Whisky Review/Tasting: The Glen Els - The Journey

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Germany, specifically from the Harz mountains in the north.
Type: German Whisky.
Distillation Process: Distilled twice using a unique method where a water pot is heated by wood fire, indirectly heating the still. This method avoids the need for a rummager and prevents the burning of malt particles.
Maturation Process: Matured in six different types of fortified wine casks, including Sherry, Madeira, Malaga, and Port, contributing to its dark color and complex flavor profile.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but suggested to be relatively young based on flavor analysis.
Physical Description: Non-chill filtered, no added color, dark with a red hue likely from the red wine casks. The bottle design resembles Scottish whisky bottles and features a plastic cork.

General Tasting Notes: Smooth, fruity, with a hint of sweetness. Notable flavors include sultanas, a slight maltiness, and a rich dark fruitiness from the Sherry, Malaga, and Portwood influences.
Balance of Flavors: The European oak from the casks introduces spiciness without significant bitterness, suggesting a younger whisky. The aftertaste includes bitter oranges, Christmas cake, and sweet oranges.
Unique Characteristics: Although 5% of the malt is peated, the peatiness is not prominent, possibly adding to the complexity rather than dominating the flavor profile.

Distillery Background: The Glen Els whisky is produced in the Hammerschmiede, originally a forging establishment in the Harz mountains. The distillery has since moved to larger premises and employs a traditional yet innovative distillation process using wood fire for energy.
Production Evolution: Initially, the distillery released only single cask editions, which were limited and varied greatly. The Journey represents a move towards larger production volumes, allowing for more consistent availability and flavor.

Harz Mountains: The distillery's location in this mountainous region of Germany is notable for its myths and natural beauty. The use of wood fire for distillation aligns with the area's natural resources and the distillery's commitment to sustainability.

German whisky from the Harz mountains, matured in six types of fortified wine casks.
Flavor profile is smooth, fruity, with a hint of sweetness and a complex mix of dark fruitiness and spiciness from European oak.
The distillery has a unique history and uses innovative, sustainable distillation methods.
The whisky is relatively young, with a subtle peatiness adding to its complexity.
The Journey represents a move towards larger production volumes for more consistent availability.

Whisky Enthusiasts Interested in Unique Production Methods: The innovative distillation process and use of wood fire for energy make this a fascinating choice.
Fans of Non-Traditional Whisky Regions: Those curious about whisky from countries outside the usual Scotch, Irish, and American whisky regions.
Lovers of Complex, Wine-Cask Matured Whiskies: The use of six different fortified wine casks offers a rich, complex flavor profile that will appeal to those who enjoy the influence of wine casks on whisky.