Ærø 2017 Single Malt Small Batch no 1 Dansk Whisky 50 cl 43%

Not all whisky from Ærø is single cask. Small Batch No 1 takes a different approach — a selection of casks from the 2017 distillation, vatted and reduced to 43%. The result is a more approachable entry into the Ærø universe, but with the same genuinely local ingredients and the same malt floor.

Expert description

Ærø Whisky 2017 Single Malt Small Batch No 1 is a Danish Single Malt Whisky at 43%, bottled at 50 cl. It is the first small batch expression from Ærø Whisky A/S and marks a different direction from the distillery's single cask series. Ærø Whisky produces exclusively from locally grown barley from the island of Ærø, malted on the distillery's own malt floor and double-distilled in a closed circuit. The distillation dates from 2017, and the whisky is matured in oak casks — a combination of sherry casks and new oak. The small batch method means the contents are vatted from a selection of casks, producing a more consistent and accessible style than the cask strength expressions.

Tasting notes

Nose

Mild and inviting. Vanilla and light oak from the maturation, with dried fruit and a gentle sherry note in the background. The local malt gives a fresh, slightly nutty undertone.

Palate

Round and soft at 43%. Caramel and honey with dark fruit. The oak is present as structure, not dominance. Light spice towards the end.

Finish

Medium-length and warm. Light spice and dried fruit gradually retreat.

Specifications

Name: Ærø Whisky 2017 Single Malt Small Batch No 1
Distillery: Ærø Whisky A/S
Region/Country: Denmark, Ærø
Type: Danish Single Malt Whisky
ABV: 43%
Size: 50 CL
Cask type: Oak casks (sherry and new oak)
Distillation method: Double distilled
Distilled: 2017

Flavour profile

Small Batch · Sherry · Fruity · Smooth · Vanilla

Investment potential

Medium. Ærø Whisky 2017 Small Batch No 1 is the first small batch expression from one of Denmark's most locally rooted micro-distilleries, produced in limited quantities. Inaugural expressions in a new series from a dedicated island distillery of this profile tend to attract collector attention over time.

Did you know?

Ærø Whisky is one of very few producers in the world that still malts barley on its own malt floor. It is a time-consuming and physically demanding process, but it gives the master maltster direct control over the drying degree and malt character that cannot be achieved with purchased malt.

See our full range of Ærø Whisky

Frequently asked questions about Ærø Whisky 2017 Small Batch No 1

What is a small batch whisky?

A small batch whisky is made by vatting a selected number of casks to achieve a particular flavour profile and style. It sits between single cask (one cask) and blended (many casks). Ærø Small Batch No 1 is vatted from a small selection of casks from the 2017 distillation.

How does Small Batch No 1 differ from Ærø's single cask releases?

Single cask releases are bottled directly from one cask, typically at cask strength. Small Batch No 1 is vatted from a selection of casks and reduced to 43%, giving a more consistent and accessible style. Neither is superior — they are two different expressions from the same distillery.

Why only 43%?

Small batch whiskies are typically reduced to a precise bottling strength to ensure a consistent flavour profile. 43% gives room for the flavour without the sharp alcohol dominating. It is a deliberate decision from the distillery, not a compromise.

Is Ærø 2017 Small Batch a good investment?

It is the first small batch expression from a dedicated micro-distillery with its own malt floor and locally rooted production. Inaugural expressions from distilleries of this profile have historically attracted interest from collectors — primarily as quality spirits that are rare to find.

What makes Ærø Whisky special?

The combination of their own malt floor, locally grown Ærø barley, and a production measured in only a few hundred bottles per year makes Ærø Whisky one of Denmark's most place-rooted distilleries. Barley, malt, distillation and maturation are all tied to the island.

Is Ærø 2017 Small Batch suitable as a gift?

Absolutely. At 43% with a round, smooth flavour profile, it is accessible even to those not normally seeking cask strength. And the story behind it — one island community, its own malt floor, local barley — gives the gift a tangible narrative. See our other Ærø Whisky expressions.