Gammelstilla Single Cask Nr. 2 (Release 2024)
The Gammelstilla distillery, surrounded by mirror-smooth lakes and dense forests, epitomises the essence of Scandinavian whisky philosophy. Here, where the silence is almost tangible, this exceptional single malt matures in carefully selected casks. The Single Cask No. 2 with its 7 years of maturation and powerful 53.50% vol. is the result of a special journey: Ex-bourbon casks initially gave it its basic structure before the Madeira finish added the finishing touches.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first sniff reveals a bouquet of blood orange that greets the senses with a tart and acidic flavour. Citrus notes dance elegantly with a hint of cherry, while the oak shows its warm presence. The Madeira finish reveals itself on the nose with seductive nougat flavours reminiscent of creamy Nutella.
Palate
On the palate, the Gammelstilla shows its exceptionally sweet side. The creamy texture caresses the tongue while a fascinating dichotomy develops: The sweetness is accompanied by a subtle astringency that gives the whisky structure and depth. Forest honey - wild and untamed - melds with nutty nuances and velvety vanilla. The Madeira finish reaches its peak here and brings out flavours of red fruit jelly.
Finish
The finish is a spicy finale that begins with white pepper and develops into a warming full-bodied flavour. The slightly bitter oak tones provide balance, while malty notes elegantly round off the flavour experience.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
This Gammelstilla Single Cask No. 2 tells a little sweet forest tale with every nose and every sip – creamy, nutty, and with a hint of wild honey. For true connoisseurs who enjoy character and intense flavors, it’s a real find, even though the price-performance ratio still has room for improvement.
Sascha 79/100
A well-structured single malt that gains successful depth and balance through the Madeira finish without feeling overloaded. The harmonious blend of sweetness, astringency, and spicy notes makes it a solid representative of Scandinavian distilling craftsmanship, though the price-performance ratio should be viewed critically.
Value for Money: Expensive
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How does the Madeira finish influence the taste of the Gammelstilla Single Cask No. 2?
The Madeira finish imparts sweet and fruity notes to the whisky, particularly aromas of nougat, red berry compote, and creamy vanilla. It complements the base structure from ex-bourbon casks and creates a complex balance between sweetness and spice.
Why does the Gammelstilla Single Cask No. 2 have a relatively high alcohol content of 53.5%?
The high alcohol content results from the cask strength bottling, which keeps the whisky unadulterated and intense. This ensures the flavors remain particularly powerful and the texture creamy, which is typical for single cask releases.
What role does the Swedish origin play in the production of this whisky?
The Swedish origin is reflected in the pure, clear nature of the ingredients and the environment. The Gammelstilla distillery utilizes the cool temperatures and natural purity of the region, which is evident in the freshness and complexity of the whisky.