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.
Best new drink I've found in a while. Not to sweet or spicy, and a nice aroma that sticks around.
Very limited, stereotypical nose & palate. Not even a parody of Frenchness really, so much as 50’s Americana. Makes me wonder how much input Marketing had into this... Not especially rough but then it is 40%. If only this specialised in Vanilla and Roses, maybe some Calvados, it could have been something original, something special. A missed opportunity, especially from a nation with such a grand distilling tradition.
Very limited, stereotypical nose & palate. Not even a parody of Frenchness really, so much as 50’s Americana. Makes me wonder how much input Marketing had into this... Not especially rough but then it is 40%. If only this specialised in Vanilla and Roses, maybe some Calvados, it could have been something original, something special. A missed opportunity, especially from a nation with such a grand distilling tradition.
Do not compare Brenne with any Scottish dram. Brenne is a specific taste. You like it or you hate it. I can appreciate it and enjoy its unique tasting notes. Fruit and candy in a bottle. Nice summer dram.
Very Unique. I can understand why some whisky drinkers dislike it ... But I think that shows the limits of their palate or their preference for spice and the formaldehyde taste of peat. Brenne is exactly what I would imagine of a French whiskey. It tastes of vanilla and roses, sweet and smooth with a medium body. I thought it was quite enjoyable and unique.
