Belgian Owl Single Malt

Being a great fan of French whisky, I was eager to try a whisky from a neighbouring country and I was also beckoned by the fresh, oily, lemon, citrus smell. At first I was hit by the oiliness, the sweetness and subtle notes of coconut the whisky had to offer, then a rapid slew of flavours arrived: bitter hard candy giving a soft and warm bite, plum wine, hard apple candy, bitter unripe and overripe cherry, all on top of a leitmotiv of lemon and peppery spicy leather. As the finish arrived, the drink became toastier, then softened with the return of plum wine, white wine and brioche. The whisky was quite pleasant, but unfortunately, it was too young, the bourbon cask was overbearing and the whisky was somewhat simple. It reminded me of a Highland malt, but without that earthy, herbal profile, but it was also quite close to French whisky in its sweetness and fruitiness. I do hope these people succeed at making an older whisky, France has produced stunning 2 year old whiskys such as Michel Couvreur Clearach or Guillon 46, so youth isn't the only problem here, the real problem is a lack of compelling flavour, personality and quality, but the whisky remains a promising start.

I think this is highly underrated. Anything you read about this being similar to gin/genever is simply an individual’s opinion. I think this being a young spirit simply showing off grain and yeast profile is fantastic. Some profiles on nose and pallet for me included an array of vanilla (vanilla pods, vanilla pudding and vanilla icing), banana laffy taffy, slight milk chocolate, crème brûlée and the slightest green apple (not in off flavor form). This is all is wrapped in an creamy, soft and full mouthfeel and a little Belgian hug going down. The finish goes quite the distance.

I was lucky enough to try this whisky for free during our stay at our hotel in Ypres. I always feel a little proud when I can taste a whisky that is made in my own country. Unfortunately, due to the noncommittal nature of the occasion, I was unable to write down extensive tasting notes. I do remember this whisky as being an easy drinker. The youthfulness did not detract from the taste and reminds me of the casualness of most Speyside whisky's. Did not disappoint, but didn't blow me away. "Good" : 2.5 stars | Good, just fine.

Not so fond of this variant, the single cask cask strength variants however are splendid. Despite 70 or more degrees, they make a lasting impression. Waiting for a 12y old with sherry cask finish. The latter I tasted from an independent bottler en was out of this world. Etienne, please please!

hell gelb. leicht fruchtig schwach. lange sprittig dann süßlich und Kräuter (Jägermeister?) flach. warm leicht bitter und Kräuter

A little rough in the front but a warm back with lots of citrus and floral notes. Green edition.