Armorik Dervenn

Armorik Dervenn, 4 YO, 46 %

This is a whisky from the French distillery Warenghem. The Armorik Dervenn was distilled in January 2012 and bottled in April 2016. This is a limited release of 2000 bottles. It has been matured in a mix of ex-bourbon casks and fresh casks made from locally sourced oak from Brittany (Chêne de Bretagne ). Dervenn is also the Britton word for oak.

You can buy the Armorik Dervenn in Norway at NOK 895 (6080901), and in Sweden at SEK 698 (82551).

Nose: Surprisingly soft and delicate for such a young whisky matured in fresh oak casks. Vanilla and light fruit notes stand out at first. There is some oakiness here, but it is tempered, warm and slightly earthy. Hints of tropical fruits.

Taste: Soft and with medium body. Medium sweet. Fruity and slightly spicy. The vanilla arrives in the second wave. The oakiness is perhaps more present here than on the nose, hence the spices.

Finish: Medium long finish. Ginger, white pepper, more vanilla and more oakiness. Now also hints of nuts. There is an element of bitterness to it at this final stage.

Comments: Another very fine, young whisky from Warenghem. They certainly know what they are doing at this distillery.

Score (84/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas