Sasse Atlantik Finish 200ml. Grain brandy from rye and peated malt in a small bottle, triple cask with citrus and peat smoke, 40% ABV.
Sasse Atlantik Finish 200ml is the peated grain brandy from the Sasse fine distillery in Schöppingen, now in a convenient size. Rye and barley malt kilned over Scottish peat mature for over six years in ex-cognac, American oak, and sherry casks – 40% ABV, 200 ml. Not a Scotch, not a peat monster – a grain brandy with citrus, smoke, and salty sea air to get to know.
Atlantik Finish in 200 ml from Sasse answers a question many whisky fans ask themselves: Can grain brandy be smoky? The answer lies in the grain itself. In addition to rye, Sasse uses barley malt that has been dried over a peat fire. During kilning, the smoke embeds itself into the germinated grain and later carries over into the distillate. Three types of casks—a "triple cask" maturation—do the rest. According to the producer, a splash of salty Atlantic water is also involved, playing a decisive role in the maturation. This small bottle is your sample pour before committing to a full bottle of peat. And it makes for a great gift for anyone who loves whisky and has previously underestimated grain brandy.
First citrus, then gentle smoke, ending with a long trail of peat
The peat lingers longest: the finish reveals notes of grain and a long, balanced trail of smoke. The path there begins surprisingly fresh. On the nose, you first find notes of citrus, followed by smoky-sweet peat and fruity, sweet aromas. On the palate, apple, banana, and white chocolate follow, along with berries and more citrus. Sasse speaks of "Andalusian temperament" from the sherry casks and a flair of salty sea air. The smoke lies over the fruit like a veil. Those expecting a massive smoke bomb will instead find an elegant, multi-layered spirit here.
Neat at room temperature, with fish, game, or for comparison
Sasse recommends drinking Atlantik Finish neat at 17 to 21 °C in a nosing glass. The narrow opening concentrates the citrus and smoke, allowing you to perceive the layers one after the other. According to the producer, it pairs very well with fish and game dishes, such as oven-baked trout or roast wild boar. It also serves as an excellent digestif after a meal. This small bottle becomes exciting when used for a side-by-side tasting. Place it next to the Lagerkorn V.S.O.P. in 200 ml, and you will taste exactly what the peated malt and sherry cask contribute. The grain brandy has 40% ABV; sale only to persons aged 18 and over.
Stored upright, cool, dark, and well-sealed, the producer states the brandy will retain its aroma for many months after opening.
Our tip: Take the small bottle along to the next fish dinner with friends. At 2 cl per glass, it is enough for a tasting round with several guests after the main course.
Three stills, three cask types, and Atlantic sea water
The Atlantik Finish is distilled in Schöppingen, according to the producer, using a total of three stills. The foundation of the maturation is formed by casks that previously held cognac for six years. It then matures in first-fill American oak casks and in casks from Jerez de la Frontera, the Andalusian sherry city. The spirit remains in wood for a total of six years. Scottish peat, cognac casks, American oak, and Spanish sherry casks thus meet a grain distillery in the Münsterland region. The casks are housed in their own warehouse on the Schöppinger Berg, where they experience both summer and winter. The Sasse fine distillery was first mentioned in 1707 and continues to distill by hand to this day. Their goal: to restore grain brandy's reputation as a high-quality spirit.
For those curious about peat, whisky fans, and tasting for two
The 200-ml bottle is for everyone who likes smoky spirits and wants to rediscover grain brandy. For two people, it is enough for several quiet tasting evenings with small glasses. As a gift, it suits those who enjoy comparing and talking about what is in their glass. If you have already tried the Lagerkorn and Cigar Special, this bottle will introduce you to the maritime side of the distillery. If the peat convinces you, reach for the Atlantik Finish in 500 ml next time. You can view the distillery's other spirits on our Sasse page. It is not suitable for those who fundamentally avoid smoke in their glass. Even when finely integrated, peat remains peat.
Rye, peated malt, and three types of casks in a small bottle – the Atlantik Finish by Sasse for sampling, comparing, and gifting.
