HeiligenBergFeld (2020/2024) Rum Barbados Cask

German whisky is still a young discipline, but some distilleries are boldly venturing forward with creative cask maturations. HeiligenBergFeld is precisely one of these: Their latest bottling, the 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask, comes in at a whopping 60.2 % ABV and refuses to be pigeonholed into classic casks.

The panel

Marcel

Sascha

Mean 74.0 · spread 2

Value for money 2/5

Distillery: HeiligenBergFeld
Type: Single Malt
Country: Germany
Strength: 60.2% ABV
Character: mellow

Tasting

Nose

The nose? Let's say ... surprising. Toilet stone meets fresh pineapple - a contrast that is definitely not commonplace. This is joined by a malty base that hints at the young age of the whisky. It remains youthful and impetuous, with floral hints of jasmine blossom and a fresh acidity of Granny Smith apples. A flavour that will not appeal to everyone, but definitely arouses curiosity.

Palate

On the palate, the whisky is initially sweet, almost tantalising, but then a metallic note comes into play, making the whole thing somewhat edgy. White pepper brings a slight spiciness, which is accompanied by a refreshing mint note. And then? Peach and citrus tic-tacs! Yes, exactly that. A flavour that balances between refreshing and strange - somewhere between a summer drink and a drawer full of coins.

Finish

This is where the HeiligenBergFeld finally turns up the heat. Crumbly lemon iced tea, a fine, crisp texture and a sweet, tropical note of papaya make for a smooth, pleasant finish. The finish is clearly the strongest side of this whisky.

Verdicts

Marcel

This HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask is like a lively teenager still trying to find its place – sometimes exciting, sometimes a bit rough around the edges. Especially the finish, with its sweet tropical notes, leaves you wanting more, even though the nose and palate could use a bit more harmony. Anyone up for an adventure with some quirks and character will definitely have fun here.

Sascha

The HeiligenBergFeld 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask showcases an interesting cask choice that imparts an unusual complexity to the young whisky, but unfortunately it falls short in terms of flavor balance. The metallic nuance and somewhat inconsistent structure weaken the overall impression, while the promising finish scores with a zesty lemon freshness. For lovers of unconventional German whiskies, it remains an intriguing, albeit still unrefined, option.

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.