International Whiskies to Watch Out For
Gwalarn French Whisky
A Celtic Blend.
After creating two prestigious single malts (Kornog and Glann Ar Mor), Celtic Whisky Distillerie has developed its first blend, born from the blending of whiskies of Celtic origin. Like its single malt predecessors, this blend bears a Breton name that evokes its character, Gwalarn or “North-West Wind”. The French distillery in Côtes-d’Armor intends to bring a breath of fresh air to the world of blended whiskies.
Gwalarn takes advantage of all the characteristics that make Celtic Whisky Distillerie’s exceptional whiskies so unique and authentic. The blend is slowly reduced with water from the distillery’s own spring.
A blend can only be perfectly balanced through the creative skills and know-how of a talented cellar master. The role of the cellar master is decisive in selecting the whiskies to be blended and in achieving the right proportions. Making a premium blended whisky is true alchemy. In blending Gwalarn, Aël Guégan, Distiller and Cellar Master at Celtic Whisky Distillerie, has audaciously risen to the challenge. The result is striking in its balance and complexity.
Tasting Notes
Gwalarn presents itself on the nose with elegance. The notes of cereals, ripe fruit and vanilla are clear, with a peaty background reminiscent of Kornog. The palate is energetic and fruity, with lingering vanilla notes. The peaty, salty finish is particularly full and even. Proof 40% ABV.
Great with Oysters!
Or as the French would say…
Contrairement aux single malts qui sont issus d’une seule et même distillerie, les blends sont eux le fruit d’un assemblage de whiskys provenant de plusieurs distilleries. Si les blends sont aujourd’hui de loin les whiskys les plus consommés à travers le monde, il leur est souvent reproché d’être moins complexes et profonds que les single malts.
Avec Gwalarn, Celtic Whisky Distillerie souhaite apporter une nouvelle perception. Son premier blend bénéficie, en effet, du même savoir-faire artisanal et du même soin que Kornog et Glann ar Mor.
Par ailleurs, Celtic Whisky Distillerie fait preuve d’une grande audace, en créant ici le premier Celtic Blend premium au monde. Il en résulte que Gwalarn inaugure une nouvelle classification, celle de « Celtic Whisky Blend ».
L’assemblage innovant conçu par le maître de chai, Aël Guégan, et par Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, fondateur de Maison Villevert, unit pour le meilleur, la complexité d’un whisky écossais, le caractère d’un whisky allemand et la tourbe de Kornog, single malt titré de Celtic Whisky Distillerie.
Sagamore Double Oak Rye Whiskey
This Maryland, USA distillery ages straight rye whiskey for 4 to 5 years in high-char new American oak barrels, then transfer the aged whiskey into toasted wave stave barrels for an additional 18 months. The increased surface area of the low-char, medium-plus-toast staves imparts Double Oak’s delightful caramel, toffee, hazelnut, and toasted coconut. A classic Maryland-style rye whiskey is reimagined through this innovative aging process and then proofed with limestone-filtered water from their spring house built in 1909. The final spirit is a shining example of old meeting new.
If you are ever in Baltimore pop by and see them.
Tasting Notes
Smooth caramel and rich toasted coconut. Nutty flavors of hazelnut and pecan meld perfectly with vanilla and caramel. Proof 96.6 (48.3% ABV) and aged 4 – 5 Years.
Try this cocktail before going out to the Christmas party!
Sagamore Spirit Rye Cold Brew. Coffee with an extra whiskey kick!
Ingredients
1.5oz Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye Whiskey
1 oz Vanilla Simple Syrup
4 oz Sagamore Spirit Coffee Cold Brew*
Sagamore Cold Brew Recipe: Whatever quantity of cold brew is desired, use a 4:1 ratio of water to coffee grounds. Combine water and coffee grounds in a sealed container and store in refrigerator. The longer the grounds steep, the stronger the cold brew, but more bitter the flavor. Strain the mixture to remove all coffee grounds. Store cold brew in refrigerator in a sealed container for up to one week. Need a quick fix? Substitute your favorite pre-made cold brew.
2 oz Half & Half or milk of your choice
Directions
Fill a Highball glass with ice.
Add Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye Whiskey, simple syrup and cold brew into the glass and stir to combine.
Top with half & half or milk of your choice.
