GORFH Whiskey Oat 2025
Oat whiskey? Yes, you read that correctly. GORFH from Merdingen is venturing into unconventional territory and proving that German distillers no longer have to stand in the shadow of Scottish or American producers. With 7 years of maturation and an impressive 48% alcohol content, this limited release presents a fascinating alternative to classic barley distillates.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Upon first nosing, GORFH Oat immediately reveals its sweet soul. The nose is dominated by a striking note of vanilla sugar, almost reminiscent of dessert whiskies. But don't worry – it remains exciting. Beneath this opulent sweetness lies a fascinating hayloft character that does not deny the rural origins of the oats and lends the whole a down-to-earth authenticity. Honey joins in, accompanied by a slightly dusty note that is surprisingly charming. A hint of molasses and baking cocoa round off the bouquet and give a hint of what is to come: this is a whisky that is closer to the American bourbon style than the classic single malt.
Palate
The mouthfeel is exceptionally creamy and mild, which is by no means a given at 48%. The first impressions are intensely grainy – oats take centre stage here and make no secret of their identity. Sweet grassy notes meet brown sugar and develop a pleasant complexity. Then comes the surprising twist: a slightly earthy component that you wouldn't expect in this form. It gives the whisky depth and prevents the sweetness from seeming one-dimensional. A cooling effect sets in, accompanied by caramel and, once again, that distinctive vanilla sugar note. Yes, there is a certain "mealy" quality – but this is not only to be expected in an oat whisky, it also fits perfectly into the overall picture. It grounds the whisky and reminds us that this is not an industrially smooth mass product, but a handcrafted distillate with character.
Finish
The finish is rather short, which is a minor criticism. However, it remains exciting: unexpectedly few wood notes for a 7-years distillate, but a warming component that is pleasant on the throat. Nutmeg lingers and leaves a spicy aftertaste.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
This oat whiskey brings a fresh breeze to the German whisky scene and is simply a joy to drink. The sweet vanilla notes paired with the earthy oat base invite you to linger and savor – a characterful dram that convinces without any rough edges. Sure, the finish could be longer, but hey, that’s what keeps it charmingly light and intriguing.
Sascha 82/100
The GORFH Hafer 2025 impresses with a well-balanced harmony between sweet bourbon-typical notes and an earthy oat structure that adds depth and complexity. The seven years of maturation reveal themselves in a gentle creaminess and a controlled interplay of alcohol, even though the finish is somewhat short. Overall, a technically solid distillate with an interesting sensory signature that stands apart from classic barley whiskies.
Value for Money: No rating
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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70/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes oat whiskey like the GORFH Hafer 2025 special compared to classic barley whiskies?
Oat whiskey is made from oats instead of barley, giving it a unique flavor profile. In the case of the GORFH Hafer 2025, the oats contribute a sweeter, creamier texture with an earthy, almost flour-like note that clearly distinguishes it from the typical aromas of a barley whiskey.
How does the seven-year maturation influence the character of the GORFH Hafer 2025?
The seven years of maturation impart a complex balance of sweetness, vanilla, and earthy notes without being overly dominated by wood flavors. The relatively short finish indicates that the focus lies more on freshness and the grain character rather than intense barrel aging.
How should one best enjoy the GORFH Hafer 2025 to fully appreciate its aromas?
To fully experience the diverse aromas like vanilla sugar, honey, molasses, and the hayloft character, it is recommended to drink the whiskey neat at room temperature. A small splash of water can help open up the intense notes slightly without compromising the creamy texture.