Emill Kraftwerk
Delicate, Juicy, Oak, Vanilla2024-11-08
Smell
The smell of Emill Kraftwerk is a surprise, to say the least. With a little imagination, notes of cocoa beans and a light fruit brandy can be recognised, but accompanied by a hint of ‘toilet stone’ and a hint of ‘raspberry cleaner’ - impressions that may offer more room for interpretation for experienced connoisseurs, but could rather alienate newcomers. In the background, there is a hint of smoke and a slightly ham-like undertone, which makes the bouquet idiosyncratic and unusual.
Taste
The first sip is powerful and clearly characterised by the high alcohol strength. But after this intense start, the Emill Kraftwerk shows what it's made of: the flavour develops full-bodied and gains depth. Spicy notes paired with a hint of fruitiness emerge, accompanied by hints of chocolate and coffee, giving the whole an unexpectedly complex flavour. A light toffee flavour rounds off the profile and makes for a pleasant, albeit surprising, taste experience.
Finish
The finish of this whisky is robust and strong. The oak barrel ageing brings out dominant wood notes and a beautiful spiciness, which are complemented by a light cherry flavour and a hint of coffee. The finish lingers and rounds off the taste experience with a mixture of sweet and tart flavours.
Thoughts
The nose of Emill Kraftwerk may surprise some people - or even put them off. But the flavour comes to the rescue: what seems unconventional at first develops a depth and complexity in the mouth. The Emill Kraftwerk shows that German whiskies can certainly have character and flavour - and develop their very own signature flavour. A whisky that surprises, challenges and tells us a lot about the creativity and courage of the Black Forest distillery.