HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask
German whisky is still a young discipline, but some distilleries are boldly venturing forward with creative cask maturations. HeiligenBergFeld is precisely one of these: Their latest bottling, the 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask, comes in at a whopping 60.2 % ABV and refuses to be pigeonholed into classic casks.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose? Let's say ... surprising. Toilet stone meets fresh pineapple - a contrast that is definitely not commonplace. This is joined by a malty base that hints at the young age of the whisky. It remains youthful and impetuous, with floral hints of jasmine blossom and a fresh acidity of Granny Smith apples. A flavour that will not appeal to everyone, but definitely arouses curiosity.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky is initially sweet, almost tantalising, but then a metallic note comes into play, making the whole thing somewhat edgy. White pepper brings a slight spiciness, which is accompanied by a refreshing mint note. And then? Peach and citrus tic-tacs! Yes, exactly that. A flavour that balances between refreshing and strange - somewhere between a summer drink and a drawer full of coins.
Finish
This is where the HeiligenBergFeld finally turns up the heat. Crumbly lemon iced tea, a fine, crisp texture and a sweet, tropical note of papaya make for a smooth, pleasant finish. The finish is clearly the strongest side of this whisky.
Thoughts
Marcel 75/100
This HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask is like a lively teenager still trying to find its place – sometimes exciting, sometimes a bit rough around the edges. Especially the finish, with its sweet tropical notes, leaves you wanting more, even though the nose and palate could use a bit more harmony. Anyone up for an adventure with some quirks and character will definitely have fun here.
Sascha 73/100
The HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask showcases an interesting cask choice that imparts an unusual complexity to the young whisky, but unfortunately it falls short in terms of flavor balance. The metallic nuance and somewhat inconsistent structure weaken the overall impression, while the promising finish scores with a zesty lemon freshness. For lovers of unconventional German whiskies, it remains an intriguing, albeit still unrefined, option.
Value for Money: Expensive
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Rum Barbados Cask maturation influence the flavor of the HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024?
Maturation in the Rum Barbados Cask gives the whisky a tropical sweetness expressed through aromas like pineapple, papaya, and citrus notes. At the same time, the cask adds a certain spiciness and an unusual metallic note, which lend the young whisky complexity and character.
Why does the HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 have such an intense flavor despite its young age?
Although the whisky is young (no age statement), it is bottled at a high cask strength of 60.2% ABV. The combination of intense alcohol content and maturation in rum casks results in powerful aromas and a complex flavor profile that compensate for the youthful age.
What does the unusual metallic note in the flavor of this whisky mean?
The metallic note is an unusual but characteristic flavor nuance that can appear in some young whiskies. It arises from the combination of cask character and young spirit components, giving the HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 an edgy, intriguing dimension.