Romanian Gold – Exploring the Allure of Carpathian Single Malt

30 November 2024 Luxfanzine

When you think of Romania, images of misty Transylvanian castles, enchanting forests, the magnificent salt mine in Turda, and Dracula might dance in your mind, with hearty plates of sarmale or mici, and the delicious natural raw honey that seems to be on sale along every major road. It’s a land steeped in rich tradition, vibrant culture, and a deep connection to its roots. But whisky? That’s a surprising twist. Whisky will definitely not make the list. Yet, in the sub-Carpathian hills, Romania’s first and only single malt whisky is rewriting the narrative.

Carpathian Single Malt Whisky is not just a drink; it’s a celebration of the region’s natural bounty, history, and innovative spirit. Distilled, matured, and bottled at the Alexandrion Saber 1789 Distillery, this whisky captures the essence of Romanian craftsmanship. With its 100% Romanian malted barley, pristine sub-Carpathian water, and innovative cask finishes, it is quickly becoming a name to reckon with on the global whisky stage.

Where Nature Meets Whisky

Every drop of Carpathian Single Malt begins as rainwater in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, a region home to Europe’s largest wildlife population and some of its most breathtaking landscapes. The sub-Carpathian climate plays a unique role in the whisky’s maturation process. With temperatures roughly five degrees Celsius higher than Scotland, the whisky develops a richer, faster-aging profile while retaining the complexity of a slow, thoughtful craft.

The Alexandrion Group, Romania’s largest spirits producer, takes great care in sourcing casks from prestigious producers around the World such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Greece, Cyprus as well as Romanian casks from our own winery Domenille Alexandrion Rhein 1892. These casks are pivotal in shaping the final character of their whiskies. The distillery’s philosophy, rooted in innovation and respect for tradition, mirrors the dramatic landscapes and untamed spirit of its surroundings.

The Man Behind the Malt

Allan Anderson, the master distiller at Carpathian Single Malt, brings over three decades of expertise in Scotch and Irish whisky production. Having honed his craft at prestigious distilleries such as Loch Lomond and Whyte & Mackay, Anderson has a talent for merging traditional techniques with bold innovation. His move to Romania was driven by a fascination with the purity of the sub-Carpathian water and the potential of the region’s climate and natural resources.

Anderson’s expertise is evident not only in the whisky’s craftsmanship but also in the accolades it has garnered. In 2024, the Carpathian Vradiano Cask Finish scored an impressive 98 points and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Other expressions have followed suit, earning recognition for their originality and quality, setting Carpathian Single Malt apart in the competitive whisky world.

Stellar Recognition

With over 70 accolades, Carpathian Single Malt Whisky has rapidly earned a reputation as a rising star in the global whisky scene, with a trophy cabinet that reflects its commitment to excellence. From prestigious international competitions to industry benchmarks, the range has consistently impressed experts and connoisseurs alike. Highlights of just some of the prestigious awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition, USA:
The Vradiano Cask Finish stole the spotlight in 2024 with a Double Gold Medal, scoring an extraordinary 98 points. Additional Silver Medals were awarded to the Fetească Neagră and Peated Cask Strength expressions, solidifying the distillery’s global reputation.
The Global Luxury Masters, UK:
Over two years, Carpathian’s whiskies have garnered multiple accolades, including a 2023 Master Medal for the Peated Cask Strength and numerous Gold Medals for standout expressions like Fetească Neagră, Ruby Port, and Amarone Cask Finishes.
World Whiskies Awards, UK:
In 2024, the Vradiano Cask Finish was crowned both Country and Category Winner, reaffirming Carpathian’s expertise in crafting innovative single malts.
London Spirits Competition, UK:
With consistent recognition across the range, Carpathian received Gold for the Madeira Cask Finish in 2024 and Silver Medals for several other expressions, including Cognac, Fetească Neagră, and Burgundy.
Beverage Tasting Institute, USA:
Multiple expressions achieved scores above 90, with the Fetească Neagră and Amarone Cask Finishes each securing 93 points, a testament to their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
International Spirits Challenge, UK:
The Peated Cask Strength and Vradiano Cask Finish stood out with Gold Medals in 2024, showcasing the brand’s ability to excel across various flavour profiles.

These awards represent more than just recognition; they are milestones on a journey to redefine Romania’s place in the global whisky industry. With its consistent performance at prestigious events, Carpathian has proven it’s not just a local novelty but a serious contender.

The Heritage and Vision

Romania’s winemaking history dates back millennia, with influences from Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires. This rich tradition informs the whisky’s innovative use of wine casks, infusing each expression with unique tones that reflect both local and international heritage. The use of indigenous Romanian grapes like Fetească Neagră in their cask finishes highlights the synergy between Romania’s wine legacy and the distillery’s modern vision.

The distillery, located near the Carpathian foothills, is a hub of Romanian craftsmanship. Built with sustainability and efficiency in mind, it represents a perfect blend of old-world charm and state-of-the-art technology. The distillery’s commitment to creating a unique identity for Romanian whisky is evident in its meticulous attention to detail, from selecting the finest barley to choosing premium casks for maturation.

An Exploration of Character

Carpathian Single Malt offers a diverse range of whiskies, each telling its own story. Their expressions are crafted with distinct cask finishes, marrying the richness of wine traditions with the complexity of single malt whisky. Here’s a snapshot of what they offer:

Fetească Neagră: Spicy and rich, featuring Romania’s signature red grape.
Pinot Noir: Fruity and elegant, with earthy undertones.
Madeira: A touch of dried fruit and warm spice.
Chianti: Floral and bright, with hints of red berries.
Oloroso: Nutty and full-bodied, with dried fruit highlights.
Pedro Ximénez: Decadently sweet, with raisin and fig notes.
Tawny Port: Silky red fruit flavours with a touch of oak.
Ruby Port: Vibrant and youthful, with zestful energy.
Burgundy: Dark fruit meets a sophisticated aromatic finish.
Cognac: Velvety with tropical fruits and vanilla.
Amarone: Bold and intense, showcasing dark cherry notes.
Vradiano: Fruity and rich, with a warm spice balance.
Commandaria: Mediterranean richness with a sweet finish.

Each whisky offers a unique journey through flavour and craft, ensuring there’s something distinctly different for every palate.

Spotlight on Three Icons

Carpathian Cognac Single Malt Whisky

This whisky represents the perfect marriage of bourbon and Cognac influences. Starting its journey in first-fill American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, it is finished in 285L French Cognac casks, resulting in a dram that is full-bodied and golden.

Appearance: Golden, clean, and clear.
Nose: A tropical medley of apple, banana, and pineapple.
Taste: Sweet vanilla and honey, balanced with oak.
Finish: Sweet, lingering, and complex.

The Cognac influence lends it a velvety texture and tropical undertones, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy layered, refined whiskies.

Carpathian Vradiano Single Malt Whisky

Part of the Greek and Cypriot wine cask collection, this expression celebrates the marriage of bourbon maturation and Vradiano wine cask finishing. The interplay of vanilla and spice creates a balanced yet intriguing profile.

Appearance: A striking copper hue.
Nose: Medium intensity, with notes of white pepper, oak, and vanilla.
Taste: Sweet with a hint of salt, rich and harmonious.
Finish: Long and complex, with an elegant warmth.

This whisky exemplifies how diverse wine traditions can elevate the single malt experience.

Carpathian Fetească Neagră Cask Finish

A celebration of Romanian heritage, this whisky pairs the boldness of Fetească Neagră wine with the soft maltiness of bourbon-aged whisky. The European oak cask imparts additional depth and complexity.

Appearance: Amber, crystal clear.
Aroma: Black pepper, cloves, and sweet candies.
Taste: Medium body with notes of vanilla, raisins, bananas, and pineapple.
Finish: Sweet, rich, and endlessly complex.

This expression is a true tribute to Romania’s winemaking legacy, offering a unique and unforgettable whisky experience.

Romania’s Spirit

Carpathian Single Malt is more than a whisky; it’s a cultural ambassador. Each dram encapsulates the purity of sub-Carpathian nature, the influence of Romanian wine traditions, and the expertise of Allan Anderson. The distillery’s innovative approach ensures that every bottle offers an authentic taste of Romania’s landscapes, traditions, and hospitality.

We invite you to explore its rich, diverse range and experience the untamed spirit of the Carpathian Mountains.

Further information: https://carpathian-singlemalt.com/

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