ElsBurn Heartgow 2025 Winter

Profile: The ElsBurn Heartgow 2025 Winter at a Glance

• ElsBurn Heartgow 2025 Winter: Exclusive Winter Edition from the Harz Mountains
• Mature in First Fill Palo Cortado & Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and Octaves
• Crafted German Single Malt with Character and Origin
• Mature in First Fill Palo Cortado & First Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogsheads
• Limited to only 300 bottles - non-chill filtered & without colorings

Portrait: What makes the ElsBurn Heartgow 2025 Winter so special

The ElsBurn Heartgow Winter 2025 is exactly the kind of whisky that automatically makes you think of thick sweaters, a crackling fireplace, and the phrase "Just one more glass"—even before you've poured it. It comes from the Harz Mountains, a region that already knows how to do winter very well. And that's precisely where the Hercynian Distilling Co. is located, one of the most exciting German craft distilleries of recent years.

Under the brand name ElsBurn, they create whiskies that consciously take their time. Instead of mass production, the focus is on small batches, extensive handcrafting, and a clear commitment to origin. Among those responsible for this is Anna Buchholz, Head of Distilling, who regularly demonstrates with the Heartgow series what happens when transitions between distillates are seen not as a problem, but as a creative opportunity.
The Heartgow Winter 2025 is part of this special seasonal series. This makes it not only seasonally appropriate but also pleasantly rare: only 300 bottles have been produced. Anyone who manages to get their hands on one of these isn't holding just any run-of-the-mill whisky, but a genuine, unique winter expression from the Harz Mountains. This edition was matured in a combination of first-fill Palo Cortado sherry hogsheads, first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogsheads, and small octave casks.
It sounds technical, but it's primarily an indication of the meticulous attention paid to cask management. Bottled at 48% ABV, and of course uncolored and non-chill filtered, the whisky remains as close as possible to its origin.

In short: The ElsBurn Heartgow Winter 2025 isn't a loud show-off, but a characterful companion for the cold season.
One that demonstrates that German whisky is far more than just a hidden gem – and that in the Harz Mountains, they not only cultivate myths, but also damn good craftsmanship. Ideal for long winter evenings. Or for the satisfying feeling of having a winter's worth of whisky stored away on your shelf.

Tasting Notes: This is how the ElsBurn Heartgow 2025 Winter tastes like

• Nose: On the nose, a hearty, wintery character is immediately apparent. Aromas of fireplace wood and light smoke meet malty hints and a touch of smoked bacon. A pleasant sweetness from raisins, roasted macadamia nuts, and caramel complements this. Dark chocolate adds depth, while fruity notes of apricot and delicate mandarin orange lend the aroma a vibrant, balanced character.

• Palate: On the palate, the whisky is powerful yet balanced. Robust impressions of malt, smoke, and wood are tempered by sweet components such as caramel, dried fruit, and dark chocolate. Nutty notes and hints of sherry cask maturation lend structure, while fruity elements and a subtle spiciness provide excitement and variety.

• Finish: The finish is lingering and warming. Smoky wood notes fade slowly, accompanied by sweet sherry notes, caramel, and dark chocolate. Fruity nuances and a gentle spiciness remain present for a long time, creating a well-rounded and harmonious finale.