Bastille 1789 Blended French Whisky (700ml)

Given their long history if distilling, cooperage and fine food and wine it's surprising that the French have taken to whisky so late. Master Distiller Jean-Marc Daucourt spent considerable time in Scotland before establishing his own venture near the Cognac region in south-west France. Sourcing both barley and wheat from the north east of the country, he uses alembic pot stills (normally reserved for making brandy). The whiskies are aged for five to seven years in a combination of French Limousin oak, cherry wood and acacia casks.

Other reviews... Master distiller Jean-Marc Daucourt uses French wheat and malted barley in his distillations and ages his spirit in different woods, noticeably Limousin oak. The nose brings marmalade, newly unfurled bracken, sanded wood on a workshop bench, light pepper, dried apricot, and pineapple. It’s a well-balanced dram showing marmalade sweetness, fruit pastilles, lime zest, and ginger, which adds to the toasted, spicy tingle. The creamy mouthfeel concludes with the spices in retreat, leaving an orange hum. Some kind of wonderful.
88 points
- www.maltadvocate.com (Fall 2014) Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick

Bright amber color. Enticing aromas of honey roasted nuts, toffee, apricot and orange marmalades on wheat toast with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a creamy peach gelato, pepper, and baking spices accented finish. An amazingly flavorful and fruity whisky with great balance and style. 40% Alc./Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 94 points (Exceptional) - www.tastings.com