American

Whiskey Review: Whiskey Del Bac Normandie

We review Whiskey Del Bac's Normandie. It's an American single malt made with mesquite-smoked barley and finished in Calvados casks.

OVERALL RATING

8
Like Conversation
Whiskey Del Bac Normandie (image via Moriah Hilden)

Tasting Notes

About:

97 proof. Mash bill: 100% malted barley. No age statement. Price is $90 for 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
The rusty burgundy color immediately demands your attention. It would seem the viscosity would be thick, with parts of legs slowly running down the curved edge of my Glencairn glass, or not coming out to play at all.
Nose:
Caramel green apple bursts through on the forefront. Saltwater taffy makes an appearance too, making you think you were at a beachside fair. At the very tail end, there is the slightest hint of of smoke.
Palate:
The mouthfeel is playful. The heat numbs the mouth for a moment as it then transitions into drying out the palate, but a surprise turn arises in the form of a pleasant, silky finish. The flavor profile includes bright lemon, green apples, crème brûlée, and dark fruit like baked dates.
Finish:
Comments:
American Single Malt is a rising category and hopefully one about to be officially recognized by the TTB. With this particular bottling, Normandie is a prime example of how the category. This past year, I spent some time in the desert, and it now has a special place in my heart. This whiskey captures the beauty and flavors of that hot and dusty place. The Calvados barrels’ influence is prominent in this whiskey, as it brightens and awakens your senses with the initial caramel apple punch. A flirtatious mouthfeel takes you on a journey from dry to silky, making you crave another sip.rnrnStephen Paul, Amanda Kramer, and the rest of the distilling team show remarkable craftsmanship at every stage of the process, from malting to maturation. Whiskey Del Bac deserves recognition for their bottled glory.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Moriah Hilden

Moriah Hilden, Vice President of Women Who Whiskey Portland Chapter, holds the distinction of being the first American to complete the Whisky Trek in Appenzell, Switzerland. Her passion for whiskey ignited unexpectedly during a transformative experience in a micro bar nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. This encounter sparked an enduring curiosity for the artistry of whiskey, and the world of spirits continues to captivate her daily. Moriah's enthusiasm drives her to embark on extensive journeys—be it long drives, flights, or hikes—to savor and immerse herself in the diverse offerings of the spirits world.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash