Glen Els Port Cask (Germany) Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Harz Mountain, Germany.
Type: Single Cask, Portwood Maturation.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in various casks including Sherry, Pedro Ximenez, Rum, Sauternes, Amarone, and specifically for this whisky, Port casks. Aged for 5 years (2011-2017).
Age Statement: 5 years.
ABV: 47.4%.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the port cask maturation typically imparts a rich color.
Bottle Design: Features a plastic cork, which is noted as a practical choice for smaller distilleries to ensure quality sealing.

Balance of Flavors: Begins with vanilla from the active, fresh cask, followed by a distinct wood smoke different from peat smoke, and finishes with the fruitiness of port wine.
Unique Characteristics: The wood smoke used for drying the malt gives a sharp, intense smokiness distinct from peat smoke, blending with the sweetness and fruitiness of the port wine maturation.
Comparison: The overall taste aligns more with Scottish whisky production methods, especially those matured in port casks, but the unique wood smoke adds a distinct German touch.

Distillery Background: Produced by Hammerschmiede, located in a former hammer mill in the Harz Mountains, a region historically divided by the Iron Curtain.
Production Notes: The whisky is noted for its gentle wood smoke flavor, achieved by using wood chips for smoke, a method also used in smoking hams or sausages in Northern Germany.

Harz Mountains: The location's history as part of the Iron Curtain division between East and West Germany adds a layer of historical significance to the whisky.
International Influence: The whisky represents a blend of Scottish whisky traditions with German wood-smoking techniques and Portuguese port wine maturation, showcasing an international approach to whisky production.

"This is a mixture between whisky famous for Scotland, port wine famous for Portugal, and the wood smoke famous for northern Germany."
"If they would use smoked malts by peat smoke then you wouldn't be able to distinguish this one from a Scottish whisky."

German whisky from Hammerschmiede, aged 5 years in port casks.
Unique flavor profile combining vanilla, wood smoke, and port wine fruitiness.
Distinct wood smoke aroma different from peat smoke, adding a German touch.
Produced in the historically significant Harz Mountains.
Recommended for those interested in a blend of Scottish whisky traditions with unique German smoking techniques and port wine maturation.

Whisky Enthusiasts interested in exploring non-Scottish whiskies with unique maturation processes.
Fans of Smoky Whiskies looking for a different smoke profile than the traditional peat smoke.
Collectors seeking whiskies from historically and geographically significant regions.
Beginners may find this whisky intriguing due to its blend of familiar and unique flavors, making it a gentle introduction to smoky whiskies.