2018 BB&R Agitator Cask Ref. 741 Single Malt Whisky Sweden (57.7%)

Few distilleries push production boundaries like Stockholm’s Agitator. Led by Oskar Bruno, the distillery offers vacuum distillation and endless experimentations with yeast, barley and wood. Energy efficiency is equal to quality in their mindset, making this one of Europe’s greenest distilleries.

Produced with 40ppm barley and fermented with a Saison yeast, this is a feast for the senses. The nose is immensely complex with notes of dried mushrooms, forest floor and peat smoke. It is all wonderfully umami.

The palate brings notes of new leather, pink wafer biscuits and garden bonfire with a pleasing coastal backbone. Smoke and dried fruit linger on the stunning palate. This is idiosyncratic brilliance, distilled by either a madman or a genius.

Jonny McMillan, Reserve Whisky Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd (2023)