Single Malt Irish Whiskey 13 Year Old 2006 Rolf Kaspar

The guests of the German hotel Essener Hof are presented with an Irish whiskey from time to time thanks to the close collaboration with bottler Rolf Kaspar. This is a 13 years old from 2006, bottled at cask strength from a former PX cask. Wonderful color.

Very bright and sweet nose on raisins, Reine Claude plums and fresh figs that slowly come together in a veritable raisin bread. I have not even tasted it, but I already know this is going to be liquid dessert. Hint of broth, cognac and ketchup – this is not a joke! And it works, too. Delicious nose.

The body is oily to even syrupy. Immediately pretty piquant on candied ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and a truckload of cloves. Then the dark and sweet notes follow: raisins, plums, figs and dates, upholstered with some earth and chocolate. A lovely bitter note like chicory. This is grand and complex.

The finish is long, warm, spicy and very satisfying.

I close my eyes and release a joyful sigh. This is the good stuff. Thanks to my whisky buddy Benny for the sample.