GORFH Whiskey Cask 1
Go Out Ride Find Happiness (GORFH) – that's the name of the three-years whiskey aged in pre-filled 600-liter White Burgundy oak casks at the Distillery in Merdingen. After a triple distillation of the corn-barley-mash and refinement in small, new 20-liter casks, the water of life was bottled and adorned with a label featuring a stag with magnificent antlers drinking from a spring. We had the privilege of tasting the first bottling from the first cask – Bottle number 24 out of a total of 56.
Tasting Notes
Nose
First and foremost, a highly floral-perfumed scent greets us. The notes evoke rose water, elderflower, and curry herb. Alongside that, there's a substantial dose of vanilla and a hint of caramel. Rounded off with grainy aromas that unequivocally lean towards cereals, not in the direction of bread. Overall, the nose is pleasantly fresh and floral but not herbaceous.
Palate
The floral theme of the nose subsides somewhat. We still find a flowery, but now more citrusy note on the palate. Vanilla and the freshness of the cask's oak join the ensemble. The experience is overall soft and surprisingly rounded for its young age. GORFH leaves a truly delightful grainy spiciness on the palate. The mouthfeel tends towards the creamy side, but the texture is not yet fully matured.
Finish
We will describe the finish in one word: mild. GORFH doesn't linger for long. The subtle spiciness on the palate echoes briefly and then transitions to a dry mouthfeel. Considering its young age, a vast array of flavors shouldn't be anticipated here.
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
GORFH already shows a lot of character with its floral freshness and delicate vanilla note, but it still feels a bit like a young wild one that has yet to find its full maturity. For a first sip from the stag of Merdingen, however, it’s a truly likeable debut that makes you eager for more.
Sascha 76/100
The structure of GORFH is remarkably round and balanced for such a young whisky, with the fresh Pinot Blanc casks providing an interesting, albeit not yet fully developed, flavor complexity. The mouthfeel remains creamy, but it still lacks depth and lasting presence to fully convince over time.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by GORFH. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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How does maturation in Pinot Blanc oak casks influence the flavor of GORFH Whiskey Cask 1?
Maturation in previously used 600-liter Pinot Blanc oak casks imparts floral and fresh notes such as rosewater and elderflower, along with mild vanilla and caramel tones. The Pinot Blanc casks contribute to a light fruitiness and a subtle oak spiciness.
What does the triple distillation mean for this whisky and how does it affect the final product?
Triple distillation ensures an especially pure and soft spirit by removing more unwanted substances. This makes GORFH Whiskey Cask 1 smoother and cleaner in taste, which is particularly advantageous given its young age of four years.
Why is the bottling limited to only 56 bottles and how does this affect the quality?
The limitation to 56 bottles comes from the first cask of production, making this bottling particularly exclusive. The small quantity allows for careful selection and control, emphasizing the whisky’s uniqueness and character.