WillowBurn The Distillery Exclusive Cask 1445
WillowBurn is part of the prestigious Hercynian Distilling Co. in the heart of the Harz Mountains, Germany. Since its establishment in 1985, Hammerschmiede (also known as the Elsburn Distillery) has been producing unique spirits. The WillowBurn The Distillery Exclusive Cask 1445 is a special bottling, hand-filled on-site, showcasing the craftsmanship of this distillery. A standout feature of this release is that 50% of the malt is smoked not with peat but with wood, giving the whisky a distinctive character.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma opens with a subtle hint of smoldering woodfire, gently rising from the glass. Sweet notes of crème brûlée and caramel add richness, while intense sherry notes dominate. Marsala, raisins, and candied dates bring a fruity, complex dimension to the bouquet.
Palate
On the palate, the WillowBurn feels creamy yet dry, almost astringent. The aging in the Octave Sherry cask is evident with strong oak flavors and a rich, red fruit profile. Dried fruits dominate, and the underlying wood smoke adds a delicate smokiness that never overwhelms.
Finish
The finish is medium-long with a hint of peppery spice. The intense oak notes persist, complemented by raisins and a light leather aroma. The lingering smoke is reminiscent of a smoldering incense stick, enhancing the whisky's smoky character.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
A whisky that immediately delights with its smoky wood fire and sweet sherry notes – here, character meets artisanal passion. The robust alcohol strength isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it delivers plenty of punch and an unforgettable tasting experience. For anyone seeking an exciting German whisky with edges and personality, this dram is just right.
Sascha 83/100
Technically, the WillowBurn demonstrates an impressive balance between intense sherry cask maturation and subtle smoke, with the high alcohol content of 60.6% ABV clearly defining its structure, though making the entry a bit challenging. The complex combination of dried fruits, oak, and spicy pepper is well balanced, although the youthfulness and dry astringency add a certain sharpness to the mouthfeel. Overall, a structured, powerful whisky with a clear profile and a distinctive character.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
St. Kilian Whisky Solera – Peated – III 2024
The third release from the St. Kilian Whisky Solera system, this time as the second smoky bottling, impressively demonstrates what is created when patience, cask expertise and vision come together.
84/100
Annandale 2017/2020 ManOSword Founders Selection Cask 348
The casks in which the New Make was later to mature took an exciting route. If Annandale's single malt whisky tastes anywhere near as complex as the Shaved Toasting and Recharring (STR) cask-burning process was, then we have a unique single cask bottling here.Originally, the barrels were filled with French Burgundy for up to seven years. The staves of the barrels were planed and toasted over fire with oak chips. This process is supposed to caramelise sugar and vanillin - exposed by the planing process. Finally, the casks were burnt out again and transported from Spain to Scotland. During the transport, the barrels were filled with Oloroso sherry. This ensured that the barrels remained hydrated.
81/100
St. Kilian Whisky Bunker Reserve 2025 - Peated
Deep underground, where NATO secrets were once stored, liquid gold is now maturing. Whisky Bunker AG has taken advantage of an extraordinary maturation location for its second limited edition bottling: a former military bunker in the Odenwald forest, whose constant temperature and humidity create ideal conditions. The selected casks come from the exclusive vintage stock of St. Kilian Distillers and have undergone intensive development here.
81/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the smoky aroma of WillowBurn The Distillery Exclusive Cask 1445 special?
The smoky flavor comes from malt smoked not over peat, but over wood. This gives the whisky a subtle, woody smoke note that clearly distinguishes it from classic peat smoke.
Why does this whisky have no age statement despite its complex taste?
WillowBurn The Distillery Exclusive Cask 1445 is a so-called No-Age-Statement whisky (NAS). The distillery focuses here on the quality and combination of casks, especially maturation in octave sherry casks, to achieve complexity and flavor without specifying a fixed age.
What role does the type of cask play in this whisky and how does it influence the flavor?
Maturation in octave sherry casks imparts intense oak notes as well as a rich, red-fruit profile with aromas of dried fruits like raisins and dates. This cask choice creates the complex combination of sweet, fruity, and spicy flavor notes.