Armorik 15 years

Armorik

Origin

France

Type

Single Malt Whisky

Barrel

Sherry

Age

15 years

Alcohol

46°

Value

100 points

About the product

The Armorik 15yo edition 2022 is a celebration of the variety of casks aged in the cellars of the Distillerie de Warenghem. It is the very first French whisky to receive an age designation of 15 years and the second in Armorik's range with an age. The 2022 edition was bottled on a limited edition of 1,500 copies, at a strength of 46%.

This whisky matured for the first 9 years of its life in bourbon casks and was then transferred to Oloroso sherry casks to mature for a further 6 years. The casks were selected from maturing cellars for their quality, thus exemplifying the expertise and know-how in maturation that Armorik built up over the last 20 years. That higher age has given this Armorik 15yo a certain elegant, aromatic fullness, without also losing the fresh-fruited character of the original distillate.

On the nose, this deep amber whisky offers a rich, intense experience of exotic fruits (mango, passion fruit). Rancio aromas join that initial fruitiness, as well as varnished wood. Then sweeter notes, with peach, honey, caramel and dried apricot, to finish with cumin and a soft peat note. On the palate, the sweet freshness is immediately apparent, with fresh fruit (pear, banana) and candied and more exotic fruit. All this is enhanced by a peppery, spicy touch of clove and coriander. The finish in turn is long and warm, balancing between spicy and slightly smoky notes, to end in a sweet peach jam note.

About the brand

The Distillerie de Warenghem can be found in the small village of Lannion, on the north coast of Brittany. It has been owned by the same family for more than 100 years, where they proudly produce a range of wonderful distillates. Under the brand name Armorik, they also produce an exceptional single malt, a category they pioneered in France.

The distillery was founded in the year 1900 by Leon Warenghem, who was originally from the north of France. In those early years, they made a name for themselves with a number of plant labels. Elixir D'Armorique, a blend of 35 plants, is still the distillery's flagship offering. After World War I, it also looks outside the region, and Warenghem becomes more and more an esteemed name across France. The range is systematically expanded to include other liqueurs and they also expand to selling through supermarkets, allowing them to reach even more aficionados.

The 1980s then see the first steps towards whisky production. In 1987, the very first Breton whisky is launched, the WB, a blend of 25% malt whisky and 75% grain whisky. The next step is the creation of the very first distillery in France to distil only whisky, in 1993. In 1998, there is the crowning glory, with the launch of Armorik, the first single malt whisky from Brittany and France. recognition follows through a variety of awards, with the 2013 election as the best European whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.

Today, Armorik is a well-established whisky offering in Europe, and a safe choice for those looking for quality and a unique taste experience.