Whisky Review/Tasting: Stonewood Drà (Germany) 3 Years
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Bavaria, Germany, specifically from the northeastern part of Bavaria near the Steinwald in the Oberpfalz region.
- Type: Single Malt Whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled at the Schrammel distillery, which operates in a building with a long tradition of distilling, originally established in 1818. The whisky is aged for three years in American white oak barrels.
- Age Statement: 3 years.
- Color and Bottle Design: The bottle design is described as standard, with a notable feature being the cork's seal, which bears the Schrammel seal from 1818, highlighting the distillery's heritage.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: Presents a light sweetness balanced with cereal notes, offering an easy-drinking experience with a hint of complexity.
- Unique Characteristics: The whisky is characterized by flavors of honey, heather, and flowers, with a cereal note reminiscent of breakfast cereals with honey, possibly with a few raisins.
- Comparison: It is noted to be sweet, but not as sweet as bourbon, indicating a pleasant level of sweetness.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery History: The Schrammel distillery has a long history of distilling, dating back to 1818, with rights originally granted by a sovereign to the monastery in Eberdorf. The distillery has evolved from producing fruit schnapps and grain schnapps to whisky.
- Anecdotes: An interesting story shared is about a poster from 1818 depicting a figure associated with the distillery who joined the Royal Cavalry and charged towards Russia, surviving the war, which is notable given the high casualty rates.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Bavarian Heritage: The whisky's name, "Drà," is derived from the Bavarian dialect for "three," showcasing the distillery's deep roots in Bavarian culture and language.
- Historical Context: The distillery's establishment before the war against Russia and the story of survival shared in the review highlight the historical significance of the region and the distillery's heritage.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "It's a good way of easy drinking, and there is a bit of complexity in here."
- "I really want to go to this distillery."
- The reviewer expresses hope for a future release aged five years, indicating potential seen in the whisky.
Summary
- Stonewood Drà is a 3-year-old single malt whisky from Bavaria, Germany, aged in American white oak.
- It features a flavor profile of honey, heather, flowers, and cereal notes, offering a light sweetness and easy drinking experience.
- The distillery has a rich history dating back to 1818, with a strong connection to Bavarian culture and heritage.
- The reviewer appreciates the whisky's complexity and potential for future aged releases.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring whiskies from non-traditional whisky-producing countries might find Stonewood Drà intriguing due to its Bavarian origin and unique flavor profile.
- For Beginners: Its described easy-drinking nature and pleasant sweetness make it a good option for those new to whisky or looking to explore single malts without overwhelming intensity.
- For Collectors: The historical significance of the distillery and the cultural connection to Bavaria might appeal to collectors interested in whiskies with a story and heritage.