The Westfalian TW256
The Westfalian Cask 256 is a single rye whisky (100% rye) that matured in a first-fill ruby port cask from 2019 to 2023. With 59.1% alcohol by volume, it is a powerful drop that was bottled without chill-filtration and without colouring.
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first sniff, an unmistakable aroma of freshly baked rye bread unfolds, accompanied by a sweet note of plum jam. But this sweetness does not stop there - a leathery, musty note follows, reminiscent of an old, well-used leather sofa. A hint of moist sourdough and a light vanilla note round off the bouquet. A slight reminder of desert sand hovers in the background, giving the whisky a dry, earthy quality.
Palate
The intense cherry fruit immediately comes to the fore, followed by a powerful woody note that emphasises the character of the cask. A surprising sweetness unfolds, reminiscent of Nutella, accompanied by a chocolaty, nutty fullness. However, the whisky also shows its rustic side here: a slightly musty note and the flavour of leather make for a complex and multi-layered experience.
Finish
The finish is medium-long but concise. A sweet and spicy note lingers on the tongue, while nutty flavours combine with a slightly burnt bread crust. The musty, slightly sandy quality from the aroma also pervades here and leaves a lasting impression.
🥃 We would like to give you the opportunity to participate in a private bottle sharing at cost price with this bottle.
To our bottle sharingsThoughts
Marcel 80/100
At 59.1% ABV, The Westfalian TW256 surprises with a smooth drinkability that you wouldn’t expect from such strength. The port cask influence is rather restrained here, while the leathery and rustic notes give the whisky an intriguing depth – a genuine pleasure for anyone seeking character with a touch of surprise.
Sascha 84/100
The TW256 impresses with a harmonious integration of its high alcohol content and a clear cask influence that highlights less typical port cask notes and instead brings forward sherry-like leather and musty aromas. The complex structure of fruity, nutty, and earthy elements creates a balanced profile with a distinctive, medium-length finish.
Value for Money: Fair
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Westfalian TW256 Single Rye Whisky special compared to other rye whiskies?
The Westfalian TW256 is a 100% rye whisky matured for four years in a first-fill ruby port cask. The combination of intense rye character, port cask maturation, and the absence of chill filtration and colorants results in a complex flavor profile featuring notes of rye bread, plum jam, leather, and an earthy dryness.
How does maturation in the first-fill ruby port cask influence the flavor of The Westfalian TW256?
Maturation in the first-fill ruby port cask imparts fruity and sweet aromas to the whisky, especially an intense cherry fruitiness and a sweet note reminiscent of Nutella. At the same time, the cask contributes a powerful woodiness that, combined with the earthy and leathery notes, creates a multi-layered flavor profile.
Why is The Westfalian TW256 bottled without chill filtration and colorants, and how does this affect the whisky?
Bottling without chill filtration and colorants preserves the whisky’s natural aromas and characteristic color. This ensures that the complex flavor nuances and texture remain intact, which, especially for a powerful whisky at 59.1% ABV, leads to a more authentic and intense tasting experience.