Filliers is a widely known identify within the Belgian distilling scene, however not for whisky. 5 generations of this household created grain genever and later gin, advocaat, fruit genever and cream liqueurs. In 2007 they launched Goldlys, the primary Belgian whisky. It was a pot + column nonetheless grain whisky, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, with a number of variations from totally different wooden sorts. Regardless of the remarkably excessive age typically, the typical high quality was fairly poor.
In 2019 they took a distinct route with the launch of a 10 yr outdated single malt whisky below their very own identify Filliers, ditching the (burnt?) model Goldlys. The spirit on this whisky is the results of double distillation in (genever) alambics. Moreover it comes from European oak sherry casks, explicitly aiming for a premium profile.
In 2018 two new Forsyths nonetheless have been put in, so we are able to anticipate yet one more change in profile within the years to return.
Filliers 10 yo (43%, OB +/- 2019, 5500 btl.)
Nostril: once more not convincing. There’s a plankish woody observe up entrance. Freshly opened Ikea packs, with some dusty cardboard wrapping alongside cinnamon, nutmeg and different spices. Nonetheless a floral / aromatic popcorn edge that brings again reminiscences of the outdated Goldlys type. No fruits, little or no sherry goodness apart from some nutty notes, simply tough wooden, brass polish and a whiff of acetone within the background.
Mouth: soaked tree bark, with extra nutmeg, cinnamon and walnut oils. There are spices throughout but it doesn’t come accross as a assured whisky. It focuses on aw malt with a faint bitter edge, considerably lifted by darkish chocolate and nutty notes. Alcohol shines by on a number of events. Hints of oak aged gin and closely infused tea.
End: woody and brief.
Disappointing once more: forgettable spirit in overactive casks with a poor sherry character. Look, Goldlys had a mode of its personal which couldn’t be in comparison with Scotch whisky. Typically that offers you a bonus for being wickedly totally different. Nonetheless in case you’re explicitly shifting in the direction of Scotch whisky, then I’ll choose it the way in which I choose Scotch. In that sense it’s missing in all areas. Nonetheless out there right here and there, for round € 70.
