Ayrer’s | Whisky Lady

Near Nürnberg’s castle is a lovely brewery – Hausbrauerei Altstadhof. The central court is a delightful beer garden that features their signature red beer. Their special seasonal beers are well worth making the effort to try! It is also home to a small whisky distillery – quietly producing a range of expressions under the name Ayrer’s since 1984.

On one of my many walks to the Berg, I picked up a cask strength miniature of their PX cask from their store. A few years later, our Nürnberg Whisky Explorers quite enjoyed the Ayrer’s Alligator expression during a 2023 tasting. I kept meaning to return to the store to pick up a set of their miniatures, yet somehow simply didn’t.

When I unpacked the PX miniature in Mumbai, I was flooded with nostalgia – memories of good times in Nürnberg. And decided the perfect way to commemorate would be with a favourite tasting companion – following a pair of Indian whiskies from Paul John – thus bringing together my two homes.

Ayrer’s PX Sherry Cask 56.2% ~Eur 9 mini / Eur 79 bottle

Nose – Big, bold, and beautiful! There were loads of dried fruits, candied nuts, and a dusting of candy floss
Palate – Wow! Sweet cloves, so smooth, perfumed, nuanced, complex, and balanced
Finish – Sweet rose, surprisingly subtle, lingering

All the different elements came together wonderfully! What was so surprising is how it initially came on so strong, then mellowed, revealing a depth of character – even an elegance – that was unexpected. We loved it!

Curious to learn more? Here is what they have to say (roughly translated from German):

This specialty whisky was made from our organic red malt, triple distilled, and aged for over three years in new American white oak casks. For final refinement and maturation, it was transferred to ex-PX sherry quarter casks. This sweet sherry, made from the Pedro Ximenez (PX) grape, is extracted during the intensive finishing process in these small casks, giving AYRER’s PX its unique aroma and rich colour.

AYRER´s PX – Sherry Cask

Curious to explore more from Germany or other countries in Europe? I have a whole section dedicated to European whiskies from Austria to Switzerland!

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Sometimes you skip what is sitting in your own backyard. Monuments missed, landmarks overlooked, vistas unseen… Having lived in Nurnberg for over four years, much of what tourists do remains undone. And that includes a whisky tour of Altstadthof Brewery and Distillery where our local small-batch whisky Ayrer’s is produced. I have certainly had the beer from there. And more than one wine-tasting event. Even a tour of the underground tunnels. But unbelievably have yet to make it for one of their whisky tours or samplings, despite being a mere 15-minute walk from my home. For shame!

So when we decided to close the year with an exploration of continental European whiskies, it seemed the perfect opportunity to check out what is practically in our backyard! A fellow member steered towards their cask strength expression – specifically with an Alligator char. Alli-what you may ask?

First off is understanding why it is important to char the oak barrel. The concept is simple – charring opens up the wood – making it easier for the spirit to extract flavours. There are different char levels with alligator being one of the highest, so-called as the wood takes on the texture of alligator hide.

So enough theory, what about practice?

Ayrer’s Alligator (2017 / 2022) 57.7%

Colour – Dark copper, edging on amber
Nose – Young, fresh and sweet, honey, tobacco, cotton candy
Palate – Began a bit fruity with pear, then shifted into toast with butter, something that is almost akin to peat without actually being peaty
Finish – Satisfying
Water – Makes it even more accessible

We were overall quite pleased with this one! After the unique Fary Lochan, we feared the Ayrer’s might pale by comparison, whereas it held its own. We thought it might be a bit bold or harsh, instead, it was smooth and easy to enjoy. A happy surprise!

With this experience, I am reminded that it is past time to check out this wee distillery, sooner rather than later once back in Deutschland in the New Year.