Armorik Classic Single Malt

I will not use the usual nose/palate/finish division, but this product once again makes me understand how only those countries that have a tradition that goes back in time can ultimately produce a product that can be defined as real whisky or whiskey, regardless of the procedure, and therefore of the name, which can then be more or less the same. The French produce super and excellent wines and spirits, they have not managed (at least with this product) to repeat themselves with whiskys. A mixture of flavors and smells ranging from honey to saline and perhaps to peat (it is not clear), not particularly well blended with each other. While I appreciated the Italian Puni aged in Marsala barrels, perhaps for a bit of a nationalistic spirit, I admit that here I have not even finished the mignon that I had taken out of pure curiosity. Rating 1.0

The aroma brings almonds and licorice, along with distinct notes of cereal and biscuit. Dried apricots, orange peel, and Williams pears offer a fruity character. A subtle peat influence lingers in the background. A splendid introduction, sweet and mineralic, showing the positive impact of the sea air on this Breton spirit. The palate amplifies the peat, presenting a mineral and smoky profile that supports and enriches the whisky's taste, still featuring licorice and dried fruit, orange, chocolate, and cereals. A spicy, peppery note emerges. It feels complex, youthful yet mature enough. The rather extended conclusion has hints of ash, hazelnuts, and cereals, with salt and pepper on the tongue. I must confess, I didn't anticipate much from this whisky, and it truly exceeded my expectations: far from ordinary, rich, enjoyable, and complex. As the initial offering from their range, this Armorik makes one eager to explore the rest of their selections!

I obtained a small bottle of this and it created a negative impression, making me hesitant about French whisky for a time. It's acrid, immature, poorly composed, inexpensive, sharp, with an unpleasant burn... I sampled this during a period when I was more accepting of harsh whiskies with a burn; I can only guess how I would perceive it now... I would pay to experience superior offerings from Armorik, such as Sherry Cask and Double Maturation, but you would need to compensate me handsomely to try this one again.

The aroma presents lemon, a salty sea spray character, herbs, and an essence reminiscent of olives. The taste delivers lemon cream, salted caramel, and a hint of sweet pipe tobacco. Adding water reveals a smoky, almost ash-like, quality while some sweetness fades. Quite enjoyable, and fascinating in its transformation with a bit of water...it's like getting two distinct whiskies for the price of one!

It's somewhat like a typical Islands dram. There's a faint fruit essence, a touch of peat and salt, and a bit of alcohol. It's drinkable and a good topic of discussion, especially if you consider it French.

Subtle smokiness on the aroma, with notes of plum and jammy fruit. Initial smokiness on the taste fades fast, it's smooth, not groundbreaking but flavorful.