Stauning Smoke Distillery Edition Calvados 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
From the first whiff, it is clear that this whisky has a powerful personality. Sweet campfire smoke dominates the flavour profile and creates an intense, warm atmosphere. Behind this are notes of green, sour apple, which are intensified by the post-maturing in Calvados casks. There is a slight hint of grain, paired with a subtle note of vanilla. The youth clearly shines through here from time to time.
Palate
The smoky character continues seamlessly in the flavour. The first impression is characterised by dense smoke that envelops the tongue. However, the high abv of 62.2% quickly makes itself felt and provides a certain sharpness, which is due to the young age of the whisky. After this powerful start, the sour green apples come back into play, accompanied by a surprisingly salty undertone and a hint of citrus fruits that bring freshness and vibrancy to the flavour experience. The Calvados influence is clearly noticeable here.
Finish
The finish is surprisingly short for a peated whisky. While the smoke remains dominant, the citrus and apple flavours fade quickly without any noticeable oak notes.
Thoughts
Marcel 69/100
Stauning Smoke Distillery Edition Calvados Cask is a smoky adventure with fruity apple notes that will especially delight fans of robust firewood character. Despite its youthful freshness and intense smokiness, I personally find it lacks the depth to make it a long-term favorite – but as a spontaneous treat, it’s definitely an exciting experience.
Sascha 72/100
The Stauning Smoke Calvados Cask clearly showcases the dominance of smoke, contrasted by the fresh, tart apple notes from the Calvados cask. The balance between smoke and fruitiness is intriguing, yet the complexity remains limited, and the short finish diminishes the structural persistence of this young, high-proof whisky.
Value for Money: Expensive
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the finishing in Calvados casks influence the flavor of this Stauning Smoke whisky?
The finishing in Calvados casks imparts distinct notes of green, tart apple and adds a fruity freshness to the aroma profile. This cask maturation complements the smoky character with subtle citrus and apple freshness, making the tasting experience more lively.
Why is the 62.2% alcohol content relevant to the taste of this whisky?
The high alcohol content of 62.2% delivers an intense sharpness and warmth on the palate, which is especially noticeable in young whiskies like this three-years. It amplifies the smoky notes and gives the whisky a powerful presence that shapes the overall flavor experience.
What makes the Stauning Smoke Distillery Edition Calvados Cask special compared to other smoky whiskies?
Besides the typical campfire smoke, this whisky stands out due to its youthful character and the unusual combination with Calvados cask maturation. The result is a smoky whisky with a surprisingly fresh, fruity note and a relatively short but intense finish without dominant oak tones.