Origin: Bretagne (France)
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Celtic Whisky Distillerie S.A.S.
Average price: € 90.00
Official website: www.celtic-whisky-distillerie.fr
The wind: the theme of this whisky is precisely the “Kornog,” the Breton name given to the west wind.
But beyond this, there is much more: unspoiled beaches, cliffs, and that feeling of being in a damp wilderness populated only by fishermen and those who live peacefully in this part of the world called Brittany, more precisely “Pleubian,” where the distillery I visited last September is located.
Celtic Whisky Distillery was founded in 1997 by Martine and Jean Donnay, who chose to establish their distillery in the heart of the Trégor region, on the northern coast of Brittany, which enjoys an ideal climate for whisky aging.
This oceanic climate, combined with know-how and respect for the purest Celtic tradition, has allowed the French distillery in Côtes-d’Armor to achieve numerous successes.
Since 1999, the distillery has been housed in an ancient farmhouse dating back to 1668. The building is located at the tip of the “Sauvage” peninsula, in the municipality of Pleubian, overlooking the sea. This ideal setting, steeped in Celtic and Breton traditions, has profoundly influenced and inspired the creators of Celtic Whisky Distillerie. The distillery features a number of specific characteristics that ensure the production of whisky in the purest artisanal tradition: open flame heating, slow distillation, and the use of traditional equipment, such as two small stills and wooden fermenters. Furthermore, the maturation of the whisky by the sea promotes early balance and complexity.
True pioneers of French whisky, Celtic Whisky Distilleries is one of the most awarded distilleries in France. All editions of Kornog and Glann Ar Mor are featured in the famous Whisky Bible. This guide crowned Kornog “European Whisky of the Year” in 2016.
After tasting various expressions of their whisky at the distillery and also some special gems, I would like to start with that peaty variety called Kornog.
The packaging comes in a black cylindrical tube adorned with gold details. The label features the image of a lighthouse, which I believe is spot on and reflects its coastal identity. The shape and closure of the bottle reflect the craftsmanship of the whisky, and if you look through the bottle behind the back label, you can glimpse the map of France indicating the location of the distillery.
I thank the Celtic Whisky distillery for the kind bottle, enhanced by the signature of the director.
Tasting Notes
Color: gold
On the nose, it immediately releases aromas of citrus such as lemon and orange, then transitions to sweet notes like vanilla and a light pastry cream that contrast with the peaty smoke that is blended with the others. Fresh, mineral, and with balanced aromas, it feels as if you are in those unspoiled places.
On the palate, the peat is very prominent along with a hint of persistent seaweed, followed by fruity aromas like apple and orange, and shifting to spices such as ginger, black pepper, and vanilla. The texture is oily and reminded me of some Islay whiskies.
The finish is long, smoky with persistent notes of spices, seaweed, and a slight sweetness of vanilla.
Review: I think it’s truly a good whisky, excellent to enjoy both with sweet and savory dishes, or preferably with some fish.
Vote: 85/100