Incredible to think that the 6th City of Deutschland has not been graced by tOMoH for zwanzig years. Much has changed, over that time, and, if Römerplatz is still rightly stuck in time, save for the street performers, who now speak English, the rest of the city is riddled with new skyscrapers. So much so that the European Central Bank is now difficult to pinpoint on the skyline. Its park is still a choice destination for all those who want to enjoy a sit-down and some rays, though.
Anyway, we are on this blog for whisky, not for city-trip tips. Nächste Halte: Whisky for Life.
The shop has a large selection of official bottlings and independent bottlers, with a ridiculously-high proportion of local offerings (either German bottlers, or exclusive bottlings for Germany). They also have the highest number of open bottles I have encountered in a shop anywhere, which means punters hardly buy blind. The shop focuses mainly on 10-20yo whiskies "to drink," and the owner makes no secret of his lack of interest in selling trophy bottles to collectors.
Arran 25yo 1996/2021 (51%, Whisky-Doris Art Nouveau, Hogshead, 235b): a fruity nose (grapes and plums), and a mellow palate. This would be very quaffable, were it not for a less-pleasant touch of woodworm-eaten rustic chair in the finish. 7/10
Strathmill 30yo 1991/2021 (51.3%, Whisky-Doris, Bourbon Hogshead, 162b): from the get-go, it is astringency central, and a surprisingly-lively alcohol. That introduces a long finish, not exactly plank-y, but still bitterer, woodier and spicier than I would prefer. 6/10
Glenburgie 15yo 2008/2023 (57.9%, Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength exclusively bottled for Germany by Kirsch Import, 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead, C#17602307, 329b, 23/115): one to clear the nostrils. It balances spices and sweetness with candied orange slices, ground cloves, and stem ginger. The finish is rather punchy too. 7/10
Nächste Halte: Whisky Spirits.
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| No picture of the shop front, so here is one of a family of geese in a planter |
It has a comparable (in size) selection of official bottlings, with fewer independents. The top shelf is a mix of second-hand collectors (blends and single malts) and semi-premium recent bottlings. They also have a cask in the shop -- obviously not of Scotch. The main focus seems to be on 10-20yo whiskies "to drink."
St Kilian's From the Cask (unknown ABV, Whisky Spirits): a musky peat, caramelised honey, and just a pinch of dried grass. 7/10
In both places, the prices reflect the realities of today’s market: once shipping, excise, and the spiralling price of casks have all been factored in, independent bottlings, in particular, seem generally expensive. Some official bottlings, on the other hand, such as Clydeside, appeared cheaper than in their country of origin.
We run out of time to visit another shop.
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