The familiar saying: “an old head on young shoulders” usually refers to someone who has experience beyond their years.
However, the quote perfectly describes Carpathian Single Malt Whisky – a premium Romanian brand celebrating only its second anniversary, but making waves across the whisky-drinking world, as Ramy James Salameh, Carpathian’s UK PR consultant explains.
Romania’s first ever single malt can be classed as a young single malt whisky, but with an old head, born from the finest traditions of single malt production. It was launched at an event in Washington D.C. in May 2022, but in a very short space of time, it has become a multi-award-winning product that has been attracting a new audience to the single malt category.
On that basis, it could also be said that Carpathian Single Malt Whisky is gently disrupting the single malt whisky world.
The dynamic-duo behind this pioneering and premium product, is the founding chairman of the Alexandrion Group, Dr Nawaf Salameh (who became ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ in 2016) and his Master Distiller and Whisky Director, Allan Anderson.
Between them, Carpathian Single Malt Whisky has become a flagship product of the Alexandrion Group and a reflection of Romania’s natural, cultural and artisanal prowess.
Through this brand, both men are driving new thoughts, perceptions and innovations within the single malt whisky sector. Dr Nawaf Salameh feels that a world-class whisky does not necessarily need to be aged for many years to reflect taste and quality, because this comes from the quality of the casks and grapes it has been married with.
It is the relationship, balance and expertise of the master distiller, plus the modern and safe environments in which the Alexandrion Group has built for it to be produced in, which are pivotal to a great whisky.
Maybe the Alexandrion’s visionary leader, not only has a point, but is being proved correct with his Romanian single malt winning a raft of awards at various high-profile competitions.
The latest accolade to shine a spotlight on Carpathian Single Malt Whisky is the double-gold and 98 points, awarded to the ‘Vradiano’ expression alongside two silver medals for Feteasca Neagra & Peated Cask Strength, which Romania’s first ever single malt whisky took at the ‘San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024’.
To put this in perspective, double gold medal winners are selected by the most trusted blind judging panels in the world. To score 98 points in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is an incredible achievement for a whisky as young as Carpathian Single Malt Whisky. This double gold accolade re-confirms the exceptional quality and unique tasting notes of Vradiano, which was also recently designated both Country and Category winner at the World Whiskies Awards 2024.
Allan Anderson, with over 30 years of experience in whisky production across Scotland, Ireland and Romania, conceived the idea of using Romanian casks to mature Carpathian Single Malt Whisky, especially in the knowledge that the Alexandrion Group also produces fine Romanian wines.
This diverse range of finishes, which continue to be unveiled from the distillery, is a characteristic that makes Carpathian Single Malt Whisky distinguishable from many in the same category and is attracting new audiences to try single malt whisky for the first time, but without alienating the many whisky aficionados whose primary concern is quality.
In addition to the Romanian collection, the range also includes casks finishes of wine and spirits under the Spanish and Portuguese Collection, Spirit Collection (Cognac, Rhum), French Collection, Greek and Cypriot Collection, Italian Collection, as well as the Peated Collection.
The Alexandrion Group, has used several decades of experience as a drinks manufacturer, to understand the key trends which are shaping consumer behaviour towards premium products. This includes inspiring narratives, authenticity and origins of production ingredients and processes, artisanal and bespoke expertise, all entwined within the over-arching framework and characteristics of Romania’s natural and cultural heritage.
Not only has Carpathian Single Malt Whisky become an international envoy of these characteristics, it is securing new audiences to the single malt whisky category and this is great for the whole single malt whisky industry.
This reflects the ethos, the philanthropy and ideology of the Alexandrion group and why the founding chairman became ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ in 2016. Carpathian Single Malt Whisky is changing perceptions, changing the sector and changing minds.
The most important aspect is that it is 100% Romanian and something to be very proud about.
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