Elsburn The Journey 2020
With the Elsburn The Journey 2020, the Hammerschmiede distillery in Germany has launched an interesting and unique bottling on the market. This single malt has no age statement and is bottled with an alcohol content of 43% vol. But how does this whisky perform in terms of flavour, aroma and drinking pleasure?
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first nosing, it is noticeable that Elsburn The Journey 2020 has unusual flavours. The fragrance brings with it a gentle caramel note that arouses curiosity, accompanied by a slightly musty base that mixes with traces of sulphur and walnut. Added to this is the warm scent of boiled chestnuts, which gives the whisky an autumnal, nutty depth.
Palate
On the palate, Elsburn unfolds with a soft, marzipan-like sweetness reminiscent of roasted almonds. A light fruitiness and the warm flavour of forest honey provide a harmonious sweetness, which is quickly replaced by a pinch of sultanas and a subtle roasted aroma. A surprising note is the slightly oily mouthfeel, which gives the whisky more body and at the same time makes it appear rounder.
Finish
In the finish, Elsburn The Journey 2020 shows a stronger side: black pepper and a hint of burnt wood bring the experience to a spicy and somewhat rustic end. However, the finish is rather short and tingling - a quick finish that does not leave a long aftertaste, but rounds off the spicy experience nicely.
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
Elsburn The Journey 2020 is a charming German single malt that offers plenty of enjoyment with its nutty sweetness and spicy edges. The youthful, slightly raw notes aren’t entirely polished yet, but that very quality gives it a distinct character that piques curiosity — ideal for anyone looking for an unconventional tasting experience.
Sascha 72/100
The Elsburn The Journey 2020 reveals an intriguing combination of aromas with a solid structure, yet it suffers from a somewhat underdeveloped finish and a short aftertaste. Despite the pleasant balance between sweetness and spice, the whisky still lacks the depth and complexity to fully satisfy seasoned connoisseurs.
Value for Money: Fair
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What distinctive flavor characteristics set Elsburn The Journey 2020 apart?
Elsburn The Journey 2020 stands out with its unusual blend of gentle caramel notes, a slightly musty base featuring sulfur and walnut aromas, and warm chestnut scents on the nose. On the palate, it offers marzipan-like sweetness, forest honey, raisins, and a subtle roasted character, accompanied by a lightly oily mouthfeel. The finish is spicy with black pepper and burnt wood, relatively short and tingling.
How does the absence of an age statement affect the character of this whisky?
Without an age statement, Elsburn The Journey 2020 allows for flexible cask selection and maturation, resulting in a complex and distinctive profile. This is reflected in the layered aromas and the balanced interplay of sweetness, spice, and light roasted notes, without being dominated by a specific age.
What is the ideal way to enjoy Elsburn The Journey 2020 to best appreciate its flavors?
To fully experience the diverse aromas of Elsburn The Journey 2020, it is recommended to drink it neat at room temperature. A tulip-shaped glass supports the nosing, allowing the complex scent notes to unfold. Adding a few drops of water can help highlight the roasted aromas and spice but should be done sparingly.