Kornog Côteaux De Layon 2018

My local retailer encouraged me to explore beyond my usual Islay whiskies for a good peated spirit and recommended this 'Kornog' from 'Glann ar Mor Distillery' in French Brittany. While I've sampled (and bought) several non-Islay peated whiskies before (Ledaig, Talisker, etc.), I was hesitant to spend money on a French whisky, peated or not. He understood my reluctance and offered me a small taste of this one. He advised me to disregard its origin and judge it purely on its taste. He was correct: On the nose, I detected a mild yet pleasant peat smoke mingled with some fruitiness. On the palate, the peat and fruit notes are joined by cinnamon and other spices, and surprisingly, a hint of onion. It's also much sweeter than the nose suggests, but not excessively so. The finish lingers pleasantly, adding notes of fig to the sweet smoke. I was so positively surprised that I bought a bottle, and I don't regret it! This Kornog is aged in ex-'Côteaux Du Layon' barrels, a sweet French white wine. This certainly contributes to the whisky's full, well-rounded, and balanced character. With only 659 bottles released/available, it's a true find for its price.