Falken 5 Years (2022)
Falken 5 Years (2022) is a German single malt from Farny Destillerie with 43% ABV, whose profile is strongly shaped by the idea of a “lager finish”: six months of alpine summering on the Falkenalpe are intended to bring topography and climate into the cask and ultimately into the glass. It matures for a total of five years in the distillery's casks and presents itself as a rather mild, unexcited representative with a regional mountain backdrop in tow – whether that is great alpine air or rather alpine marketing is something the glass may answer.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, the whisky initially comes across as rather thin, so no storm of aromas with bagpipes and a fog machine. There are light notes of vanilla and caramel, plus a bit of herbal spice and a gentle maltiness. Green apple adds a fresh accent, but overall it still moves along on quiet feet.
Palate
On the palate, it starts out sweetish with some oak and at times is reminiscent of Toffifee, which initially knocks in quite charmingly. The light maltiness from the nose reappears, accompanied by sage and a certain creaminess. Then the profile veers off in a more idiosyncratic direction, because a soapy note joins in – and that has about as much charm as wet hotel soap in your carry-on luggage.
Finish
The finish is rather short and brings bitterness with it. In addition, there is a slightly metallic note and some nutmeg. A light sweetness does linger, but it cannot quite catch the somewhat unpleasant aftertaste.
Thoughts
Marcel 65/100 - (Good)
Rather uneventful: For five years, that's okay, but it's also not a glass that carves mountain peaks into your brain. The story about maturation at around 1500 meters feels more like a story than a sensory thunderclap to me, and the metallic finish noticeably drags down the overall impression. For the asking price, I've already had better quality in the glass.
Sascha 70/100 - (Very good)
It is nicely mild, and the combination of sweet and herbal notes certainly has something distinctive about it that you do not find on every corner. In the overall impression, however, the whisky does not yet seem quite fully matured. As a result, it remains interesting without really landing convincingly.
Value for Money: 3/5 (Fair)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Falken 5 Years (2022) taste like overall?
It presents itself as mild and rather unexcited, with light vanilla, caramel, malt, green apple, as well as a mix of sweet and herbal notes. On the palate, Toffifee, some oak, sage, and a creamy texture are added before the finish turns bitter and slightly metallic.
What is special about the maturation of this whisky?
According to the available information, the whisky receives a “lager finish” with six months of resting time on the Falkenalpe near Oberstdorf. The idea behind it is that the strongly fluctuating temperatures and the regional climatic characteristics influence cask interaction.
Is Falken 5 Years more interesting for beginners or experienced drinkers?
Because of its mild character, it can be approachable for beginners, while the sweet-herbal combination also offers an unusual aspect for experienced curious drinkers. However, the overall impression does not feel fully mature, and the metallic finish is unlikely to please everyone.
