Affenzeller Blend

The blend of the Austrian Peter Affenzeller is a mix of barley and rye. That does not make it a blend, technically, does it? Hmm, the Austrian distillers are not subject to the rules of the SWA, so let us not dwell on it and get to the fun part: tasting.

It smells somewhat alcoholic, which implies a young age. It has a malty heart, but the rye stands out and makes this a lot like a bourbon. Some gingerbread and molasses and some garden herbs. A bit of dark fruit. Almond oil. Very pleasant.

Creamy arrival with a bitter edge. The fruit is more like citrus (grapefruit with a sugared coating). A bit drying. Some tannins. Tobacco kicks in. Thyme. Hint of nuts.

The finish is rather short, but nicely spicy.

This bottle won a gold medal at the Austrian spirit competition Destillatta 2013. It is not a winning dram in my opinion, but far from bad. It can stands its own next to many a bourbon. Thanks, Niek & Ilse!