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Carpathian Single Malt Feteasca Neagra Cask Finish Review

Can a Romanian red-wine cask transform single malt? Carpathian’s Feteasca Neagra finish delivers ripe grapes, berries, vanilla and warming oak.

OVERALL RATING

9
$63
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Romanian single malt brand Carpathian has been crafting whisky at the Alexandrion Saber 1789 Distillery, situated near the Carpathian Mountains, since 2017. Carpathian’s Master Distiller, Allan Anderson, has more than 30 years’ experience in Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey distillation.
The Carpathian Feteasca Neagra Cask Finish expression is crafted from malted Romanian barley and sub-Carpathian Mountain water. Initially matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, the expression was finished in casks that previously held wine from the Romanian grape variety, Feteasca Neagra (Black Maiden), from Alexandrion’s own wine cellar. The release is part of Carpathian’s Romanian Wine Cask Collection. Bottled at natural colour and non-chill filtered at 46% ABV.
Appearance:
Bright Copper
Nose:
A vinous nose opens with bright aromas of ripe grapes leading into orchard fruits, balanced by black pepper and clove. There’s a touch of candied citrus.
Palate:
Medium-bodied with a mouthcoating vinous profile, opening with ripe grapes, red berries, raisins and a touch of plum. Tropical fruits follow, including banana, grilled pineapple and grapefruit. There are also notes of creamy vanilla and oak tannins.
Finish:
A long finish, sweet fruits including juicy grapes, berries, and plums accompanied by vanilla linger, becoming slightly drying as fruits shift into pepper and oak.
Comments:
Carpathian’s Feteasca Neagra Cask Finish whisky offers a rich, fruity experience; those ripe grapes alongside orchard and dried fruits really take centre stage, complemented by a pleasant, warming finish with lingering oak. Romania has over 2000 years of wine production history, with Feteasca Neagra regarded as one of Romania’s best red wines. The influence from the Feteasca Neagra casks is intriguing, imparting ripe fruits; this feels like the best introductory experience to Romanian whisky, finished using Alexandrion Saber’s own wine casks. A distinctive international single malt, with an accessible price point.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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