The Heart Cut bottles German whisky

Independent bottler The Heart Cut has turned to Stork Club Distillery in Germany for its 13th whisky release.

Founded in 2023 by Georgie Bell and her husband, Fabrizio Leoni, the bottler’s latest partnership is with Stork Club Distillery, located to the south of Berlin, in Brandenburg. The region is one of the largest rye-growing areas in Europe and is said to produce every third grain of rye in Germany. Bell and Leoni say they are long-time fans of the distillery and chose a single cask malted rye whiskey that was matured in a German napoleon oak cask. Its a partnership that's been a long time coming, as Bell explained: “We’ve been talking with Bastian [Sebastian Brack, co-founder] at Stork Club – Germany’s first rye whisky distillery – for years (literally), exploring casks and sampling different options. “Then one day, he sent us this cask. A malt rye whiskey, made up of light malt, caramel malt and chocolate malt, matured in a German napoleon oak cask – something I'd never come across before. We immediately knew it was the one. I'm really excited by the rise of European rye, and this is our third cask showcasing this new style of rye whisky, fully reflective of its landscape.” Named #13 Stork Club, the whisky is limited to 408 bottles, and Bell and Leoni recommend it for fans of European and American rye whiskey, and chocolate and berry lovers alike. Its profile is described as ‘Black Forest gâteau in a glass’ with flavours of chocolate and cherry-layered cream cake alongside cocoa nibs, candied ginger and vanilla cream. It sits at 55% ABV and is available from The Heart Cut's website and select retailers, including Master of Malt, as well as at whisky bars across London, such as Dram. Heart Cut’s previous bottling – its 12th whisky – was a Scotch from Nc’nean. The brand aims to provide a ‘fresh take’ on the independent bottling scene and looks all over the globe when choosing its whiskies.