Launched in 2012 by Allison Parc, collaborating with a French distiller in Cognac, Brenne French Single Malt Whisky is something quite special indeed. It's made with malted barley grown in Cognac, double distilled, then initially matured in Limousin oak casks before enjoying a finishing period in Cognac casks. Each bottle is drawn from a single cask and is bottled at 40% ABV. Rather cool stuff indeed.
Vanilla flowers arrive on the nose first, paired with pear drops and dried mango.
Brandied cherry and red rope liquorice. More vanilla, a hint of cinnamon spiciness and Nutella.
Chocolate raisins, pineapple and coconut ice.
Given to me as a present which is sad because it is simply awful. Banana, banana and more banana. Unsophisticated, cloying and unpleasant from nose to finish. We are now trying to work out if it might go in a Manhattan or similar, but dont have very high hopes. There is an old saying, "there is an ar## for every seat". Not putting mine in this one again.
The best, so far, in the 2019 advent calendar! Just my opinion, but the MofM tasting notes are ABSOLUTELY spot-on!
An interesting mix of cherries, pineapple, coconut & chocolate raisins.
I love it! It's not a daily drinker by any means but I love the bananas foster ish feel to it. Very different. It took guts to make, I respect that.
I'm not sure what some of these reviews are complaining about?? Maybe there was a bad batch or a bad year. But I've had three bottles of Brenne over the past 3 or 4 years and they've all been delightful! No, it's definitely not a traditional whisky – no real peat or smoke, lots of florals and sweetness on the nose. A tad young, so I could see what some people are saying if they're trying it neat, but it's a beautiful spirit when it opens up. I really enjoy it on the rocks, or in an old fashioned or manhattan. It's really the perfect whisky for people (like my wife) who typically find whisky a little unapproachable or harsh, but also for people like me who aren't stuck in a bog in Scotland 50 years ago. Try something new, open your mind, and you might actually enjoy yourself!
