Emill Kraftwerk
An unusual whisky is born near the traditional Scheibel Mühle, an old grain warehouse in the heart of the Black Forest: Emill Kraftwerk. This German whisky with no age statement comes from a small distillery that boldly ventures into unusual flavours and a strong bottling of 58.7 % vol. For newcomers to the world of whisky, this drop gives an insight into the experimental side of German distilleries.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The smell of Emill Kraftwerk is a surprise, to say the least. With a little imagination, notes of cocoa beans and a light fruit brandy can be recognised, but accompanied by a hint of ‘toilet stone’ and a hint of ‘raspberry cleaner’ - impressions that may offer more room for interpretation for experienced connoisseurs, but could rather alienate newcomers. In the background, there is a hint of smoke and a slightly ham-like undertone, which makes the bouquet idiosyncratic and unusual.
Palate
The first sip is powerful and clearly characterised by the high alcohol strength. But after this intense start, the Emill Kraftwerk shows what it's made of: the flavour develops full-bodied and gains depth. Spicy notes paired with a hint of fruitiness emerge, accompanied by hints of chocolate and coffee, giving the whole an unexpectedly complex flavour. A light toffee flavour rounds off the profile and makes for a pleasant, albeit surprising, taste experience.
Finish
The finish of this whisky is robust and strong. The oak barrel ageing brings out dominant wood notes and a beautiful spiciness, which are complemented by a light cherry flavour and a hint of coffee. The finish lingers and rounds off the taste experience with a mixture of sweet and tart flavours.
Thoughts
Marcel 67/100
The Emill Kraftwerk is a whisky that doesn’t immediately appeal to everyone, but that’s precisely what makes it so intriguing. With its bold spiciness and unexpected flavors, it invites you on an exciting tasting adventure – showcasing just how daring German distillers can be.
Sascha 64/100
A decidedly idiosyncratic composition that still leaves room for improvement in balance and structure. The intense alcohol strength and unusual flavors challenge the palate without fully achieving harmony – an experimental German whisky with character, but still with potential for development.
Value for Money: Expensive
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81/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Emill Kraftwerk have no age statement (No Age Statement)?
The Emill Kraftwerk deliberately forgoes an age statement to emphasize the distillery’s experimental and powerful style. The focus is placed on flavor and intensity rather than a specific age.
How does the high alcohol content of 58.7% affect the tasting experience?
The high alcohol content delivers an intense and powerful entry that releases a full depth of flavor on the palate, with spicy and fruity notes. However, it requires careful sipping or dilution to better perceive the finer aromas.
What role does oak barrel maturation play for the Emill Kraftwerk whisky?
The oak barrel maturation imparts the Emill Kraftwerk with its characteristic woody notes and pronounced spiciness. Additionally, the barrels create a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter flavors, which is especially noticeable in the long finish.