Not so long ago we tried an excellent Kornog 2018 bottled for the Wu Dram Clan. Now there’s a very similar cask in the Amateur Spirit range. You may remember their Armagnac Tuilerie 1984. The concept is that Aurélien Tauzé selects every release with a different jury, this time including Serge Valentin, Gil Firth and Frederick Maitland.
I had an extra sample of the WDC release so we’ll pour a second glass and compare them head-to-head.
Kornog 8 yo 2018 (58,4%, Amateur Spirit 2026, first-fill bourbon barrel)
Nose: lovely intensity, with powerful maritime peat, mineral ashes and a good dose of chalk and seashells right away. After a few moments a light buttery side appears, along with sweeter stone fruits, some citrons and slightly greener bananas. Then some hay, as well as floral hints. Really bright and balanced, reminding us of (older) Islay whisky like Bowmore.
Mouth: more of these stone fruits (peaches, yellow apples) now mixed with pineapple and blood orange. Later grapefruit and lemon too. Still a mineral peatiness, with some oyster shells and seaweed.
Finish: long and (Bow)more-ish. Fruity, slightly salty
On its own, another impressive Kornog. I hear it was chosen over a 14 year old bourbon cask so something special must have happened in 2008. However when facing the Wu Dram Clan release, this is slightly less tropical and more ‘mundanely’ citrusy, so that one has a slight edge. Impressive. Still available from Amateur Spirit.