A blended scotch whisky, with a twist! This week’s review focuses on the curious dram known as “CRAFT Whisky” by the Polish Grupa AWW. It’s a unique creation, being a blend of both Scottish and Polish whisky, attempting to bring out the best in both. But does it succeed?
Bottled at 40% ABV, CRAFT is a limited release from Grupa AWW with a lot of pride behind it. When looking strictly at the merits of the whisky on paper, it doesn’t seem like much to write home about; 3 years aged, aged in American oak casks (likely ex-bourbon) and copper pot distilled. However, although it seems average at a glance, the blend of two cultural styles of whisky is truly the ace in the hole for this bottle, as you’ll soon see!
The smell is quite mellow with only a small alcohol burn, bringing out notes of dark fruit and subtle honey, surprising for something with scotch in its DNA. Initially, the flavour gives off a simple blend of dried fruit and tobacco, much more reminiscent of scotch, but as it evolves into the main body of the spirit it gives off sweeter notes of caramel, vanilla and mild chocolate notes! The finish is quite intense on the alcohol burn, but gentle with the taste, ending with a tingling subtle spice and some subdued peat notes as well.
Diluted this whisky has a very interesting change in character. The subtle peat originally only in the finish becomes more pronounced and is present all over the pallet now, including in the aroma (though it’s not overbearing!). The character is very mild and smooth overall, with the new primary flavours being that of crisp apple and pear, something I highly associate with Polish whisky.
This whisky has some odd characteristics, for better or worse. For example, the only real downside I felt was that it had a surprisingly oily texture, especially in the main body of the palette, which I wasn’t keen on. However, an odd feature I enjoy is its peculiar ability to warm the stomach and chest area after finishing a glass for a good while, which I estimate is around 30 mins or so. Makes sense for a dram aimed at a country with such cold winters!
Personally, I believe this is best drunk with a small amount of pure water, a ratio of somewhere between 2:1 – 1:1 (in favour of the whisky). It helps dilute the oily texture and brings out the more interesting notes of the whisky, I feel.
Overall, is this whisky worth trying? Yeah, absolutely. Would I go out of my way to buy it again? Probably not. It’s more of an interesting experience for someone who truly appreciates their whisky, and although it won’t knock your socks off, it certainly may make you raise an eyebrow, as well as a glass, to this beautifully blended whisky!
This review’s recommended song is: “Bez Ciebie Jesień” – Zdzisława Sośnicka
