Whisky Review/Tasting: Sonnenscheiner 18 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Germany, specifically from the Ruhr Valley, a region historically known for its coal and steel industry.
Type: German Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially distilled in a Schnapsbrennerei (a distillery traditionally focused on producing schnapps from wheat or cereals), the whisky was then matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in sherry casks.
Age Statement: 18 years old, distilled in 1989.
ABV: 41%.
Color and Clarity: Uncolored, potentially chill-filtered due to its lower ABV.
Bottle Design: Uniquely shaped bottle with a plastic cork.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of light smokiness and fruitiness, with a spicy entry and a complex finish.
Unique Characteristics: Despite being labeled as "heavily peated," the smokiness is relatively light, estimated at 10 to 12 ppm. The whisky showcases a notable fruitiness, possibly enhanced by the use of alembics, and vanilla notes from the ex-bourbon casks.
Comparison: While not a Scotch whisky, it leans more towards Scotch in flavor profile than other European whiskies, particularly due to its pot still character and cask influence.

Distillery Background: Sonnenscheiner, founded in 1875, transitioned from a traditional schnapps distillery to producing whisky. The distillery's location near the Ruhr River adds a unique geographical and historical context to its products.
Personal Connection: The reviewer, Horst Luening, mentions a personal connection to the region, with relatives living nearby and personal experiences hiking along the Ruhr River.

Historical Context: The Ruhr Valley's industrial heritage contrasts with the distillery's craft of whisky production, highlighting a unique blend of tradition and innovation in German whisky making.
German Whisky Production: The rarity and age of this whisky underscore the nascent state of whisky production in Germany, where most whiskies are relatively young.

"This is unusual for Germany because the whiskey production started very, very late."
"It's no Scotch whisky. No, definitely not. But it's more on the Scotch side than on the alambic European whiskies."
"I was very lucky to find that bottle."

Sonnenscheiner 18 Years is a rare German whisky with a unique heritage, distilled in 1989 and matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
It features a light smokiness and pronounced fruitiness, with vanilla notes and a complex finish.
The whisky's production and flavor profile reflect a blend of traditional schnapps distillation techniques and whisky maturation processes.
Its cultural significance is tied to the Ruhr Valley's industrial history and the relatively recent emergence of whisky production in Germany.
The whisky is considered a valuable find, especially given its age and affordability in the German market.

Whisky Enthusiasts Interested in Unique Finds: Those looking for rare and aged whiskies from non-traditional whisky-producing countries.
Scotch Lovers Seeking Variety: Scotch aficionados curious about whiskies with similar profiles but distinct origins and production methods.
Beginners with a Taste for Smoothness: New whisky drinkers might appreciate its smoothness, light smokiness, and fruitiness as an introduction to more complex flavors.