In case you nonetheless want proof that they’re making whisky nearly in all places on the earth, try Carpathian, which makes a spread of single malts distilled, matured, and bottled in Romania. Carpathian launched in 2017 and made it to U.S. shores final 12 months. All 100% single malt whiskies made with native grain and water, most of Carpathian’s merchandise are completed in varied sorts of wine casks. The whisky reviewed right here is a part of the Romanian Wine Cask Assortment, having been initially aged in bourbon casks completed in native Feteasca Neagra wine barrels. I’ve by no means had wine comprised of this grape, however the description sounds akin to Syrah.
No age statements are provided, although the 12 months of bottling and cask quantity is included on each label.
The Grasp Distiller of the Carpathian Single Malt is Allan Anderson, with each Scottish and Irish heritage, who has greater than 30 years of expertise in producing each Scotch whisky (Loch Lomond, White & Mackay, Aberargie) and Irish whiskey (The Nice Northern Distillery). He additionally designed the distillery of Slane Fortress Eire.
“This whisky completely showcases our distillery terroir. The large taste influence of our malted barley, the pure sub-Carpathian water mixed with the distinctive flavors of Romanian and Portuguese wine casks make Carpathian Single Malt an beautiful whisky, which no doubt, will change into probably the greatest on the earth because it additional matures. The maturation in hotter local weather areas versus Scotland (+41°F on common) may clarify the distinctive, milder character of this excellent whisky,” mentioned Allan Anderson. “Carpathian showcases this nice potential and the clear high quality benefit that we have now versus different single malt whiskies of the identical age, and we need to share our enthusiasm with whisky connoisseurs worldwide. The mash was double distilled in our distillery’s custom-made stills,” added Allan Anderson.
In tasting our first Carpathian bottling, the whisky’s youth and its use of wine cask for ending are each on ample show. To start out with, the whisky has a transparent sweetness to it, way more than I’d count on from a crimson wine cask-finished product. Parts of evenly roasted grains, barrel char, and a barely weedy greenness are all evident on the nostril, providing a considerably muddy, scattered opening. The palate takes all of that and simply runs with it, full bore. Closely candy, nearly syrupy, the character right here kicks off with notes of buttery shortbread and overripe apples earlier than the heaviness of the wine end comes into fuller focus. The oxidized character recollects Fino sherry, muddled with lemongrass, ginger, and sesame oil. There’s nonetheless loads of char within the combine, giving the end a barely ashy, petrol-driven high quality. The expertise turns fairly gummy because it lingers on the palate.
Given the wholesale uniqueness of this bottling, I’m inclined to present it a bit of leeway and respiratory room. That mentioned, at this cut-off date, it stands primarily as a novelty — “However have you ever ever had Romanian whisky?” — and one thing to control to see the place the longer term takes it.
92 proof. Reviewed: Cask #3235, classic 2022.
B / $55 (700ml) / carpathian-singlemalt.com
Carpathian Romanian Single Malt Whisky – Romanian Wine Cask Feteasca Negara
$55
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