Nordic Whisky #13 - Braunstein E:4

Braunstein E:4, 8 YO, 60,9 %

Braunstein E:4

I am quite fond of the Danish distillery Braunstein. Today I am reviewing a whisky in the cask strength Edition series. Braunstein E:4 was released late 2012.

This is a very peaty whisky at 60 ppm phenols. It is a single cask, matured exclusively in an ex-bourbon barrel from Maker's Mark. The E:4 was bottled on 2012-11-02, and the the outturn was 300 bottles.

At release the sales price was DKK 1850. There are still a few bottles available to buy from Braunstein's own online store, but they have raised the price to DKK 2500.

Braunstein releases a new Edition bottling anually, and the E:5 is available to buy at DKK 1850. I hope to try the E:5 soon.

Nose (23/25): Mild smoke, surprising really - I was expecting a more distinct smokiness from the 60 ppm, but there you go. Well-rounded and mature sweetness. Vanilla, milk chocolate, and butterscotch and caramel. It is also very fruity, bundles of apples and pears. Braunstein has a very fruity and rich new make, and the distillery character shows through here.

Taste (22/25): OK, here comes the smoke. And it is massive! This whisky certainly packs a punch! I also find milk chocolate, and licorice caramel to slightly temper the punchy peat.

Finish (22/25): Long finish; rich, fruity, smoky and sweet. 'nuff said!

Balance (23/25): Wow! Go Denmark, go! Go Braunstein, go!

Score (90/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas