smoked bacon and mackerel sizzling on the barbecue. With time, toasted marshmallows and lime peel emerge in the background.

Taste: Full bodied. Surprisingly lively and peaty on the palate. Dark chocolate mousse, espresso and creamy vanilla, followed by smoked bacon and strawberries rolled in soot.

Finish: Very long finish. More smoky than peaty now, with leather and dark chocolate. Semi-dry in character, briny and rich, turning softly herbal towards the end. Very relaxing and soothing.

Comment: Dark smoke with soothing richness. 

Score 91/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is a Japanese blended malt made from pot still whisky made at the Hioki Distillery and single malt whisky produced at the Kanosuke Distillery, both in Kagoshima, Japan, and both owned by Komaza Jyozo. See the official product page for more info.

The Kanosuke Double Distillery is available in Norway at NOK 1400.

Nose: Orchard fruits, rowan berries and rhubarb, joined by earthy vanilla, cinnamon and freshly turned black soil. With time, simple syrup adds sweetness alongside increasingly vegetal notes.

Taste: Full bodied. Bigger and bolder than the two components individually, with richer fruitiness and spiciness playing across a wider register. Somewhat more oaky in character as well.

Finish: Medium long. Soft oakiness persists, accompanied by peppermint, cinnamon, ginger and rhubarb. Mildly bitter and briny towards the end.

Comment: Bigger, bolder and intriguingly earthy. 

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is an exciting product from Kanosuke, Japan, where Ireland, the US and Japan meet. Produced at the Hioki Distillery owned by Komaza Jyozo. Here is what they say on the product page:

“A Japanese style pot still whisky inspired by Irish whisky and bourbon and infused with an accumulation of shochu expertise. In our pot still whisky, luxurious amounts of unmalted barley and malted barley are carefully distilled in pot stills and matured in new American white oak casks and bourbon barrels.”

Interestingly the virgin American oak casks used are 450L puncheons to balance or temper the accelerated maturation in the warm Hioki climate.

The Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still Whisky is available in Norway at NOK 1260 (20971601).

Nose: Rich notes of ripe orchard fruits at first, followed by cooked fruits, earthy vanilla and toasted oak. Then comes a wave of tropical fruits, adding a brighter dimension.

Taste: Full bodied and rich, with orchard fruits and red berries. Citrus gradually takes on a more dominant role. Creamy in texture, with a hint of white pepper adding gentle spice.

Finish: Medium long. Sugary sweet with light citrusy fruitiness, followed by honey and creamy vanilla. Toasted oak and pepper provide structure towards the end.

Comment: Elegant.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

The Komasa family has distilled spirits in Kagoshima, Japan, since 1883. In 1957 Kanosuke Komasa, the second-generation master distiller, launched the very first long-term cask matured rice shochu, called Mellowed Kozuru. In 2017 Kanosuke’s grandson Yoshitsugu Komasa established the Kanosuke Distillery to start producing whisky. The mother company, Komasa Jyozo Co., of course still runs their old shochu distillery, which I believe is called the Hioki Distillery.

The Kanosuke Single Malt is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-Mellowed Kozuru shochu casks.

The Kanosuke Single Malt is available in Norway at NOK 1080 (20971701).

Nose: Fruity, malty and delicate. Banana and vanilla cream cake, followed by floral honey and almond milk. With time, a hint of oak emerges alongside soft citrus and earthy rhubarb.

Taste: Full bodied with a creamy, rich mouthfeel. Elegant and fruity, with ripe orchard fruits, white pepper and cinnamon. Pencil shavings and almond paste add a slightly drier dimension.

Finish: Medium long. The elegant dance of summer fruits continues, accompanied by mild spices, herbs and a soft oak influence. A hint of strawberry milkshake appears towards the end.

Comment: Elegant fruit with creamy charm. 

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is a special release from Kanosuke Distillery, Japan. It is a cask strength expression made using peated barley. Vintage 2018-2019, bottled 2023. Matured in a combination of recharred American oak, ex-sherry, and ex-Mellowed Kozuru shochu casks.

The Kanosuke 2023 Limited Edition is available to buy in the UK at around GBP 150.

Nose: Rich, with plenty of orchard fruits and malt. White pepper, toasted oak and earthy vanilla add depth. With time, a soft funkiness develops alongside a whiff of smoke.

Taste: Full bodied and following the nose closely. Malty and intensely fruity, with ripe orchard fruits at the core. There is also a sooty, earthy and vegetal side, with root vegetables and rhubarb adding an unusual twist.

Finish: Medium long and drier in style now. Meaty, malty and fruity, with a character that borders on smoky.

Comment: Fruity malt with earthy funk. 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

A new core range product from Aurora Spirit under their single malt whisky brand Bivrost. The Bivrost Seidr is first matured in first fill ex-bourbon casks, and then finished for a short period in Brazilian Amburana casks (see the official product page). Amburana (Amburana cearensis) is also known as Brazilian oak, and typical notes from this wood type is vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

The Bivrost Seidr is available to buy in Norway at NOK 870 (20873602).

Nose: Sun-warmed oak, honey and earthy vanilla. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a whiff of white pepper follow. With time, Norwegian milk chocolate and marzipan emerge, accompanied by a faint hint of soot.

Taste: Full bodied and rich. Creamy and malty up front, with orchard fruits and underripe strawberries. Black and white pepper add spice, followed by a touch of mint, sweetened ginger, honey and cinnamon. Banana cream cake with marzipan rounds it all off.

Finish: Medium long. More of the same creamy, malty, fruity and softly spicy character. Sweet creamy vanilla, Tate sugar and soot lead into more cinnamon and almond paste towards the end.

Comment: Creamy malt with playful confectionery notes. 

Score 86/100

This is Nordic whisky review #512 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Matured exclusively in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. This is a classic GlenDronach expression.

The GlenDronach 18 YO is not currently available in Norway.

Nose: Chocolate, cocoa and earthy vanilla. Rich and aromatic, with caramel and fudge developing over time. Red berries and sun-warmed oak follow, adding fruitiness and warmth.

Taste: Full bodied. Dark chocolate and rich fruitiness, with orange juice and orange zest bringing a brighter citrus edge.

Finish: Long. Soft nuttiness joins the chocolate notes, now leaning more towards milk chocolate than the darker variety. Bread crust and cocoa beans linger towards the end.

Comment: Chocolate richness with vibrant citrus. 

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

The GlenDronach 15 YO is a core range product (see product page). Matured in a combination of mainly ex-Oloroso sherry casks and a smaller portion of ex-PX sherry casks.

The GlenDronach 15 YO is not currently available in Norway, but expect it sometime during the coming year.

Nose: A fine combination of dried fruits, red berries, malt and vanilla. With time, hints of leather, dusty books and dark chocolate add a deeper dimension.

Taste: Medium to full bodied. Dried fruits dominate, raisins and dates in particular. Lighter notes of grape juice and vanilla provide a softer contrast.

Finish: Medium to long. Elegant and refined throughout, with more dried fruits and tempered sweetness. A little spicier now, before deep, dark sugary notes take over towards the end.

Comment: Elegant fruit with dark refinement. 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This entry level core range whisky from GlenDronach Distillery has been matured exclusively in ex-sherry casks. Oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, with a bit more emphasis on Oloroso sherry casks. Check out the official product page for more details.

The GlenDronach 12 YO is available in Norway at NOK 880 (9924801).

Nose: Creamy malt and orchard fruits, joined by earthy, rich vanilla. Dried fruits follow, accompanied by a soft nuttiness.

Taste: Full bodied and spicier than the nose would suggest. Black and white pepper lead the way, with nutmeg and cinnamon adding warmth. Rich and endearing, with dried fruits and a somewhat dry character.

Finish: Medium long. Ripe apples emerge alongside simple syrup and honey. Dried fruits, raspberry jam and dark chocolate add a richer, darker sweetness towards the end.

Comment: Rich fruit with warming spice. 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This Tamdhu 18 YO was matured in a combination of American and European oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks.

You can buy the Tamdhu 18 YO at around GBP 165.

Nose: Dried fruits with a mild citrus twist. Rich and creamy, becoming softer with time as vanilla and caramel milkshake emerge.

Taste: Full bodied. Dried fruits with a hint of tartness, accompanied by cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

Finish: Medium to long. The fruitiness turns lighter and juicier now, with even a hint of grapefruit. Mild spices linger alongside pencil shavings towards the end.

Comment: Rich fruit with a tart twist. 

Score 87/100

PS! Thanks Tore S. for the sample!

Sláinte!
-Thomas