The Westfalian TW74
The Westfalian Cask 74 from the Northoff distillery is a remarkable single malt whisky, characterised by its 10-year maturation and an exceptional cask strength of 64.10% vol. Produced in Germany, distilled in 2013 and matured in a Macallan cask until 2024, it offers an impressive variety of flavours that are reflected in every drop. We are extremely excited!
If you want to buy this bottling, you can use the affiliate link. The price stays the same for you, and we receive a small commission. This helps us cover ongoing costs and stay ad-free. Alcohol is only sold to persons aged 18 and over. ♥️
Buy on AmazonTasting Notes
Nose
From the very first whiff, a distinctive cold, almost pavement-like smoke rises to the nose, paving the way for a dominant nuttiness. The flavours of roasted hazelnuts and almonds merge with a fruity magic that is mainly carried by ripe plums. This composition is accompanied by a hint of old leather, nutmeg and the spicy scent of old wood - as if you were sitting in a decades-old study surrounded by books and history.
Palate
The first sip unfolds oily and full-bodied in the mouth, a sensual texture that immediately reaches every corner of the palate. The cold iodine smoke meets a fruity sweetness that is intense and multi-layered. The notes of plums and dates combine with leather and tobacco to offer a deep, almost mystical flavour experience. A slight saltiness emphasises the whole and gives the whisky a maritime note reminiscent of the rugged coast of Scotland - and all this from the heart of Germany. With a few drops of water, the profile becomes even more complex: Morello cherries come to the fore, while the smoke gently recedes and gives way to a wild mix of berries. It's like discovering a new whisky in an old guise.
Finish
The finish is of medium length, with the smoke still present and accompanied by fruity notes of plum and cherry. It is a finish that does not end abruptly, but fades gently, like a slow sunset over the hills - warm, calming and full of depth.
Thoughts
Marcel 89/100 - (Excellent)
The Westfalian TW74 captivates with its smoky depth and fruity accents – a genuine pleasure that leaves you wanting more. This combination of plum jam and nutty warmth delivers pure drinking enjoyment without ever becoming dull. For anyone seeking a whisky with character and heart, this dram is a bullseye.
Sascha 90/100 - (World class)
With a precise balance between intense cask strength and complex aromatics, The Westfalian TW74 impresses across the board. The delicate interplay of smoke, fruit, and spicy notes reveals a sophisticated structure that never overwhelms, even at 64.1% ABV. A technically remarkable single malt from Germany that stands confidently alongside top Scottish distillates.
Value for Money: 3/5 (Fair)
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
-
Finglassie 8 Years 2017/2025 - James Eadie
In the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands, where mist settles over the fields like a silky veil, something extraordinary is created at the InchDairnie Distillery. James Eadie's Finglassie 8 Years 2017/2025 can easily compete with the much more expensive Lagavulin Single Casks.
-
Tormore 2011 12 Years Spiced vanilla chai cake Cask 105.45 - The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is known for its unusual and often experimental bottlings. With the Tormore 2011, matured for 12 years and a proud 66.8% ABV, the SMWS has ventured into a powerful yet playful bourbon cask experience. The sonorous name ‘Spiced Vanilla Chai Cake’ raises expectations of a sweet, spicy and deeply layered world of flavours.
-
Bowmore 2013/2024 10 Years - Douglas Laing
Die Islay-Brennerei Bowmore steht für rauchige Eleganz, oft kombiniert mit maritimen Noten und einer feinen Süße. In unabhängiger Abfüllung von Douglas Laing exklusiv für deinwhisky.de kommt dieser 10-jährige Single Malt mit kräftigen 58,4 % ABV ins Glas – ein Versprechen für Intensität und Tiefe.
-
Meikle Tòir 5 Years The Chinquapin One Release 2023
With the Meikle Tòir The Chinquapin One 5 Years, GlenAllachie proves that Speyside whiskies can indeed have a smoky side. However, the true highlight of this release isn't just the peat smoke, but also the cask management: In addition to ex-bourbon barrels, Chinquapin oak is used – an American oak variety known for its spicy, leathery, and subtly sweet notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cask strength of 64.1% ABV influence the taste of The Westfalian TW74?
The high cask strength of 64.1% ABV delivers an intense and powerful flavor profile rich in aromas. Adding water can expand the range of flavors and bring out nuances such as Morello cherries and wild berries more distinctly.
What special characteristics does maturation in a Macallan cask bring to this German single malt?
Maturation in a former Macallan cask imparts The Westfalian TW74 with a complex combination of fruity notes like plum and date alongside spicy and woody elements. This cask choice provides exceptional depth, blending German distilling craftsmanship with Scottish barrel tradition.
Why does The Westfalian TW74, despite its German origin, have maritime notes reminiscent of the Scottish coast?
The maritime note arises from a salty nuance in the flavor that recalls Scotland’s rugged coastline. These aromas may be influenced by the peat smoke used and the cask maturation, demonstrating that German whiskies can develop diverse and unexpected flavor profiles despite their origin.