The Westfalian TW34
Imagine standing on a windswept North Sea beach, a campfire blazing behind you, salt spray misting your face. The Westfalian TW34 captures this very scene in liquid form – and it comes from the heart of Germany.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This bottling is astonishingly clean – no unpleasant fusel oils, no immature notes. Instead, a fascinating interplay of aromas unfolds, immediately reminding us of the Scottish coast. The maritime saltiness literally jumps out of the glass, accompanied by a delicate vanilla note that acts as a gentle counterpoint. A green apple joins in, fresh and crisp, before the smoky elements enter the stage. It is not the aggressive peat smoke of an Ardbeg or Laphroaig, but rather the memory of an extinguished campfire – warm, inviting, with a hint of ash. A peppery sharpness heralds the power of this cask strength without being overwhelming. The 63.5% is present but well integrated. You can sense the potential, but you also notice that this whisky could benefit from a few drops of water. The nose is complex, multi-layered and invites you to linger – you could spend minutes here without getting bored.
Palate
Citrus notes dance on the tongue, followed by creamy vanilla. The cleanliness we already noticed on the nose continues – no distracting undertones, just pure concentration on the essentials. Then comes the smoke. Voluminous, powerful, but never coarse. It fills the entire mouth. Tobacco joins in, light herbal notes – perhaps thyme or sage – add additional complexity. The texture is oily and full-bodied, which is not surprising given the cask strength and the absence of chill filtration. Despite its power, the TW34 remains elegant and balanced. The saltiness comes to the fore again, maritime and intense. With a few drops of water, the whisky opens up even more, becoming more accessible without losing any of its character. The balance between sweetness, smoke and spice is remarkable – someone has shown a fine hand in selecting the casks here.
Finish
The finale begins with a surprising note: old deerskin jacket, that special blend of leather, tobacco and a hint of sweetness that is difficult to describe but instantly recognisable. The campfire returns, this time not as embers, but as an active fire. The saltiness remains present, carried by a wave of smoke that is long and lingering without becoming tiresome.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
The Westfalian TW34 is a true character, delivering smoky campfire vibes and a fresh sea breeze in the glass that’s simply a joy. This whisky knows exactly how to balance power and elegance – a treat for anyone seeking German single malt with soul.
Sascha 87/100
With an impressive balance of intense smokiness, maritime salinity, and a clean structure, the TW34 demonstrates just how precise German whisky can be today. Its complex aroma profile and thoughtful cask management make it a technically confident bottling with great potential for development.
Value for Money: Expensive
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70/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cask strength of 63.5% affect the enjoyment of The Westfalian TW34?
The high cask strength of 63.5% delivers an intense flavor experience with powerful smoke and spicy notes. Adding a few drops of water opens up the whisky, making it more approachable and revealing additional aromas without losing any of its character.
What makes The Westfalian TW34 stand out compared to Scottish coastal whiskies?
Although the TW34 strongly recalls Scottish coastal whiskies, it hails from Germany and offers a unique balance of maritime saltiness, creamy vanilla, and a warm, inviting smoke that feels more like a dying campfire than aggressive peat smoke.
Why is the absence of chill filtration important for the texture and flavor of The Westfalian TW34?
Skipping chill filtration preserves the whisky’s oily, full-bodied texture and retains complex aromas such as tobacco and herbal notes. This maintains the balance between sweetness, smoke, and spice, resulting in a more intense tasting experience.