Tasting notes·Northoff Feinbrennerei

The Westfalian TW129

When you think of high-quality rye whisky, Germany does not immediately spring to mind. However, The Westfalian Cask 129 impressively proves that excellent whisky with a clear vision can also be produced in this country.

The panel

Marcel
79
Sascha
80

Mean 79.5 · spread 1

Value for money 3/5

Distillery
Northoff Feinbrennerei
Bottler
The Westfalian
Type
Single Rye Whisky
Country
Germany
Age
7 years
Strength
53.1% ABV
Character
delicate

Tasting

Nose

From the very first sniff, TW129 unfolds a complex bouquet characterised by a clear freshness. Oat biscuits, caramel and vanilla dominate the opening, accompanied by a subtle hint of coconut and the sweet scent of forest honey. These sweet notes harmonise perfectly with the strong aroma of rye bread, which gives this whisky its characteristic depth. A subtle hint of menthol and pine cones provides an interesting freshness, while earthy peanuts round off the profile.

Palate

The American character of The Westfalian Cask 129 continues on the palate. The spiciness of the rye comes to the fore and is accompanied by a dry, oily texture. The flavour is reminiscent of bircher muesli, a combination of oatmeal and fresh apple that gives the whisky a balanced fruitiness. Interestingly, there is also a hint of unripe banana, which provides an unexpected but pleasant contrast.

Finish

The finish of this whisky is medium to long and leaves a lasting impression. Brown sugar and soft oak dominate the finish, with the spice of the rye remaining present without becoming bitter. A hint of cinnamon and baking cocoa rounds off the finish and provides a warming, satisfying finale.

Verdicts

Marcel

The Westfalian TW129 captivates with its pure rye spiciness and the interplay of sweet and fresh aromas – a whisky that’s a lot of fun and really lifts your spirits with its powerful cask strength. For anyone craving an honest, German rye with character, it’s a genuine pleasure.

Sascha

With clear structure and balanced harmony, The Westfalian TW129 demonstrates how German whisky craftsmanship can interpret the classic US rye style. The combination of spicy rye notes, fruity freshness, and a long, complex finish makes it a technically impressive cask strength bottling.

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 2024-10-20.