Betz Master Blend Batch 4
The Betz Master Blend Batch 4 from the Betz Distillery in Germany is a whisky that promises a lot, but ultimately falls somewhat short of expectations. With an alcohol content of 46.00% ABV and no age statement, this blend presents itself as an experiment that offers both fascinating and disappointing moments.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose is initially greeted by an interesting blend of pepper and spicy herbs. Underneath, notes of hazelnut and a hint of caramel shimmer, combining with an unexpected sweetness of candy floss and raspberry. The fragrance is complex and multi-layered, raising hopes for an equally multi-layered flavour.
Palate
A creamy cream caramel initially unfolds on the tongue, accompanied by soft vanilla and orange tones. But then comes the turnaround: notes of leather and cocoa mix with bitter herbs that dominate the flavour. While the first few seconds still seem harmonious, the whisky quickly becomes flat and one-sided. The bitterness overpowers the finer nuances and makes the flavour less enjoyable.
Finish
The finish is creamy and of medium length, with an aftertaste of orange and herbs. Unfortunately, the bitterness remains present here too, which detracts from the otherwise pleasant finish. There is a lack of depth and balance to really round off the whisky.
Thoughts
Marcel 59/100
The Betz Master Blend Batch 4 entices with intriguing aromas and a hint of sweetness, but it quickly loses its charm in the glass. Bitterness takes over, making the drinking experience more of a chore than a pleasure – a shame, as it had so much more potential!
Sascha 64/100
Despite an interesting complexity on the nose, the Betz Master Blend Batch 4 lacks structural balance, particularly due to the dominant bitterness on the palate. The harmony between creaminess and bitter notes falls out of sync, which unfortunately weakens the overall impression.
Value for Money: Expensive
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Why does the Betz Master Blend Batch 4 have no age statement (No Age Statement)?
The Betz Master Blend Batch 4 deliberately omits an age statement to give the master distiller more freedom in selecting the whiskies used. This allows for a blend of different vintages to achieve a specific flavor profile, even if it may result in a less pronounced depth.
Which flavor notes dominate the Betz Master Blend Batch 4 despite its complex nose?
Although the nose is layered with pepper, herbs, hazelnut, and sweet accents, the palate is dominated by bitter herbal tones along with notes of leather and cocoa. This bitterness overshadows the initially creamy and fruity aromas, making the overall taste feel somewhat unbalanced.
How does the Betz Master Blend Batch 4 differ from classic German single malt whiskies?
Unlike many German single malts, which often feature a clear age statement and come from pure malt distilleries, the Betz Master Blend Batch 4 is a no-age-statement blend combining various whiskies to create an experimental profile. This results in both interesting and less balanced characteristics that set it apart from traditional single malts.