The Eastmoor Signature Malt from Kalkwijck Distillers signifies a new chapter for this Dutch farm distillery. After releasing small batch editions for the first 15 years of their existence, this is Kalkwijck’s very first core range expression.
Kalkwijck is my local distillery, situated about 25 minutes from my home. At first, I followed them from a distance. Then I interviewed owners Lisanne Benus and Christian Broekhuizen (a wife and husband team) seven or eight years ago. In the years since I’ve slowly gotten to know them, their approach and their products better.
It means I’m not entirely unbiased when it comes to Eastmoor, which I think is important context. However, I naturally gravitate towards distilleries growing their own grain. It adds another dimension to the whisky drinking experience, knowing they have cared for their crops from field to bottle. The small, rural Kalkwijck distillery would’ve caught my eye regardless of its nearby location.
Much like other craft distilleries, Kalkwijck initially only periodically released whisky. I’ve reviewed several of their single malts on here, as well as a few other releases. Now they’ve arrived at a point where they have sufficient stock for their first standard expression, the Eastmoor Signature Malt. That’s big and hugely exciting.
The Eastmoor Signature Malt is largely made from their old style spirit, meaning it was distilled on the grain. That’s not something they currently still do – Kalkwijck’s new mash tun allow them to filter the wort. While it has altered the new make spirit I believe it has been a positive step. Over time we’ll see the Eastmoor Signature Malt incorporate more of the new style spirit. For now though, this is classic Eastmoor.
Eastmoor Signature Malt (43%, Kalkwijck Distillers, 2025)
Nose: The malty, farmy Eastmoor signature is undeniable. Hints of husks, straw and porridge, although there are some subtle fruits hiding in the background, mainly lemons, but just a tinge of peach too. There’s a sliver of moss, some raisins and whiffs of cocoa.
Taste: A silky mouthfeel with a pinch of white pepper, some plums and a malty sweetness. Hints of toffee too, some light notes of crème caramel and liquorice. There’s a fair bit of oak and finally a touch of raisins.
Finish: Medium length. Pralines, some rye spice and caramel, as well as a hint of ripe apple.
Sample and images provided by Kalkwijck Distillers
