Whisky Review/Tasting: Slyrs 12 years
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Bavaria, Germany (specifically Upper Bavaria, Oberbayern).
- Type: Single Malt Whisky.
- Distillation: Initially produced on eau de vie equipment with pot stills and a rectifier, later on specialized whisky pot stills not from Scotland but from the southwest of Germany.
- Maturation: Matured in first-fill American white oak barrels, charred, which is closer to bourbon whiskey but with a different taste profile due to the distillation process.
- Age Statement: 12 years.
- Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but implied to have a rich color extraction from first-fill American white oak, suggesting a deep, possibly amber hue.
- Bottle Design: High-quality, unique bottle design, presented in an extraordinary case made from a single block of wood, with a miniature included for tasting while keeping the bottle as a collector's item.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: Dominant vanilla and toffee, with underlying oakiness, woodiness, and a faint fruitiness of dried and dark fruits.
- Unique Characteristics: Intense oakiness with spices like cloves and nutmeg, and a nuttiness resembling walnuts. Described as one of the most intense single malt whiskies at 12 years old, especially among those matured straight without sherry, port wine, or other influences.
- Comparison: Implied to be more intense than a typical 20-year-old Scotch whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks due to the fresh, first-fill American white oak barrels used for maturation.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery Foundation: Founded in 2007, with roots tracing back to an old distillery at Schliersee in Oberbayern producing high-end fruit distillates.
- First Distillation: The first distillation took place in 1996, with the first single malt whisky released in 1999, leading to the establishment of a dedicated whisky distillery.
- Limited Production: The 12-year-old Slyrs is a limited edition with only a few hundred bottles available, making it a collector's item.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Bavarian Heritage: Emphasizes the Bavarian origin and the adaptation of traditional distillation methods to create a unique single malt whisky that stands apart from Scottish, American, or other whisky traditions.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "One of the most intense single malt whiskies with 12 years old I had so far." - Horst Luening, highlighting the exceptional intensity and flavor profile of Slyrs 12 years.
- "It is a real collector's item." - On the rarity and exclusivity of this whisky.
Summary
- Slyrs 12 years is a unique single malt whisky from Bavaria, Germany, known for its intense flavor profile dominated by vanilla, toffee, and oakiness.
- Matured in first-fill American white oak barrels, it offers a distinct taste that bridges the gap between bourbon and Scotch malt whisky.
- The distillery has a rich history, evolving from producing high-end fruit distillates to specializing in whisky.
- This limited edition is presented in an exquisite wooden case, making it a sought-after collector's item.
- Described as exceptionally intense for its age, it stands out among straight-matured whiskies.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Collectors: Due to its limited availability and unique presentation, it's highly recommended for collectors seeking rare and exclusive bottles.
- Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for intense, oak-forward single malts will appreciate its depth and complexity.
- Fans of Bourbon and Scotch Crossovers: Individuals interested in whiskies that bridge the flavor profiles between bourbon and Scotch might find this Bavarian single malt particularly intriguing.