Tasting notes·Northoff Feinbrennerei

The Westfalian TW74

The Westfalian Cask 74 from the Northoff distillery is a remarkable single malt whisky, characterised by its 10-year maturation and an exceptional cask strength of 64.10% vol. Produced in Germany, distilled in 2013 and matured in a Macallan cask until 2024, it offers an impressive variety of flavours that are reflected in every drop. We are extremely excited!

The panel

Marcel
89
Sascha
90

Mean 89.5 · spread 1

Value for money 3/5

Distillery
Northoff Feinbrennerei
Bottler
The Westfalian
Type
Single Malt
Country
Germany
Age
10 years
Strength
64.1% ABV
Character
rich

Tasting

Nose

From the very first whiff, a distinctive cold, almost pavement-like smoke rises to the nose, paving the way for a dominant nuttiness. The flavours of roasted hazelnuts and almonds merge with a fruity magic that is mainly carried by ripe plums. This composition is accompanied by a hint of old leather, nutmeg and the spicy scent of old wood - as if you were sitting in a decades-old study surrounded by books and history.

Palate

The first sip unfolds oily and full-bodied in the mouth, a sensual texture that immediately reaches every corner of the palate. The cold iodine smoke meets a fruity sweetness that is intense and multi-layered. The notes of plums and dates combine with leather and tobacco to offer a deep, almost mystical flavour experience. A slight saltiness emphasises the whole and gives the whisky a maritime note reminiscent of the rugged coast of Scotland - and all this from the heart of Germany. With a few drops of water, the profile becomes even more complex: Morello cherries come to the fore, while the smoke gently recedes and gives way to a wild mix of berries. It's like discovering a new whisky in an old guise.

Finish

The finish is of medium length, with the smoke still present and accompanied by fruity notes of plum and cherry. It is a finish that does not end abruptly, but fades gently, like a slow sunset over the hills - warm, calming and full of depth.

Verdicts

Marcel

The Westfalian TW74 captivates with its smoky depth and fruity accents – a genuine pleasure that leaves you wanting more. This combination of plum jam and nutty warmth delivers pure drinking enjoyment without ever becoming dull. For anyone seeking a whisky with character and heart, this dram is a bullseye.

Sascha

With a precise balance between intense cask strength and complex aromatics, The Westfalian TW74 impresses across the board. The delicate interplay of smoke, fruit, and spicy notes reveals a sophisticated structure that never overwhelms, even at 64.1% ABV. A technically remarkable single malt from Germany that stands confidently alongside top Scottish distillates.

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 2024-12-29.