Stauning Barley Distillery Edition Makers Mark Bourbon Cask
Visiting a distillery usually means taking at least one exclusive bottling from the distillery with you or - if possible - a hand-filled bottle, i.e. a self-filled bottle from a specially designated single cask. The Stauning distillery offers several Distillery Exclusives. We took a look at the ‘Barley’ and the ‘Smoke’.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Stauning Barley is very fresh and youthful from the very first nosing. The dominant notes of light-coloured fruit, especially apple, are immediately apparent. This fruity bouquet is accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla, caramel and a touch of oak - typical characteristics of ageing in bourbon barrels. With a little imagination, you could also sense a hint of malt, but this tends to remain in the background. Overall, the flavour is somewhat one-dimensional and not very complex.
Palate
The impression of youthfulness is further emphasised on the palate. The apple dominates here too, accompanied by a clear tingling sensation on the tongue. The fruity flavours are more reminiscent of a fruit brandy such as apricot or quince than a classic malt whisky. A hint of vanilla emerges, but quickly disappears again. Unfortunately, the flavour lacks depth.
Finish
The finish of the Stauning Barley surprises with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of cream caramel and refined sugar. The slightly dry note of oak is also evident here, which at least gives the whisky some character in the aftertaste. Nevertheless, the overall impression remains rather flat and unexciting.
Thoughts
Marcel 62/100
The Stauning Barley Distillery Edition brings fresh, youthful apple notes to the glass, but overall it feels like a whisky still in its infancy. The delicate oak hint in the finish is charming, yet it can’t save the overall flat and rather uninspiring tasting experience. Those looking for a light, uncomplicated dram might find some enjoyment here, but depth or complexity should not be expected.
Sascha 62/100
From a structural standpoint, the Stauning Barley shows a clear fruit-forward profile dominated by apple and vanilla notes, but it loses impact due to a lack of complexity and an unbalanced profile. The maturation in Makers Mark bourbon casks delivers recognizable bourbon-typical nuances, yet the missing depth and the flat finish make the whisky feel overall underdeveloped. For connoisseurs who value layered aromatics, this bottling remains too superficial.
Value for Money: Expensive
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What makes the Stauning Barley Distillery Edition Makers Mark Bourbon Cask special in terms of flavor?
The Stauning Barley presents fresh, youthful notes of light fruit such as apple, accompanied by vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak from the bourbon cask maturation. The flavor is dominated by fruity notes reminiscent of fruit brandy, with a slightly sweet and dry, oak-driven finish.
How does the bourbon cask maturation influence the character of this Stauning whisky?
The bourbon casks impart vanilla and caramel notes as well as a subtle oak presence in the finish. This cask aging provides a certain sweetness and gentle wood tones that underline the fruity character of the young whisky.
Who is the Stauning Barley Distillery Edition Makers Mark Bourbon Cask suitable for despite its young age of 4 years?
This whisky is ideal for beginners or lovers of light, fruity, and less complex whiskies. The fresh apple and fruit brandy notes, along with the mild finish, make it a good choice for those seeking an uncomplicated, youthful whisky.