A rich, malty and spicy nose. Right off I get the peat, but not in an overpowering way, just present and pleasant. I then detect sweet grass, baking spices, vanilla sponge cake, toasted birch wood, a bit of toffee, and a touch of orange marmalade. Sweet and spicy on the palate as well, but not too hot. Up front there’s plenty of malty sweetness, reminiscent of golden syrup, followed by a mid palate of pepper, allspice, and cinnamon stick. Then the fruit and peat notes blossom with sour oranges, a little lemon, a suggestion of pineapple, and a clean grassy peat. The body is nice and full, not heavy but coating. The legs are thin though and go quite quickly, followed by retreating sheets that eventually leave a hefty dew in the glass. Soft and medium in length, with notes of rich sherry kissed oak, subtle vanilla, and a wisp of smoke over a base of honey, the finish is nice and cozy. Well balanced and thoroughly enjoyable, this “Viking Heart” has certainly won mine. Nose: 10 Taste: 9 Body: 8 Finnish: 10