Alfred Giraud Harmonie
French Malt Whisky
46.1% ABV
$190
Website
We would like to thank Alfred Giraud and Savona Communications for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
This powerful and inviting whisky epitomizes the harmony achieved through our blending and aging techniques. We begin with a blend of two non-peated French malt distillates that matured in different casks, the majority in extra old cognac casks and a proportion in new French Limousin and American oak casks. Once the optimal blend is achieved, the double malt ages exclusively in extra old cognac casks where it develops complex and balanced flavors. Finally, it is blended with a lightly peated French malt distillate and is finished in the same extra old cognac casks until it reaches its optimal flavor.
WHISKY MAKER’S NOTES
Color: Deep copper.
Nose: Bold and inviting. Warm raisin bread and baking spices surround notes of smoky barley.
Palate: Powerful yet delicate. The silky texture gives way to baking spices and juicy grapes. Rich and balanced, with a hint of peat.
Finish: Long, very long. The subtle peat amplifies the soft tannins of the extra old cognac casks.
CHARACTER: Silky with a hint of peat
BLEND: Triple Malt, Triple Wood
CASKS: Cognac, new French & new American Oak
ANNUAL RELEASE: 7 Casks
COLOR: Natural
FILTRATION: Non Chill-Filtered
What Gary Says
Nose: Floral, barley, fruity with grapes, pears, apricots and black currants, subtle spice with a slight earthy note of peat and cedar.
Palate: Rich and creamy mouthfeel, vanilla, milk chocolate, grapes, peaches, nutmeg with subtle peat.
Finish: Long, thick and syrupy with chocolate and pepper spice.
Comments: While similar to the Heritage by Alfred Giraud, this is darker and richer on both the nose and palate. Quite lovely, with the peated whisky balanced nicely so that it is additive without dominating or detracting.