2019 Glann ar Mor Kornog Sauternes Cask Single Malt French Whisky (700ml)

While Jim Murray wasn't enthusiastic about Kornog's Sauternes cask release, others have been besotted by the Breton distillery’s unusual expression. Matured full-term in x sweet white wine casks from Bordeaux, we have a small once-off allocation now on offer.

Tasting note: This dense and oily Kornog has a combination of coastal notes mingling with earthy peat smoke. Input from the Sauternes cask remains discreet: Hints of flamed orange peel, lucerne and raisin cake round out the finish, while date-like sweetness enters late through the medium-long, sooty aftertaste. Rustic. Earth and sweet peat dominate. 46% Alc./Vol.

Martine and Jean Donnay established the "Celtic Whisky Compagnie" in 1997 and began distilling in 1999 with Glann ar Mor's first bottling of unpeated single malt hitting the market in late 2008. By November 2009, a peated malt was released (30-35 ppm) under the Kornog label. The distillery is located on a seafront, hence the name, which translates "At the edge of the sea". The packaging further emphasises the locale, featuring a graphic of the Héaux de Bréhat lighthouse. This is a very traditional operation that employs small stills, 100% live flame for both the spirit still and the wash still / slow distillation, wooden washbacks and seaside maturation. Given the set up, style wise, some commentators have compared Glann ar Mor's whiskies with the likes of Springbank.