The geographical location of a distillery says a lot about its character, values, and identity, from the traditional Scottish single malt operations to the bourbon distilleries of the American South. And a new whisky purveyor is now leaning into its place of origin, delivering an “arctic whisky” that’s being produced at the world’s northernmost distillery.
Christened “Niflheim,” this first limited release is named after “the world of fog” (one of nine worlds in ancient Norse mythology) and is produced using nordic barley and fermented with glacial melt-off water. After being triple distilled in a copper still, this artisan-made whisky is matured in sherry, bourbon, and virgin casks which are housed in an underground vault that was previously part of a NATO Cold War base. Boasting 46% ABV, Niflheim has a sweet nose with hints of toasted nuts and dried fruit, complemented by a woody palate and a finish that’s equal parts sweet and spicy. Located at the foot of the Lyngen Alps at the 69-degree North, Bivrost is initially rolling out a small batch of its arctic whisky before ramping up production in preparation for a larger release.
