Elsburn The Journey 2021
The Hercynian single malt whisky comes from the Hammerschmiede in the German Harz Mountains. The Journey stands for the journey of the whisky through a number of cask types.Home is where the Harz is writes the distillery on the back of the outer packaging. If you do a little research on the website, you quickly get the feeling that a lot of love goes into the work there. For example, the distillery does not want to join the Association of German Whisky Distillers because they consider themselves mavericks and the whisky comes first. Somehow likeable. Hammerschmiede has been producing single malt whisky since 2002, making it one of the oldest whisky distilleries in mainland Europe. In the meantime, the range includes a not negligible selection of good to very good Whiskys. Elsburn The Journey is often named as a deputy classic and entry into the Harz whisky world.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The initial oak quickly fades and makes way for fruity notes of cranberries, dried fruits and plums. In the meantime, we catch a glimpse of coffee. Every now and then, we have a smell of forest in the morning dew in our nostrils.
Palate
The sweet sherry flavours are accompanied by unexpected light smoke. We perceive a little oak, but more cherry sweets, dried fruit and sweetened condensed milk. Very balanced.
Finish
Smoke and oak linger in the back and turn into a bitter-sweet short finish.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
A whisky that’s simply a joy with its multifaceted cask journey and a hint of smoke – here, character meets drinkability. The sweet and fruity notes deliver a genuine taste experience that leaves you wanting more. For a German single malt, this is a real bullseye with excellent value for money!
Sascha 81/100
The complex combination of casks gives Elsburn The Journey a remarkable balance between sweet sherry aromas and subtle smoke, which shapes its structure. Despite its complexity, the whisky feels overall harmonious and well-balanced, with the relatively short finish costing just a few points. A technically accomplished example of German single malt with solid character.
Value for Money: Good
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77/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Elsburn The Journey 2021 stand out compared to other German whiskies?
Elsburn The Journey 2021 is distinguished by its maturation in various types of casks, imparting a complex blend of fruity sherry aromas, light smokiness, and oak. Additionally, it comes from one of mainland Europe’s oldest whisky distilleries, the Hammerschmiede in the Harz region.
Why is Elsburn The Journey 2021 a no-age-statement (NAS) whisky, and does that affect the taste?
Elsburn The Journey 2021 is offered without an age statement (NAS), meaning the distillery blends different vintages and cask types to achieve a specific flavor profile. This approach allows for a balanced harmony between fruity notes, gentle smoke, and sweet sherry aromas.
How should you best enjoy Elsburn The Journey 2021 to fully experience its aromas?
Elsburn The Journey 2021 reveals its aromas best when enjoyed neat at room temperature. A tulip-shaped glass helps to perceive the fruity notes of cranberries and dried fruits, as well as the delicate smoke and oak nuances. Adding a few drops of water can further open up its complexity.