Whisky Review/Tasting: Slyrs Sauterness

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Bavaria, Germany, specifically from the Schliersee area. The name "Sluis" is an old word for Schliersee.
Type: Bavarian whisky with a Sauternes wine finish.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured for three years in fresh American oak casks before being finished in Sauternes wine casks. The exact duration of the Sauternes cask maturation is not specified.
Age Statement: No specific age statement, but it is mentioned that the whisky is more than three years old.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted to have no coloring added.
Bottle Design: The bottle is described as having an orange color theme.

Nose: Very light, with a bit of citric freshness, possibly more orange-like than lemon, suggesting a sweeter profile.
Palate: Citric fruitiness with notes of apples, pineapple, mango, and a tropical vibe. There's also a honey sweetness, with hints of coconut, suggesting a complex and fresh flavor profile.
Finish: The finish is described as not intense but long-lasting, with the tropical and citric notes persisting.

Sauternes Wine Influence: The Sauternes wine, which influences the finish of this whisky, is famous partly due to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, who was fond of French wines and promoted Sauternes in America.
Botrytis Fungus: The unique character of Sauternes wine, and thus the whisky's finish, comes from the botrytis fungus, which affects the grapes in the Bordeaux region, adding to the wine's (and subsequently the whisky's) complexity.

Bavarian Origin: The whisky's Bavarian roots are emphasized, highlighting the regional pride of the hosts and the distillery's location near Lake Starnberg in Bavaria.
French Connection: The use of Sauternes wine casks for finishing the whisky creates a cultural bridge between Bavaria and Bordeaux, France, showcasing the international influences in whisky production.

"It's very light in smell... bit of citric freshness... very light in the nose... when you swallow, get citric fruitiness, apples, pineapple, mango... a bit of a tropical feeling going on in your mouth."
The hosts appreciate the whisky's unique flavor profile, emphasizing its lightness, freshness, and tropical notes.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring whisky with unique finishes and international influences might find the Slyrs Sauterness particularly intriguing.
For Beginners: Its light and fresh profile, with tropical and sweet notes, makes it accessible for newcomers to whisky.
For Collectors: The unique story behind its Sauternes finish and the Bavarian origin could make it a noteworthy addition to a collection.