Floki

Established in 2009, the Eimverk Distillery is the first and currently only whisky distillery in Iceland. Brothers Halli & Egill Thorkelsson, who were fourth-generation distillers, set up the venture almost entirely on their own, building the stills themselves and sharing a building holding a robotics factory that the family also own.

'Eimverk' comes from the Icelandic words 'Eim', meaning distillation and 'Verk' meaning to get a job done. Flóki is named Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarsso, the first Norseman to deliberately sail to Iceland.

A very experimental brand, Floki can be found in somewhat unusual forms, such as a 'peated' version that uses barley smoked with sheep dung. It's one that won't - and can't be forgotten!

But this Beer Barrel Finish is also incredbly unique and memorable. Initially matured for around 3 years in new American oak casks, the spirit is then transferred in barrels that previously held ale from a local craft breweries - although it's not stated which brewery this actually is.

However, on the nose it is immediately clear of the beer influence. Rich, warm, slightly hoppy, slightly chocolatey, there's also fruity notes of apple and cherry. The beer notes are even more clear on the palate, with round rye bread and chocolate stout flavour full on and upfront. It's an incredible whisky that absolutely won't be to some people's taste - particularly if you don't like beer! - but if you're looking for something totally different in your whisky collection, you must get your hands on this!