Tasting notes·Northoff Feinbrennerei

The Westfalian TW73

The Westfalian began producing regional premium whiskies in 2012. This means they can now offer 10-years bottlings of the German with the Scottish soul. We were able to secure part of the TW73 cask. A peated single malt matured in an ex-Port Charlotte sherry cask. As we are used to from The Westfalian, of course, single cask, unfiltered, uncoloured, uncut.

The panel

Marcel
88
Sascha
88

Mean 88.0 · spread 0

Value for money 3/5

Distillery
Northoff Feinbrennerei
Bottler
The Westfalian
Type
Single Malt
Country
Germany
Age
10 years
Strength
53.3% ABV
Character
mellow

Tasting

Nose

On the nose, the malt is voluminous, with smoked ham combined with intense fruity notes of plum and blackberry. We find aromas of grilled sausage and tobacco leaves. There is also a hint of an old leather sofa in a damp cellar. As you penetrate the heavy peat, this Westfalian becomes very fruity and the sherry cask comes to the fore.

Palate

Contrary to expectations, the first impression in the mouth is very sweet. Strong berry flavours are complemented by earthy smoke. Extremely complex, playing with the sweetness of jam and heavy peat smoke. The whisky is smooth and oily, but also leaves a certain dryness on the palate. We detect a hint of saltiness and subtle oak notes.

Finish

There is a slight tingling of pepper on the finish. The malt does not linger too long in the mouth, leaving a sweet smoke with a slight saltiness and again subtle oak.

Verdicts

Marcel

A genuine taste experience that immediately captivates with its smoky spice and fruity notes. The Westfalian TW73 demonstrates just how much character and drinking pleasure can be found in a German single malt – all while remaining charming and pleasantly approachable. Perfect for anyone unafraid of a bit of peat and a touch of bacon.

Sascha

A well-structured and balanced malt with complex aromas of peat smoke, sherry, and berries, distinguished by its oily texture and subtle salty note. Despite its 53.3% ABV, The Westfalian TW73 feels harmonious, offering a precise interplay of sweetness, smoke, and light oak, although the finish is somewhat short. A technical example of successful cask influence in German single malt.

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.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2023-08-13.