Tasting notes·Northoff Feinbrennerei
The Westfalian TW256
The Westfalian Cask 256 is a single rye whisky (100% rye) that matured in a first-fill ruby port cask from 2019 to 2023. With 59.1% alcohol by volume, it is a powerful drop that was bottled without chill-filtration and without colouring.
The panel
Mean 82.0 · spread 4
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Northoff Feinbrennerei
- Bottler
- The Westfalian
- Type
- Single Rye Whisky
- Country
- Germany
- Age
- 4 years
- Strength
- 59.1% ABV
- Character
- rich
Tasting
Nose
From the very first sniff, an unmistakable aroma of freshly baked rye bread unfolds, accompanied by a sweet note of plum jam. But this sweetness does not stop there - a leathery, musty note follows, reminiscent of an old, well-used leather sofa. A hint of moist sourdough and a light vanilla note round off the bouquet. A slight reminder of desert sand hovers in the background, giving the whisky a dry, earthy quality.
Palate
The intense cherry fruit immediately comes to the fore, followed by a powerful woody note that emphasises the character of the cask. A surprising sweetness unfolds, reminiscent of Nutella, accompanied by a chocolaty, nutty fullness. However, the whisky also shows its rustic side here: a slightly musty note and the flavour of leather make for a complex and multi-layered experience.
Finish
The finish is medium-long but concise. A sweet and spicy note lingers on the tongue, while nutty flavours combine with a slightly burnt bread crust. The musty, slightly sandy quality from the aroma also pervades here and leaves a lasting impression.
Verdicts
Marcel
At 59.1% ABV, The Westfalian TW256 surprises with a smooth drinkability that you wouldn’t expect from such strength. The port cask influence is rather restrained here, while the leathery and rustic notes give the whisky an intriguing depth – a genuine pleasure for anyone seeking character with a touch of surprise.
Sascha
The TW256 impresses with a harmonious integration of its high alcohol content and a clear cask influence that highlights less typical port cask notes and instead brings forward sherry-like leather and musty aromas. The complex structure of fruity, nutty, and earthy elements creates a balanced profile with a distinctive, medium-length finish.
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.