Black Forest 8 Years (2014/2022) - vom Fass
German single malt from Destillerie Kammer-Kirsch + Rothaus, triple distilled and matured for 8 years in American Oak, ex-Marsala, and ex-Madeira casks.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, the whisky begins with red grapes and fresh orange peel, which immediately gives it a clear, fruity direction. Behind that lie caramel and burnt toast, which lend the aroma a slightly darker, toasted contour. It is precisely this tension between fruit and roasted aromas that makes the first impression distinctive and quite appealing.
Palate
On the palate, cranberries, malt, and fruity papaya come together, creating an interplay of tart fruit and mild sweetness. The texture feels both dry on the palate and juicy on the tongue, which gives the whisky an interesting inner tension. Added to this are oaky notes and an impression of dessert wine, which clearly reflects the cask maturation. Overall, the result is a good combination that remains approachable without seeming completely arbitrary.
Finish
The finish is very short and is clearly shaped by oak. Slightly bitter yet sweet notes combine with toasted and nutty accents. The finale thus leaves a distinctive, but only brief, aftertaste.
Thoughts
Marcel 71/100 - (Very good)
The basic profile is nicely laid out: soft, fruity, malty, and with interesting influences from the different cask types. At 41%, however, this potential isn't conveyed sufficiently — depth and expressiveness are lost along the way. There could have been significantly more here, especially given the questionable price-performance ratio in this price range.
Sascha 77/100 - (Very good)
A solid product for the mass market that deliberately relies on mildness, roundness, and sweetness for accessibility. The oak present ensures the whisky doesn't seem completely lacking in tension despite its gentle character. An uncomplicated German single malt that remains approachable without becoming boring.
Value for Money: 2/5 (Expensive)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Black Forest 8 Years (2014/2022) - vom Fass taste like?
It shows a soft, rich profile with red grapes, orange peel, and caramel on the nose. On the palate, cranberries, malt, papaya, oak, and a hint of dessert wine come together before the finish turns out short, slightly bittersweet, toasted, and nutty.
Which casks were used for Black Forest 8 Years?
The whisky matured for a total of 8 years in selected American Oak, ex-Marsala, and ex-Madeira casks. This combination explains the interplay of fruit, sweetness, roasted aromas, and oaky structure.
Who is this German single malt suitable for?
It is particularly suitable for connoisseurs looking for a mild, rounded, and approachable single malt with noticeable sweetness and sufficient oak. Those expecting more intensity and a stronger expression of the base profile, however, may find it somewhat restrained.
