About This Dram
This whisky is the creation of Jean-Marc Daucourt. He is said to be a master distiller from a family of cognac producers. I’ve read in several places that he worked in a Scottish distillery, but I can’t seem to find any information on which one! His biggest success has been with Jean-Marc XO Vodka, which by the sounds of it is one of the most laborious and meticulously crafted vodkas ever made. Bastille is his line of whiskies, comprising of a blend and a single malt.
This single malt is made with 100% French grown barley from the North East and matured in Limousin casks which are some of the upper echelons of casks generally reserved for cognacs. The blend of casks chosen to create this well-designed malt come from a variety of very french sources, including ex sauternes and ex Burgundy wine casks. A truly French take on a Scottish style.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, we found dried apricots and other fruits accompanied by candied pecans and waxy chocolate. Like walking into a French Bulk Barn – thanks to Google Translate for helping with the name, which is a literal translation of Bulk Barn. There was also the aroma of freshly snapped twigs, straight from the tree. Also a bit of tetra pack apple juice.
The palate brought forward black tea, and malt vinegar. There was a smidgen of cedar chip smoke and black pepper. The finish bared an odd resemblance to a diet soda – a little aspartame-esque.
