A while ago we had a session with five lesser known French whiskies. Here’s one more to add to the list. Amaethon is a French single malt whisky. It is marketed by Spiritique who also sell gin and other spirits. However we don’t have information about the distillery or the production methods – we assume it’s a sourced spirit.
It takes its name from the Celtic god of agriculture. The whisky is created with French barley. A third matures in first fill ex-bourbon barrels, the rest in second fill. After that it goes to French oak barrels that previously contained Cognac. Amaethon is probably around 3 years of age.
In 2022 they switched to a new, slightly conical bottle design. We’re trying the straight bottle that is still found in many shops.
Amaethon Single Malt (45%, OB +/- 2021)
Nose: a malty base, with enjoyable hints of biscuits and bread. Gentle fruity notes like peaches and pears, as well as orange peels. Then a slightly grassy hint of wood comes out. French oak can become quite perfumy but this is fine. Fresh herbal notes and honey.
Mouth: pretty good. A very bright character, on vanilla, lemon candy and orchard fruits. Soft banana. Then more honey, sweet ginger lemonade and biscuits. Some buttery pastry. Light caramel in the end.
Finish: medium, returning to grainy notes, with a hint of toffee and some wood spice.
Amaethon is a vaguely described, but nicely balanced NAS whisky that manages to hide its young age. Technically perfect, without any rough edges, though perhaps not very emotional, if you know what I mean. I’m not sure what the plans are for the future, but this single malt is nice and simple. Available from The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and others.