Nestled in the idyllic landscape of Upper Bavaria, Slyrs Distillery is a pharos of innovation and tradition. The name "Slyrs" originates from Gaelic, a tribute to five monks from Ireland and Scotland who, in 779, founded a monastery in the Bavarian wilderness of Schliersee. Named Slyrs, this monastery lent its name to the region and, centuries later, to a remarkable range of Bavarian single malt whiskies.
A Bet That Sparked a Legacy
The tale of Slyrs Distillery began in 1994 with a simple bet. Florian Stetter, a trained brewer and master distiller, embarked on a study trip to Scotland with his colleagues. Struck by the similarities between Scotland and his homeland— i.e. majestic mountains, pristine waters, and pure air—Florian envisioned creating a single malt whisky in Upper Bavaria.
The stubborn independence of the Scots, their unique dialect, and their national costume, the kilt, reminded him of Bavarian lederhosen. Inspired by visits to world-renowned distilleries in Speyside, Florian bet his colleagues a crate of wheat beer that he could craft a first-class whisky in Upper Bavaria. Needless to say, he did not loose the bet, and thus began the story of Slyrs Distillery.
Essentially, every drop of Slyrs whisky is a tribute to the spirit of Upper Bavaria. The passionate distillers at Slyrs combine instinct, love for the craft, and a spirit of experimentation to produce high-quality Bavarian single malt whiskies and whisky liqueurs. These unique creations have earned acclaim from connoisseurs worldwide, with each bottle representing a piece of Bavaria's natural beauty and rich heritage.
Slyrs Bavarian Rye Whisky
The journey of Slyrs' Bavarian Rye began with master distiller Hans Kemenater and co-founder Anton Stetter embarking on an odyssey to the origins of rye whisky in the Northeast of the USA.
Their mission was to absorb the essence of traditional American rye whisky and infuse it with Bavarian soul. Under the meticulous guidance of brewmaster Philip Zollner, the SLYRS team crafted a whisky that showcases the "Bavarian Urkorn" rye.
This grain imparts a sweetish malt profile, perfectly complemented by the subtle bouquets of barley and wheat. The result is a distinctive three-grain mash that sets the SLYRS Bavarian Rye apart from its Single Malt counterpart.
The whisky glows with a light golden yellow hue, reminiscent of a Bavarian sunset, inviting you into a sensory journey.
A fragrant bouquet greets you with very fruity and ripe aromas, complemented by a delicate hint of cinnamon. It's not unllike walking through an orchard in full bloom, with a subtle spice lingering in the air.
The first sip is a revelation—pleasantly mild yet intriguingly complex. The whisky offers a well-integrated, sweetish-spicy note with a slight tartness of liquorice, cinnamon, and allspice. Each flavor unfolds gracefully, dancing on your palate with a balanced elegance.
The finish is long and subtly dry, with a slightly peppery touch. The balanced mouthfeel leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to savour each moment of this refined whisky.
Slyrs' Bavarian Peat
Crafted from regional raw materials and gently distilled, Slyrs' take on peat embodies the essence of the Bavarian Alps. The barley, malted and kilned over a peat fire, combined with pure mountain spring water, results in a robust and peaty whisky that stands out in the Slyrs collection.
The Bavarian Peat expression presents an intense amber hue, reminiscent of a golden sunset over the Bavarian landscape, inviting you to delve into its rich depths.
What tickles the nostrils is the scent of damp soil and moss, evoking a walk through a misty forest. Spicy roasted aromas, with slight sweetness, are intertwined with notes of dried pepper and cardamom, creating a complex and inviting bouquet.
The first sip is a captivating experience. A peaty, earthy smoky note is front and center, followed by layers of tobacco, sweet dried fruit, pear, and dark chocolate. Each flavour nuance unfolds elegantly, offering a harmonious blend that dances on your palate.
The finish is long-lasting, leaving fine notes of vanilla, lemon, and salty caramel. The aftertaste lingers, inviting one to savour each facet that adds to the complexity of this exceptional dram.
Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious yet to be unducted newcomer, the liquid gold of Schliersee offers a an intriguring and diverse range of Bavarian whiskies that are sure to captivate your palate and enrich your whisky journey.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Slyrs.