Santis Malt Edition Santis Review

Country: Switzerland

Brand: Santis Malt (Appenzeller Single Malt)

Type: Old Oak Beer Casks Matured " Edition Santis" 

Age: NAS

Alcohol: 40%

Date: 21/07/2012

Colour: Golden

Nose: My first impressions were Underberg, the famous German liquor made of Herbs, sweet Brioche Bread from France and Oak. Tones of Anise, Sweet Grain and Orange Liquor. A hint of Varnish and only light Alcohol. Can’t detect too much Beer influences here. The Nose is quite different when compared to Scottish Whisky or American Bourbon. I smelled the empty glass again the next morning and the Malt/Beer tones were stronger.

Taste: Underberg, Sweet Grain, Wood and mild Spices (White Pepper).

Finish: Sour-Sweet with some Cinnamon and Wood.

I added a bit of water and Toasted Grain starts to dominate the Nose. On the Palate everything just waters down but the Finish gets too Sugary with hints of Anise, Plastic and Licorice. I advise to enjoy this dram neat.

Rating: 76.5 

Nose: 20 – Taste: 19 – Finish: 18 – Overall: 19.5

Part of the Brewery Complex.

General Remarks: The Brewery in Appenzell (Switzerland) produces beer since around 1830 and was purchased by the Locher Family in 1886. Today they produce a wide range of beers, with or without Alcohol. In 1999 the Brewery started distilling whisky that was presented to the market for the first time in 2002. It uses water from the Alpstein Mountains. This specific expression is matured in very old used Oak Beer Casks. There are 4 expressions all together,named after Alpstein Mountain formations. They are Santis, Sigel, Dreifaltigkeit and Marwees. 

One of the fine beers of the Locher Brewery.

Drinking Experience Straight: Good

Conclusion: When you are used to drink Scottish whisky or American Bourbon you will need to get used to this Swiss whisky. On the Nose it has strong liquor tones while the Palate and Finish are slightly comparable to triple distilled Irish whiskey. I found the Nose very interesting while Palate and Finish can be further improved. This is a very young Distillery and I’m really looking forward to taste further expressions.

Jan van den Ende                                                                  July 2012