Eiskeller-Whisky 12 Years Single Cask Fass 4
Award-winning and rightly celebrated! The Eiskeller whisky 12 years single cask cask 4 from the Lambertus Bräu und Brand distillery has made history: As the winner of the German Whisky Awards 2025 in the prestigious "Single Malt Cask Strength (unpeated)" category, it came out on top against over 100 German whiskies. Organised by the Verband Deutscher Whiskybrenner e.V. and blind-tasted by a jury of experts, this award is the accolade for German whisky. Anyone looking for an exceptional German single malt that not only meets international standards, but exceeds them, should definitely read on. This whisky is a shining example of what German distilleries are capable of - and why they increasingly deserve the attention of the whisky world.
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first nosing, it becomes clear why this whisky won over the jury. White pepper dominates the nose - not aggressive or disruptive, but aromatic and inviting. Behind this, layers of orange and honey unfold, giving the whole a warm, sweet base. Malt and cinnamon join in, accompanied by exotic notes such as turmeric and liquorice with an earthy undertone. This combination of flavours is fascinating and already shows that this is a whisky with personality in a glass. The red wine flavour of the cask is already noticeable on the nose and promises great things for the palate.
Palate
The ice cellar whisky unfolds its full splendour in the mouth. Oily and extremely full-bodied, it envelops the palate like a silky cloak. The white pepper from the nose turns into black pepper and brings a pleasant spiciness that is perfectly rounded off by cinnamon. The flavour experience is nothing less than spectacular: a spice aroma like an Indian spice ship - this poetic description hits the nail on the head. Cardamom, coriander, fennel and a multitude of other spices dance on the tongue. The French oak and the red wine pre-fermentation of the barrel have created a great flavour profile here.
Finish
The finish delivers what the nose and palate promised. Clove and wood dominate the finish, while a furry texture fills the mouth and ensures persistence. Liquorice and slightly nutty notes round off the taste experience and leave a lasting impression.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
This Eiskeller whisky is a genuine experience – full-bodied, spicy, and packed with character. It’s not mainstream, but rather a bold dram that’s fun and challenges your taste buds. Anyone familiar with GlenAllachie fans will find a German powerhouse counterpart here, showing serious muscle with its 56.6% ABV.
Sascha 84/100
With its complex spice profile and expertly executed cask maturation, this 12-years single cask is a prime example of high-level German whisky. The balance between intense peppery heat and sweet-spicy notes is remarkable, even if the robust strength doesn’t gently caress every palate. Overall, the cask profile impresses with depth and a lasting finish, making it ideal for fans of structured cask strength whiskies.
Value for Money: Fair
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What does 'Single Cask' mean for this 12-years Eiskeller whisky?
'Single Cask' means the whisky was bottled from just one individual barrel, without blending with others. This ensures every drop reflects the unique aromas and characteristics of that specific cask, making it distinctive and limited.
How does the red wine pre-treatment of the cask influence the whisky’s flavor?
The red wine pre-treatment imparts complex fruity notes and a certain depth to the whisky. In the 12-years Eiskeller whisky, this is especially evident through aromatic hints of orange and honey on the nose, as well as the full-bodied, spicy flavors on the palate that enrich the tasting experience.
Why did the 12-years Eiskeller whisky win the category 'Single Malt Cask Strength (unpeated)'?
The whisky impressed with its intense aroma profile at a high drinking strength (56.6% ABV) without smoky peat notes (unpeated). The combination of complex spice notes, harmonious cask maturation, and exceptional balance enabled it to stand out among over 100 German whiskies.