The Westfalian TW181
Our friends at The Westfalian have consistently surprised and delighted us in the past. We've often discussed their fantastic approach to whisky: using local ingredients, distillery expertise, and an honest bottling of individual casks, which combines German whisky with a Scottish soul. Barrel 181 promises a lot right from the label: a roughly 7-years full maturation in a first-fill Ruby Port wine cask.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Immediately upon nosing, we are overwhelmed. A wild mix of sweet frozen berries opens up. We discover a beautiful harmony of raisins, dates, and a slightly more exotic note of pineapple and banana. Spicy notes of tannins accompany them, rounded off by classic tones of vanilla and honey.
Palate
In the mouth, the oily feel and a slight dryness make themselves felt initially. On the tip of the tongue, we find a burst of fruity sweetness, evolving into creamy caramel, toffee, and somewhat grainy flavors of butter cookies. Giving this malt some time in the glass allows its taste to develop further. Additional fruit sweetness reminiscent of cherries and oranges emerges. A hint of light beechwood is found on the palate.
Finish
The finish is medium-length. We perceive a pleasant sweetness of intense red fruits, accompanied by the typical Westfalian character and a touch of oak wood.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
The Westfalian TW181 is a delicious dessert explosion that delights with its fruity sweetness and creamy toffee notes. It’s pure fun in a glass, perfect for leaning back with a smile on cold winter evenings – genuine drinking pleasure straight from Paderborn! Highly recommended for anyone who loves bold, sweet whiskies with character.
Sascha 84/100
The TW181 impresses with its balanced interplay between intense fruity sweetness and subtle wood notes that harmoniously integrate the port wine cask influence. Its complex structure and medium-length finish make it a technically well-crafted single malt, especially appealing to connoisseurs with an appreciation for cask character. A solid example of German cask strength whisky with a distinct regional profile.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by The Westfalian. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
Related Reviews
Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025
There are whiskies that tell stories – and then there are those that merge worlds. The Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 belongs to the second category. Originating from the young, ambitious distillery in the Scottish Highlands, this seven-years single malt presents itself as a fascinating experiment: matured in former Calvados casks, it combines the rugged beauty of the Highlands with the fruity sophistication of Normandy.
82/100
GlenAllachie 10 Years CS Batch 8 2022
Billy Walker, the master of cask management, has once again demonstrated why his GlenAllachie bottlings are so highly regarded in the industry. With an impressive 57.2 per cent alcohol content and maturation in PX and Oloroso puncheons as well as Rioja and virgin oak casks, this Speysider is ready to show us what a real sherry bomb can be.
87/100
Wolfburn 12 Years (2025)
The northernmost mainland distillery of Scotland returns with a whisky that radiates both groundedness and finesse: the Wolfburn 12 Years. Matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks, it presents itself as a classic Highlander with a modern twist. Bottled at 46.0% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in color, it steps into the glass without disguise. But what does this really mean in practice? Let’s take a closer look.
79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Ruby port wine cask special for the flavor of The Westfalian TW181?
The Ruby port wine cask, in which the whisky matured for around 7 years, imparts an intense fruity sweetness with notes of frozen berries, cherries, and oranges, along with subtle spice and vanilla hints. The first-fill nature of the cask ensures a particularly pronounced influence on aroma and flavor.
How does The Westfalian TW181 differ from traditional Scottish whiskies?
Although The Westfalian TW181 carries a Scottish soul, it uses regional German raw materials and is produced at the Northoff Feinbrennerei. The combination of German ingredients and a port wine cask results in a unique profile featuring fruity sweetness, spicy tannin notes, and a distinctive Westfalian character.
Why does The Westfalian TW181 have a higher strength at 58% ABV, and how should it be enjoyed?
At 58% alcohol by volume, the TW181 is powerful and concentrated, typical for cask strength bottlings aimed at preserving complex aromas. It’s recommended to add a little water to the whisky to better highlight the fruit notes and sweetness, creating a more balanced tasting experience.