The Westfalian TW121
Thomas Ewers bottles German whisky with a Scottish soul under the brand name The Westfalian. The Westfalian is only available as a single cask. Today we have Cask 121 in the glass - a 6 years single malt matured in an ex-Tobermory Sherry cask.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose is a real fruit bomb. We smell blackberries, grapes and a lot of dried fruit and dates. The nose develops into a combination of walnut and toasted marshmallow. We think of freshly toasted brown bread.
Palate
The malt starts off with great viscosity and oiliness. There are sweet notes of molasses and oatmeal. Then the palate changes to cinnamon, chocolate and an earthy nuttiness with walnut, hazelnut and roasted almonds. Despite the use of unpeated malt, there is a hint of smoke.
Finish
The finish is medium long and sparkling. There is a slight saltiness and a good amount of dark fruit. Probably due to its young age, the oak note is barely perceptible.
Thoughts
Marcel 83/100
The Westfalian TW121 delivers a fruity explosion full of charm in the glass, leaving you wanting more. Despite its young age, this malt reveals an impressive depth and character, even though the price feels a bit steep due to the limited edition. A genuine experience for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate regional highlights.
Sascha 85/100
This 6-years single malt impresses with its balanced structure and complex aroma profile, ranging from fruity notes to subtle hints of smoke and nuts. The balance between viscosity and flavor depth is remarkable, although the short maturation shows a slightly uneven finish. For lovers of carefully aged, regional whiskies, this cask is well worth exploring.
Value for Money: Fair
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78/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ex-Tobermory sherry cask contribute to the flavor of The Westfalian TW121?
The ex-Tobermory sherry cask imparts pronounced fruit notes such as blackberries, grapes, and dried fruits, along with a sweet depth featuring dates. It also provides the nutty and lightly smoky nuances in the flavor.
Why does The Westfalian TW121 have a slight smoky taste despite using unpeated malt?
Although unpeated malt was used, the hint of smoke likely comes from the maturation in the former Tobermory cask, which previously held smoky aromas.
How does the young age of 6 years influence the character of this German single malt?
The relatively young age results in a lively and fruity aroma with a lightly pronounced oak note and a medium-length, tingling finish characterized by subtle saltiness and dark fruit.