Tasted #21: Brenne French Single Malt Whisky (Estate Cask) (#101drams)

When I started my #101drams Charitable Challenge, one thing I wanted to focus on was world whiskies. Sure the list has plenty of Scotch whisky, but I wanted a good selection of lesser-known whisky regions too - hence the likes of Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden...and even France.

I came across Brenne (the creation of whisky fanatic, spirits importer/exporter, and blogger - the very generous Allison Patel) on Twitter a few months ago. A French-made whisky aged in new French oak and finished in Cognac casks? Sounded impressive!

Brenne bottle all their whiskies from single casks (my sample was #259), and are NAS as the age varies with each release (though on average, the whisky is 7 years old). Distilled in Cognac, France, and distributed in the US, Brenne was only released in October 2012, and is quickly gaining a reputation throughout the US.

As Brenne isn't yet available in Australia, Allison was kind enough to send me a sample (which due to restrictions on sending alcohol, needed to route via Florida before it could make it to me in Sydney!), including a few tasting notes and a very nice hand-written card (take note, other boutique whisky producers looking to get the word out!).

Brenne French Single Malt Whisky (Estate Cask) (40%, NAS, cask #259, France)
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Nose: Big creamy cheesecake hit. Sweet, but not in a sherried way like a big robust Speysider. Think dessert (really delicious dessert). I've never had a whisky with a nose like this, and I absolutely love it. Just makes you want to dive right in.

Palate: Initially light. In fact it remains light throughout. Flavours of almond cake, vanilla, shortbread, cookies and cream. This is really delicious. 

Finish: Just perfect. Medium length, the dessert notes start to fade and a very soft hint of spice hits at the end (the notes say peppercorn, I get cinnamon and a hint of oak.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 92/100. An absolutely delicious whisky, so easy to drink - a fantastic whisky for someone who's just starting out with whisky (a "gateway" whisky if you will), but equally suitable for seasoned whisky drinkers looking for something unique. A great Summer whisky too (sadly I'll need to wait another 7 months for that...)

Cheers, 
 - Martin.