An impressive French whisky from Domaine des Hautes, this is one of two expressions of Epistémè R18P23 that are almost twins. This is Yellow Circle, the other is Yellow Square. Both are made from 100% malted rye from the same variety of rye (the local caroasse), and processed using identical production techniques during the summer of 2019.
The whisky is fermented for a long 140 hours (the tanks were inoculated with natural sourdough) and then double distilled in a 25-hectolitre pot still that is wood-fired before being matured twice, initially in Cognac casks and then in 'feuillette' casks, small barrels composed of staves of different varieties that have just 112-litre capacity.
Where they differ is micro-provenance. The idea was to create a whisky that would express terroir, so the only distinction is the plot where the rye was grown. For Yellow Circle, the rye was grown on the slopes of the Vulson, the rhyolitic stone extinct volcano (the distillery sources its water from the springs there). The plot is a tiny 5000m² and lies in a valley created by the springs surrounded by hedges, giving it a protected mountain haven. Frédéric Revol took over the farm in 2009 and he employs organic and regenerative agro-ecological methods.
Tasting Note by The Producer
Nose The wild flowers of a spring in the Alps, but not only that. There's also a hint of the Orient. A fine invitation to travel is in the offing, with its batch of faraway essences, when rye and sweet spices are declared to be twins in civil status.
Palate With its silky structure, this rye whisky is a call to Persian daydreams, combining aromas of candied fruit, sun-drenched dates and rosewater. A few hints of curry and sweet chilli make their way to the…
Finish Devilishly malty, fresh, honeyed and pastry-like. The impression is one of refinement, elegance and a perfume from elsewhere. A whisky that encourages you to let yourself go and escape. Let's not deprive ourselves, let's get away...