Warenghem Breizh Whisky

Even though it was founded in 1900, Warenghem Distillerie of Britanny, didn't start making whisky until 1999 (before that, like most European distilleries, they made cider and brandies). Unlike most blends, which combine malt and grain whiskies from other distilleries, this whisky is all from the one source. Breizh is 50% malt and 50% grain.

The colour is a light gold. Stone fruits on the nose (peach, apricots) with honeycomb, vanilla, light cream and honeydew. Some wood smoke announces the oak. Buttered pastry. Lemon Life Savers. A drop of water adds more wood smoke - and wood polish. A tad sweet but very nicely balanced between the gentle oak and the sweet malt.

Unassuming on the palate, with lighter honey, peach nectar and white pepper. Herbal with some lavender. Thin mouthfeel. Like the nose, well balanced but it's just too flat - unless you add a drop of water, which ups the malt, spice and oak. Even though it's only 42% ABV, water changes things quite a bit.

The finish is very gentle with more white pepper and soft vanilla. While this shows some nice honey and vanilla notes, it really needs more oomph to make a greater impact.