Alfred GIRAUD Heritage French Malt Whisky

A distiller broke with five generations of family tradition in the cognac business to move into the Scotch industry before establishing his own company in 2012 to combine and distill French single malt. The company's current main offerings consist of two blends of whiskies obtained from French distilleries like Rozelieures and Warenghem, and aged in casks previously used for very old cognac. The limited availability of such casks means its production is very restricted and its distribution outside France has largely been confined to New York up to now. That scarcity, and a marketing approach positioning it as a high-end product, means its least expensive item, Heritage, costs $150, a bold price for an unknown company from a country that has yet to make a significant mark on the global whisky scene. It's true that its whiskies come in beautiful display-worthy cut-glass bottles, but ultimately, the liquid inside is what matters (which, under current pandemic drinking regulations, is no later than 5 pm in my opinion). I am pleased to say that if you are content spending that much on a 12-year-old Japanese blend, you will be very satisfied with Heritage. It's a blend of three unpeated whiskies primarily aged in cognac casks, but also includes some French limousin and American oak barrels. A final blending in cognac casks brings it all together. The aroma is reminiscent of butter melting on croissants. On the palate, it's rich with flavors of creamy butter and bread, a subtle grassy note, mild spice, and a touch of sweetness in the finish. While that might sound rather ordinary, the intensity of the flavors and the balance are perfect. It possesses the elegance often found in Japanese whiskies, which was precisely the profile the distiller aimed for. It's hard to imagine how a whisky of this type could be improved – it's simply pure, uncomplicated enjoyment. I also enjoyed its peated counterpart, Harmony, although I would rank it slightly lower. With the company now producing its own whisky for its blends, this brand is one to keep an eye on.

It's elegant and refined yet robust and complex. It resembles a Japanese whisky. The Giraud family, who were cellar and wood experts for Remy Martin, applied all their blending expertise to this exceptional bottle. It's challenging to find and well worth the price.

The aromas of grapes, raspberry, rose water, pine, and vanilla, along with oak and mint scents. A smooth mouthfeel. Light-bodied. The sweetness is subtle yet rich with fruity characteristics.

Quite pleasing and easy to drink. The Cognac notes are present and contribute to a nice finish.