We first encountered Brenne Whisky a few years back while making the rounds at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. As one of the few French single malts, it caught our attention. And now, led by the talented Allison Patel, the brand has just released Brenne Ten.
This 10-year-old whisky is crafted “seed-to-spirit” from organic malted barley and naturally pure water, both found in the Cognac region of France. This limited bottling–only 290 cases were released for 2015–is the marriage of four casks, each hand-selected for its distinctive complexity and balance by Patel herself.
Brenne Ten shares the same DNA and creamy, fruit-forward characteristics as Brenne’s inaugural expression, but beyoind that it’s quite different. Expect chocolate-covered dried fruits, deep notes of raw honey, spiced vanilla cream and a richness that continues to open up in the glass.
Before the October release, London’s Wizards of Whisky named Brenne Ten the #2 World’s Best Single Malt, in addition to awarding it a Gold Medal for Best European Single Malt. So that’s promising.
BRENNE TEN TASTING NOTES
Color: Light Amber
Nose: A warm welcome gives way to dried fruits, spiced wood, toasted vanilla and light floral essence.
Taste: A silky mouth feel delivers Brenne’s signature smoothness with spicy black tea, chocolate, dried orange peel, and vanilla cream topped with cinnamon sugar.
Finish: Lingering traces of honeyed spice. Creamy and fireside-warm.
Brenne Ten is available in the U.S. beginning right now. It clocks in at 48% ABV and retails for between $100 and $120.
