Exctiting times for the Celtic Whisky Distillerie (formerly known as Glann Ar Mor) in Brittany (France). They’re currently re-building the distillery, so to speak, in order to adapt to certain regulations. In the past they already struggled with the IGP Breton whisky – one of the reasons the original owners (Jean and Martine Donnay) decided to sell the business a couple of years ago. More info on their website.
The people from Kirsch Import and Wu Dram Clan released two new expressions: an unpeated Glann Ar Mor 2014 and a peated Kornog 2018.
Glann Ar Mor 10 yo 2014 (55,3%, OB for Kirsch Import ‘Journal des Kirsch’ 2025, first-fill bourbon #20026, 224 btl.)
Nose: fairly weighty, with some husks and dusty grains, mixed with toasted almonds or peanuts. Muesli, as well as light vanilla cream. Then yellow apples and herbal honey, as well as drops of vegetal oils. Also a mineral and coastal side, making it more complex than you’d think at this age.
Mouth: rounder notes (butter biscuits) but also firm oak spice (white pepper, ginger) and mineral notes. Wet limestone, some earthy and chalky hints, which combines nicely with hints of lemon peels and sharp apple. Sweet dough and saltwater. A mild waxy side as well. It reminded me of Kilkerran at times.
Finish: quite long, with more of the coastal saltiness, some mint and lingering citrus fruit.
High-quality spirit with a nice sense of coastal character. A good match with the bourbon cask too.
Kornog 6 yo 2018 (56,9%, OB for Wu Dram Clan 2025, bourbon barrel #01861, 229 btl.)
Nose: now the tropical side of the spirit stands out more. Think roasted pineapples and bananas, with lemony freshness too. Then lots of mineral ashes, with maritime sea spray and seaweed. A nice mix of fatty fruits with briny sharpness. We’re in Bowmore territory here.
Mouth: yes indeed, more pineapple with guava and creamy orange. Even hints of passion fruits. Then the brine comes back, with antiseptics, heather, fresh pine and herbs, as well as some vegetal oils. Burnt citrus, one walnut and some salted caramel.
Finish: long, still fruity and ashy, with some oak char, herbal notes and a pinch of salt.
This could easily be mistaken for an excellent Bowmore, one that is two or three times the age. What a dram! Score: 90/100