December 22, 2014 · Team HG
Sunday, December 28 at 12:00 PM is the moment! The first Groningen single malt Whisky oet Grunn will be officially presented in a festive manner at De Toeter. Last November 11, 2014, the time had finally come. The 500 liters of ‘spirit’ that Groningen hospitality entrepreneur/whisky enthusiast Maik van Heerd and Damster whisky connoisseur/entrepreneur Albert Heidema had distilled three years earlier, on November 11, 2011, in collaboration with Distilleerderij Alambik, could now truly be called whisky. Naturally, this exceptional achievement deserves a fitting and fitting tribute.
When Groningen was the Capital of Taste in 2011 with the theme ‘Regional Products’, the gentlemen decided to have a genuine Groninger whisky distilled using products from the region. Distillery Alambik in Midwolda was logically the chosen one to bring this complex, yet at the same time immensely fascinating process to a successful and satisfying conclusion.
A single malt whisky must be made from 100% barley, sourced from a single distillery, and the youngest component must be aged for at least 3 years. Žarko Nesic needed no less than 6,000 liters of beer to manually produce a 500-liter cask of ‘spirit’ in his beautiful little still, also named ‘Alambik’! In total, it took him five months to fill the Highlandpark sherry cask, and the final section was filled on November 11, 2011. So, on November 11, 2014, it was exactly three years later, and Whisky oet Grunn is allowed to bear its honorable and official title. The whisky has been released at a very unique cask strength (around 66%) and has therefore not been reduced to a lower alcohol percentage, as is practically always the case. Consequently, no compromise has been made on the taste.
Following the announcement, the massive media frenzy from across the country kept the gentlemen busy for a few weeks. It was necessary to meticulously determine who had already purchased one or more bottles and wanted to pick them up, or whether these individuals wished to let their extremely durable product settle for longer. Subsequently, a veritable run on the rest of the cask ensued among other enthusiastic whisky lovers, and this soon resulted in a completely sold-out cask of Whisky oet Grunn!
In short, the mission was accomplished resoundingly and beyond all expectations. Maik and Albert are proud and satisfied with this fantastic end result, and they both wish Distilleerderij Alambik the success from this point on. A wonderful poster to build upon regarding Groningen whisky!
Sunday, December 28 will therefore be in The Horn Prior to the ‘Whisky Nosing & Tasting XL 11’, the presentation of Whisky oet Grunn will take place at 12:00. Former Dutch whisky pioneer and ambassador Gerrit Duit from Veendam will receive the first bottle. Subsequently, buyers can come and collect their own bottles. Everyone is cordially invited!
