Steinkeller-Whisky 12 Jahre Single Cask Fass 8
Who would have thought that the Rhineland - actually known as a white wine region - is home to a German whisky that can hold its own against its Scottish relatives? The Steinkeller 12-years single cask whisky from the Lambertus Bräu und Brand distillery impressively proves that German distillers have long been capable of more than just schnapps and grain.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The idiosyncratic character of this German whisky is revealed from the very first sniff. Vanilla and popcorn dominate the nose - as if a bag of cinema popcorn had been mixed with vanilla ice cream. But then things get interesting: slightly grassy notes mingle with spicy curry herb and provide a pleasingly funky twist that makes you curious. This combination of flavours is polarising. While some will love the sweet vanilla popcorn character, purist whisky drinkers may find the funky notes too experimental.
Palate
In the mouth, the Steinkeller whisky shows its gentlest side. It glides over the tongue in a very soft and mild manner, without leaving even a hint of sharpness. The sweetness literally jumps out - sugary and creamy, as if you had liquid corn cream in front of you even though there was no maize in the original mash.
Finish
The finish surprises with a pleasant twist: White pepper gently tickles the tongue, while the oak finally gets its chance to show itself. The Virgin Oak makes its presence felt - not intrusive, but clearly noticeable. The cool funk from the beginning returns and provides a nice dry finish that makes you want to take the next sip.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
With its playful vanilla popcorn character and a pleasantly funky twist, the Steinkeller 12 Years whisky is a charming companion for relaxed summer evenings. It enchants with a gentle sweetness and invites you to simply enjoy it without any fuss – a true mood booster from the German whisky scene.
Sascha 78/100
The Steinkeller 12 Years Single Cask Cask 8 impresses with a balanced harmony of sweet vanilla notes and subtle spice aromas, while the virgin oak imparts a pleasantly dry structure to the finish. Despite its mild softness, it offers an intriguing range of flavors that particularly appeals to lovers of complex yet approachable German whiskies.
Value for Money: Fair
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What makes the Steinkeller 12 Years Single Cask Cask 8 taste special compared to Scottish whiskies?
The Steinkeller whisky combines sweet vanilla and popcorn notes with unusually spicy and lightly grassy aromas like curry herb. This combination is rather uncommon for classic Scottish whiskies and gives it a distinctive, sometimes polarizing character.
Why does the Steinkeller 12 Years taste sweet and creamy despite containing no corn in the mash?
The sweet-creamy perception resembles liquid corn cream but is not derived from corn; rather, it results from the specific malt and cask maturation. Aging in virgin oak casks contributes to the intense sweetness and creaminess without the use of corn.
How does the virgin oak cask influence the finish of the Steinkeller 12 Years Single Cask Cask 8?
The virgin oak imparts a subtle woody note to the finish that harmonizes with a lightly peppery conclusion. It provides a dry and spicy finish that underscores the whisky’s characteristic funk without being intrusive.