Teerenpeli Savu Review

Savu means smoke in Finnish. So needless to say, this is a peated single malt whisky from Finland by Teerenpeli distillery, the first ever commercial Finnish single malt producer.

Matured in bourbon (80%) and Pedro Ximénez sherry (20%) casks, which according to Teerenpeli, were selected by ambassadors and fair visitors in blind tastings. This peated release was first introduced in 2018, but my bottle is from 2022 batch, given to me as gift by my spouse.

Savu received 95 points at International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2020. Here’s judging teams tasting notes from 2022 entry:

”Elegant with slight butterscotch on the nose. Sweet and balanced with a buttery caramel palate with a peaty juiciness. Delicate, youthful and pleasant.”

Teerenpeli Smoke (Savu) Review

Young quality smoke

I read somewhere that Savu is only 3 years old. It’s hard to imagine that, because the palate seems more mature and smooth. It doesn’t have that typical young whisky roughness, even though it’s peated.

Maybe the gentle peat prevents the development of typical young smoky whisky’s rough burning edges. Unfortunately I don’t know the ppm level of Savu.

Sweet PX casks probably have a smoothing affect as well.

Matured in:

Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry casks

Non-chill filtered, no added colour

ABV: 43%

Colour: Light amber

Nose: Light smoke and tender fruit notes with fresh barley. Bit grassy and earthy. Drops of water leaves trails of ashes and chili.

Taste: Lots of barley, bit of peppers and heavy bonfire smoke. Addition of water brings lightly spicy notes and smooth fruity notes with peat.

Finish: Medium long with light peat and heavy smoke. Velvet coating with hints of barley and sugar coming through from the bonfire.

Balance: Pleasant smoky whisky, enjoyable and rich, giving a mixture of big smoke and tender earthy notes. Nice rollercoaster ride of different whisky notes.