Origin: Bretagne (France)
Type: Single Malt Breton Whisky
Strength: 58.7%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Cognac
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Distillerie Warenghem
Average price: € 80.00
Official website: armorik.bzh
Vote: 87/100
After the fifteen year old a few days ago. here’s another limited edition from the Breton distillery offering its peated whisky in a single cask and cask strength version, a real treat for lovers of the genre.
Distilled in October 2016 and matured for over five years in an ex-Pineau des Charentes cask from Rémi Landier, it was bottled in June 2022 and released in 666 bottles on 20 September of the same year at a more than reasonable price.
Maturation in ex-Cognac casks is a novelty for this smoky version from Distillerie Warenghem, which normally ages in ex-Bourbon casks: we will see how it holds up to the influence (and the strength).
Thanks to the distillery for the kind sample.
Tasting notes
On the nose, peat expresses itself with a woody character, pine needles and resin intermingle with nutmeg, almonds, star anise, apple pie and a faint but definite medicinal note. The smoke is a distant impression, barely hinted at, which strengthens over time along with the balsamic part, leaving the field to nuts, ripe cherries and Catalan cream. A gentle and elegant peat, thanks also to the total (and astonishing) absence of alcohol.
The mouth opens with spices, pepper, ginger and cardamom join the aniseed in a full and substantial body, where the balsamic and medicinal attitudes return, resting on fruit (apple, pear, currant) and an evocation of malt and sultanas in spirit. The smoke is again defiled, a delicate background brushstroke that becomes present especially at length, on the lips, together with an unexpected salty note. The tones play between sweet and bitter, without being unbalanced in one sense or the other, and with the alcohol strength giving depth.
Long finish with saline and balsamic veins, with notes of ash, nuts, apple, nutmeg.
A single cask that confirms the solidity of a whisky that doesn’t overwhelm or turns the tables, but carries on a tradition of skilful balance between distillate and maturation, with an elegance and refinement that may elude the inattentive drinker but which provide a full and satisfying experience.