Pointe Blanche Distillery, located in Charente-Maritime, France, produces a single malt whisky made from French malted barley that is brewed and distilled on site using traditional copper pot stills. The whisky undergoes a minimum of three years’ maturation in oak casks on the mainland before finishing its ageing for about a year in an oyster hut on a nearby Atlantic island, where the maritime environment influences its flavour. This double maturation process is said to contribute to its distinctive profile, which includes subtle smoky and saline notes. Let’s verify that, as we review three Pointe Blanche French whiskies: their core Whisky Français single malt, the OLO Limited Edition, and their Peated single malt.
Pointe Blanche Whisky Français Single Malt Review
Pointe Blanche is a French single malt whisky crafted from local barley. It undergoes double distillation in Charentais stills and is aged in lightly toasted new French and American oak barrels. After more than three years of ageing, barrels exhibiting distinct iodic notes are chosen and further refined in old peated whisky casks within an oyster hut on an Atlantic island to enhance its maritime character. The whisky is bottled at 43% ABV, but there is no available information regarding chill filtration or the addition of colouring. Around €45 a bottle.
Colour:
Pale gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose presents vanilla, fresh pastries, a few drops of lemon, almonds, and roasted hazelnuts. It seems a little simple but is quite pleasant.
Palate:
Neat: The palate features vanilla, pastry cream, and a touch of lemon again, along with almonds and malt. A soft, tangy flavour of mandarin and clementine emerges. More nuttiness comes through, reminiscent of an epiphany cake filled with frangipane, sliced almonds, and hazelnuts.
Finish:
Lemons, a touch of wood, chocolate, a hint of pepper, and a couple of drops of grapefruit. The finish is of medium length.
Comments:
This Pointe Blanche is a nice, good and approachable whisky. And since the price is reasonable, it feels like a good combination.
Rating: 6/10
Pointe Blanche OLO Edition Limitée Review
The Pointe Blanche OLO Edition Limitée undergoes a finishing process for several months in Oloroso casks, although it is unclear if the initial maturation process is the same as that of the Pointe Blanche Whisky Français. The final months of maturation take place once again in the old oyster hut on the Atlantic Ocean. This release is a limited edition, with 2,040 bottles produced. It is bottled at a slightly higher ABV of 46% and is priced at approximately €65 per bottle.
Colour:
Burnished.
Nose:
Neat: The nose begins with a maritime note that is more noticeable than on the single malt. Then we get stewed fruits like peaches, apricots, and grape purée, accompanied by a light winey aroma. After that, notes of malt, orange peels, and hints of cherries.
Palate:
Neat: The aromas from the nose translate into the palate‘’’s flavours, as both are very similar. The palate also introduces some bread, and wood and citrus notes make an appearance. The flavours of walnut cake and oil are also noticeable.
Finish:
The finish features candied lemon peel and walnut cake, with a pinch of pepper and iodine. The finish is of medium length and has a light astringency.
Comments:
The Oloroso finish adds an extra layer to the single malt but also conceals some of its nuttiness, revealing only the walnut aspect. I found the maritime notes to be more prominent here as well. It is really nice.
Rating: 6.5/10
Pointe Blanche Peated Review
We conclude this session with the Pointe Blanche Peated, distilled from peated malt. It matured in ex-bourbon casks for at least five years, first at the distillery on the continent and then for an additional period in their oyster hut on an Atlantic Ocean island. This Pointe Blanche Peated comes bottled at 44% ABV, with no indication regarding chill filtration or the addition of colouring, and it is priced around €65.
Colour:
Amber
Nose:
Neat: The nose starts with a light floral and citrusy peat, with a slightly earthy touch. The youth is apparent, with aromas of grist and sea breeze, candied lemon peels, hints of ginger, and a soft salinity.
Palate:
Neat: The peat becomes a bit more noticeable and earthier on the palate. After a few moments, the salinity emerges, accompanied by pears and apples, oyster brine, buttery pastries, and a touch of citrus tanginess. Notes of Charentais melon are also present.
Finish:
Once again, it offers a light astringency, with malt and light whiffs of smoke. The finish then evolves towards a citrusy, salty, and peppery dimension, building on the astringency.
Comments:
This Pointe Blanche Peated is enjoyable but seems a little young. It would likely benefit from additional time in the casks and a bit more strength; an ABV between 46% and 50% would probably enhance it significantly. Nonetheless, it is good and demonstrates that the Distillerie de Chevanceaux has potential and is moving in the right direction.