Mery Melrose The Old Alliance Classic Single Malt French Whisky (700ml)

A single malt made from organic barley malted and kilned by La Malterie de l'Ouest, then distilled in a Charentais alembic traditionally used for cognac. Five years in oak was followed by a secondary maturation in the estate's own 10-year-old Pineau des Charentes casks. Mouth-filling, textural and beautifully rounded flavours conjure oatmeal biscuits and honey-drizzled bircher muesli, extended by a splash of sweet dried fruits and chocolate (no doubt from the finishing casks). Re-tasted after five minutes' air contact, it leaves the impression of a buxom young cognac. The name references the Auld Alliance, the 1295 treaty between France and Scotland, a nod to the estate's dual French-Scottish heritage. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. 30ml sample.