HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask

2025-04-16 German whisky is still a young discipline, but some distilleries are boldly venturing forward with creative cask maturations. HeiligenBergFeld is precisely one of these: Their latest bottling, the 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask, comes in at a whopping 60.2 % ABV and refuses to be pigeonholed into classic casks.
HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask
HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask
Single Malt | No Age Statement | 60,20 % ABV. | 112,22 €/l | HeiligenBergFeld Distillery | made in Germany | Whiskybase ID 255101

Smell

The nose? Let's say ... surprising. Toilet stone meets fresh pineapple - a contrast that is definitely not commonplace. This is joined by a malty base that hints at the young age of the whisky. It remains youthful and impetuous, with floral hints of jasmine blossom and a fresh acidity of Granny Smith apples. A flavour that will not appeal to everyone, but definitely arouses curiosity.

Taste

On the palate, the whisky is initially sweet, almost tantalising, but then a metallic note comes into play, making the whole thing somewhat edgy. White pepper brings a slight spiciness, which is accompanied by a refreshing mint note. And then? Peach and citrus tic-tacs! Yes, exactly that. A flavour that balances between refreshing and strange - somewhere between a summer drink and a drawer full of coins.

Finish

This is where the HeiligenBergFeld finally turns up the heat. Crumbly lemon iced tea, a fine, crisp texture and a sweet, tropical note of papaya make for a smooth, pleasant finish. The finish is clearly the strongest side of this whisky.

Thoughts

The HeiligenBergFeld Rum Barbados Cask is like a teenager with a lot of energy, but not yet fully developed skills. The nose is average, the flavour somewhat flat and unsteady, but the finish definitely has potential. You can tell that experiments have been carried out here - whether the result delights or confuses depends very much on your own openness to unconventional flavours.

Rating: 74/100 - Very Good (Marcel: 75 | Sascha: 73)

Value for Money: 2/5 - Expensive

Preview Image Source: Whiskybase
Further Information Cask Type: Rum Barbados
Cask Number: 15
 
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