Gilors Peated 3 years 2012 Review
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Gilors is a German whisky from a small town between Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, in the region known as Hessen.
- Type: It is a peated whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation: The whisky is matured in bourbon casks, uncolored, and has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 42%. It comes in a half-liter bottle, which is noted as a modern standard in Germany.
- Age Statement: Aged for 3 years, distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2016.
- Color and Bottle Design: Described as golden and bright in color. The bottle design is noted for its small label that emphasizes the whisky itself, with details of distillation and bottling dates clearly indicated.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Flavor Notes: The whisky is characterized by a distinct phenolic note, with additional flavors of minerals, black bread, white pepper, freshly cut lawn, and late aromas of sugar and caramel.
- Balance of Flavors: The review suggests an overwhelming presence of smoke and phenolic flavors, overpowering other notes.
- Comparison: The reviewer compares its extreme smokiness unfavorably to whiskies from Islay's south coast, indicating that those are more comfortably smoky.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery Background: Gilors comes from one of the many new malt whisky distilleries in Germany, with a history dating back to 1970. The distillery has a range of cask finishes including sherry, portwood, oloroso, and peated.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- German Whisky Production: Gilors represents the growing trend of whisky production in Germany, showcasing the country's venture into creating peated whiskies, traditionally associated with Scotland.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- Personal Opinion: The reviewer, Horst Luening, expresses a strong dislike for the whisky's extreme smokiness and phenolic character, describing it as "uncomfortable" and "stinky."
- Memorable Quote: "Far too extreme, far too phenolic... If you can't have a whisky phenolic enough, it still stays in my mouth. I have to drink half a liter of water to get rid of it."
Summary
- Gilors Peated 3 years 2012 is a German whisky with a strong phenolic and smoky profile.
- Matured in bourbon casks, uncolored, with a 42% ABV.
- The flavor is overwhelmingly smoky, with notes of minerals, black bread, and late sugar and caramel.
- The distillery has a history dating back to 1970 and offers a variety of cask finishes.
- The reviewer does not favor the extreme smokiness, comparing it unfavorably to Islay whiskies.
- Recommended for those who prefer an extremely phenolic whisky.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For Peat Lovers: Ideal for whisky enthusiasts who enjoy an intense phenolic and smoky flavor profile.
- For Adventurous Drinkers: Those interested in exploring the expanding world of German whisky might find Gilors an intriguing choice.
- Not Recommended for Beginners: Due to its extreme smokiness and phenolic character, it might not be suitable for those new to whisky or those who prefer milder flavors.