Betz PX Single Cask 2017/2021 52
When you think of German whisky, you might expect innovation, courage and a fresh approach. Unfortunately, the Betz PX Single Cask 52 delivers exactly the opposite: a boring, flat experience that fails to impress even after four years of maturation.
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Buy on AmazonTasting Notes
Nose
The nose does indeed begin interestingly: citrus notes, almonds and a slight raspberry sweetness mingle with dark fruits and sultanas. A hint of rum-grape-nut-chocolate gives hope that something special is waiting here. But then comes the disillusionment - the flavours are superficial and quickly evaporate. The promised sherry bomb? Not a chance. Instead, a sharp, almost aggressive note dominates, clouding the overall impression.
Palate
The first sip confirms our fears: Boring. The flavour is flat and uninspired. There are hints of dark chocolate, a slight sweetness and even a hint of Mon Chéri chocolates, but everything remains pale and underdeveloped. The PX influences are barely noticeable and the whisky does not manage to be full-bodied. Instead, an oaky dryness dominates, leaving only emptiness instead of complexity.
Finish
The finish is short and unpleasantly sharp. Pepper and cocoa try to assert themselves, but here too there is a lack of depth and balance. The spiciness lingers persistently in the mouth and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste that is more reminiscent of cheap spirits than a carefully matured single cask.
Thoughts
Marcel 60/100 - (Good)
Unfortunately, the Betz PX Single Cask 52 falls far short of expectations – despite the promising nose, it lacks character and drinking pleasure. It's a shame that four years of maturation and a PX cask yielded nothing more than a flat, somewhat sharp finish. Those who favor German whisky would be better off moving on.
Sascha 60/100 - (Good)
The Betz PX Single Cask 2017/2021 52 displays an unbalanced structure with superficial aromas and a lack of complexity. The balance between sweetness, oak, and sharpness is off, which significantly weakens the overall impression. Technically interesting, but unfortunately disappointing and not very rounded in taste.
Value for Money: 2/5 (Expensive)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the PX sherry cask influence the flavor of the Betz PX Single Cask 2017/2021 52?
The PX sherry cask would normally impart intense sweet and fruity notes. However, in this whisky, the sherry influences are very weak, resulting in a rather flat and not very complex flavor.
Why does the Betz PX Single Cask seem so unbalanced despite four years of maturation?
The relatively short maturation period of four years combined with the choice of cask appears insufficient to develop depth and balance. As a result, sharp and dry notes dominate while the aromas fade quickly.
What aromas can be expected on the nose and palate of this whisky?
On the nose, you initially find citrus, almonds, and raspberry sweetness, accompanied by dark fruits and raisins. On the palate, there are subtle hints of dark chocolate, sweetness, and Mon Chéri chocolates, but these remain faint and are overshadowed by an oaky dryness.