Two and a half years ago, I reviewed two Armorik single malts finished in Chouchen casks: one was an official single cask with a second, extended maturation in a Chouchen cask, and the other was independently bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company. Recently, Warenghem released the Armorik Small Batch Chouchenn, which features a double maturation and is bottled as a small batch rather than a single cask.
Armorik Small Batch Chouchenn Review
The Armorik Small Batch Chouchenn was initially matured for four years in new Breton oak casks, followed by a second maturation in Chouchenn casks for an additional three years. It was then reduced to 46% ABV for bottling, without added colouring or chill filtration. This small batch consists of 2,500 bottles, with half being sold exclusively in Brittany. It is available for around €55 at LMDW, off-licences, and Warenghem’s own shop.
Colour:
Burnished.
Nose:
Neat: Aromas of vanilla-scented candle wax, mead, beeswax, and herbal Bénédictine liqueur, with notes of honey-scented hand cream and lacquered wood. The nose is dominated by warm honey and vanilla-scented wax, complemented by soft herbaceous notes and subtle lactic undertones.
Palate:
Neat: The initial taste is sweeter than anticipated, with honey flavors leading the way. Spices soon follow, including pepper, cloves, and hints of Cayenne pepper. The mouthfeel is slightly thin yet creamy, reminiscent of diluted glycerine. The Chouchen has balanced the woodiness from the new Breton oak, adding a pleasant tartness.
Finish:
A lingering pinch of pepper and beeswax coat the tongue, accompanied by vanilla, hints of Marmite, honey, and propolis candy. The finish is quite long.
Comments:
Initially, I was disappointed to learn that the Armorik Small Batch Chouchenn wasn’t fully matured in separate ex-Chouchen casks and new Breton oak casks before being vatted together. However, after tasting it, I understood the reasoning behind its successive maturations rather than parallel ones. If the whisky had been matured for seven years in separate Chouchenn and Breton oak casks, both influences would have likely overwhelmed the spirit, making it difficult to achieve a balanced blend.
In this case, the Chouchen cask contributes sweetness and waxiness, which helps to temper the influence of the new Breton oak casks. Limiting the initial maturation to four years prevented excessive woodiness, while the subsequent three years in Chouchen casks avoided overpowering sweetness. My initial disappointment has given way to acknowledgement of Erwan Lefebvre, the maître de chai, who once again demonstrated vision and skill in crafting this small batch.
While this whisky may not be perfect and is somewhat one-dimensional, it offers a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. It could be particularly interesting to taste blind, adding an element of fun—which is, after all, an essential part of enjoying whisky.
Rating: 6/10
Many Thanks Gaétan! Photo courtesy of Armorik.