The Westfalian TW86
In the world of whisky, there are always surprises that come from unexpected corners. The Westfalian Cask 86, a 10-years German single malt whisky, is one of these exotic spirits. With a proud age of ten years, matured in a sherry cask (at least 2nd fill) and bottled at a cask strength of 56.50 %, we have found one of these.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Westfalian Cask 86 reveals its origin and character from the very first sniff. Typical of the whiskies from this cask maturation (sherry cask), a complex bouquet of ripe, dark fruits unfolds, with plums standing out in particular. This is supported by notes of forest honey and charred caramel, which lend a pleasant sweetness and depth. Flavours of leather and a hint of cinnamon also reveal themselves, giving the whisky a spicy, slightly earthy note. The chocolate-coated espresso beans are particularly noteworthy, adding a subtle hint of dark chocolate and coffee and rounding off the overall flavour.
Palate
On the tongue, the German Single Malt Whisky is intense and full-bodied. The oily textures carry the flavours wonderfully, and the sherry influence is clearly noticeable without being overpowering. Nuances of shortbread dough and sweet jam biscuits come to the fore here, bringing a creamy, almost cosy sweetness with them. Fruity accents, particularly of apricots, lend the whisky a lively freshness, which is accompanied by spicy notes such as cinnamon and nutmeg. A subtle gingerbread note resonates in the background, providing a cosy warmth, especially in the cold season.
Finish
The finish of the Westfalian Cask 86 is of medium length and is characterised by a spicy oak presence that never becomes too dominant. The initial fruitiness remains, with the plum and date flavours in particular lingering for a long time. Overall, the finish remains pleasant and rounds off the flavour experience harmoniously.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
A whisky that offers plenty of enjoyment with its warm sherry notes and sweet biscuit aromas, but unfortunately doesn’t quite ignite the senses. For connoisseurs of The Westfalian, it lacks that certain something that truly excites – in the end, it remains a likeable yet somewhat tame single malt, better suited to cozy evenings than explosive flavour experiences.
Sascha 79/100
The Westfalian TW86 presents a clear structure with a balanced interplay between fruity and spicy sherry notes, but falls a bit short of the high expectations in terms of intensity. Despite being bottled at cask strength, the aromatic profile doesn’t feel fully exploited, which combined with the price makes it slightly less competitive.
Value for Money: Fair
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.
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86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sherry cask (2nd fill) influence the taste of the Westfalian TW86?
The fact that the sherry cask is at least on its second fill imparts a balanced sherry character to the Westfalian TW86, marked by ripe dark fruits like plums, forest honey, and a subtle sweetness, without overpowering the freshness and spice.
What makes the Westfalian TW86 drinkable and balanced despite its cask strength of 56.5%?
The oily texture and complex aroma profile featuring butter biscuits, apricots, and spices create a full-bodied mouthfeel that integrates the high alcohol strength well, making the whisky harmonious and approachable.
What distinguishes the Westfalian TW86 compared to other German single malts?
The Westfalian TW86 stands out due to its ten-year maturation in second-fill sherry casks, its cask strength of 56.5%, and the combination of spicy, fruity, and chocolatey notes that make it particularly complex and multi-layered.