Whisky Review/Tasting: Belgian Owl

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Belgium, specifically near the town of Liege, close to the German border.
Type: Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Utilizes old stills purchased from the Cappadonic Distillery in Rothis, Scotland. The whisky is matured in First Fill ex-Bourbon barrels.
Age Statement: 36 months (3 years).
Color and Clarity: Bright golden color.
Bottle Design: Features an owl on the label, with details about the whisky's sustainable and handcrafted production. The bottle has a plastic cork and contains 46% ABV in a half-liter bottle.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of fruitiness with underlying vanilla and spice notes.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its youthful vigor, with a strong presence of apple, pear, and possibly banana, alongside floral notes. Vanilla from American White Oak and a hint of spices, though cinnamon is notably absent despite expectations.
Comparison: Described as very close to a Scotch whisky, particularly reminiscent of Speyside styles but with a stronger top note of apple fruitiness.

Distillery Background: The Belgian Owl Distillery's journey began with the acquisition of stills from the mothballed Cappadonic Distillery, known as Glen Grant 2, part of the Chivas Regal Empire. The stills, made in 1898, found a new home in Belgium.
Craftsmanship: The master distiller, Etienne Bouillon, and his small team are passionately committed to producing this whisky, described as the realization of a craftsman's dream.

Local Production: Emphasizes the use of local ingredients, with barley grown in environmentally aware agriculture around the distillery and water sourced from the distillery's garden well.
Belgian Identity: The whisky proudly asserts its Belgian origin, aiming to valorize and support local agriculture and craftsmanship.

"This is for a first work. It's a masterpiece." - Praise for the quality achieved by the distillery in a relatively short time.
"Very close to a Scotch whisky and it has a very yeah space side style." - Comparison highlighting the whisky's similarity to Speyside Scotch.
"Be careful this one is quite young, is quite expensive." - A caution regarding the whisky's age relative to its price.

Belgian Owl is a single malt whisky from Belgium, matured for 36 months in First Fill ex-Bourbon barrels.
It features a bright golden color and a flavor profile rich in fruitiness, with apple, pear, and floral notes, complemented by vanilla and a hint of spices.
The distillery's story is tied to the revival of stills from the Cappadonic Distillery and is driven by a commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability.
The whisky is described as a masterpiece for its quality and is compared to Speyside Scotch, though it is noted for being young and relatively expensive.

For Scotch Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for Speyside Scotch might find Belgian Owl intriguing due to its similar flavor profile.
For Eco-conscious Drinkers: Individuals interested in sustainable and locally sourced spirits will appreciate the distillery's commitment to environmental awareness.
For Collectors: The unique story and Belgian origin, coupled with the distillery's craft approach, make this whisky a potentially interesting addition to a collection, despite its youth and price.