Nordic Whisky #91 - Braunstein 15:1
Braunstein 15:1, 7 YO, 46 %
It has been a while since last I reviewed a whisky from Danish distillery Braunstein. Time to make amends then. Here we have the Braunstein 15:1, one of their (typically) two annual Library Collection releases. This is an unpeated whisky, with a limited run of 1000 bottles.
This whisky has been matured in a mix of Oloroso sherry casks (30 %) and French Sauternes casks from Château D’Yquem (70 %). The age of the whisky was given at 7 years and 11 months.
The Braunstein 15:1 is still available to order from the distillery shop at DKK 795.
Nose (22/25): This dram immediately strikes me as well-balanced and in harmony. There is some fruitiness here (apples, and some dried fruits) and light caramel sauce, all enveloped (or embraced even) in a soft and rich sweetness. Surely the Sauternes casks at work.
Taste (22/25): Rich and soft mouthfeel. Sugary and fruity. Much like the nose really. The fruits maybe a bit sweeter now - fruit drops (apples, pears) as well as raisins and red berries. It has a wine like note to it as well.
Finish (20/25): Turns slightly dry. Medium long finish, and less sweet towards the end. Berries and dried fruits in the end.
Balance (21/25): An appealing and sweet dram. I almost wish this had been a peated whisky, as I have had some stunning peated whiskies matured in Sauternes casks before.
Score (85/100)
Sláinte! - Thomas