Elsburn The Journey 2020
Delicate, Juicy, Oak, Vanilla2024-11-27
Smell
From the very first nosing, it is noticeable that Elsburn The Journey 2020 has unusual flavours. The fragrance brings with it a gentle caramel note that arouses curiosity, accompanied by a slightly musty base that mixes with traces of sulphur and walnut. Added to this is the warm scent of boiled chestnuts, which gives the whisky an autumnal, nutty depth.
Taste
On the palate, Elsburn unfolds with a soft, marzipan-like sweetness reminiscent of roasted almonds. A light fruitiness and the warm flavour of forest honey provide a harmonious sweetness, which is quickly replaced by a pinch of sultanas and a subtle roasted aroma. A surprising note is the slightly oily mouthfeel, which gives the whisky more body and at the same time makes it appear rounder.
Finish
In the finish, Elsburn The Journey 2020 shows a stronger side: black pepper and a hint of burnt wood bring the experience to a spicy and somewhat rustic end. However, the finish is rather short and tingling - a quick finish that does not leave a long aftertaste, but rounds off the spicy experience nicely.
Thoughts
Elsburn The Journey 2020 is a German whisky that shows that the Hammerschmiede distillery has a lot of potential. Despite the interesting flavours, the whisky seems a little young and in some ways unfinished. The flavour profile is promising, but not fully mature and could appear a little ‘unrounded’ to experienced whisky lovers. For beginners, however, this whisky offers an exciting, easily accessible journey into the world of German single malts.