Reviews

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.

The Elsburn Rivesaltes Casks Batch No. 001 is a German single malt from Hercynian Distilling Co. that draws its character from a sweet wine context rooted in Rivesaltes in L’Occitanie. In the glass, it presents itself as rich, sweet-fruity, and surprisingly approachable – exactly the kind of bottling that simply works without much fuss.

The Tormore 10 Years Blueprint Cream Sherry is the third candidate after the Toasted Barrel and the Bourbon Barrel – and we were correspondingly curious what the distillery would pull out of its sleeve this time. In the Speyside-typical “mellow” corner announced, however, there’s more of a dry edge here than a dessert glass.

Today's notebook entry: Ardbeg 10 Years at cask strength – something the world has been waiting for, Marcel less so. An honest bourbon cask profile that keeps the focus on the distillery's core.

A Sauerland “Single Cask” that has seen three casks in four years – anyone who still believes in simple categories probably also believes in unicorns. That doesn't mean this isn't a genuine single cask, since the term is not regulated for German whisky, at least. But you're allowed to raise an eyebrow.

The Tormore 10 Years Blueprint Toasted Barrel is a single malt from Speyside, bottled at 48% vol. and limited to 1500 bottles. As part of the Blueprint Cask Program, it also serves as a preview of the newly designed Core Range for 2026.

This 19-year-old Longmorn from Signatory Vintage from the Cask Strength Collection comes from hogsheads (casks 97632 and 97633) and remains clearly on the non-smoky Speyside track. It is precisely this malt character that otherwise ends up in blends of the parent group Pernod Ricard/Chivas Brothers and shapes brands such as Ballantine’s or Chivas Regal.

The Glencadam 2006/2021 is a 15-year-old single malt from the Scottish Highlands, which has been finished in port wine casks. Here, sweet and spicy notes come together, making it an interesting, albeit not overly exciting whisky.

The Kavalan Solist Brandy Cask is an impressive single malt from Taiwan that has matured in a former brandy cask. With an alcohol content of 57.8%, it is not only strong but also a true explosion of flavor. Here, Asian exoticism meets European tradition – an exciting duel.

The Glenfiddich IPA Experiment is a bold attempt by the Speyside distillery to combine whisky with the flavors of an India Pale Ale. Finished in casks that were previously used for craft beer, this single malt promises an interesting, albeit questionable, tasting experience.

The Smokehead 15 Years is a mysterious single malt from Islay, whose origin lies in the fog of uncertainty. Ian Macleod has created a character with this rebellious whisky that combines both the rugged coasts and the gentle aromas of the island. A delight for all those seeking something special – or simply a good reason to stick their nose in a glass.

The Bunnahabhain 2018, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, is a Scottish single malt from the Islay region. With its 11 years and an ABV of 43%, it presents itself as a gentle introduction for whisky newcomers, but also has some rough edges that make it interesting for experienced connoisseurs.