Armorik Maitre de Chai 2010 (46%, OB, Sherry Casks #3320 & #3321, 2000 bottles, 2017)

• ABV: 46%
• Age: 7 Years Old
• Bottling: OB, Oloroso Sherry Casks #3320 & #3321, 2000 bottles
• Category: Breton single malt whisky
• Cost: £48.95
• Origin: Distillerie Warenghem
• Vintage: 2010

What they say

Here we have the third limited edition release of Warenghem’s Armorik Breton whisky. After distillation in 2010, the single malt was matured in a pair of Oloroso sherry casks. Maître de Chai translates as ‘Cellar Master’, with the range showcasing the best expressions from the distillery.

Official tasting notes:

Nose: Scones and blackberry jam, caramelised almonds and stewed orchard fruits with a hint of vanilla.

Palate: Smoked nuts, notably more almonds along with a handful of creamy cashews, lots of spices emerge with clove and cinnamon, sherried dried fruits, sweet liquorice and candied orange peel.

Finish: A pinch of sweet tobacco, smoky oak, sweet malt and tart berry compote.

What I say

Dram #3 from WOLS 2020 T7 International Tasting. Dark coloured but reasonably young tasting, for some reason I though either a rye-heavy Canadian or something from Paul John in India?

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Dark golden brown (15/20), large tears and tapered large-medium legs.
• Nose: bubblegum, feinty spirit, cinnamon and spiced rye, polished oak wood, herbal, sappy, woody rosemary and cedar.
• Taste: Thick vanilla, polished wood, cherry and sherry-soaked fruits, blackberry, strawberry, woody sugars, black pepper and herbal coriander.
• Finish: Vaporous, sweet and woody.

Overall

Dark coloured but quite smooth and soft in flavours, I was misled by the Oloroso cask maturation effect on the colour here I think. Again having recently sampled through Armorik’s core range and latest peated expression I had no idea how close this one was to them!

Score 83/100

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