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Whiskey Review: Whiskey Del Bac Normandie

We review Whiskey Del Bac Normandie, an American single malt out of Arizona finished in French Calvados brandy barrels.

OVERALL RATING

9
$90.00
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whiskey del bac normandie

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged in charred, new American white oak barrels and finished in Calvados brandy barrels, 48.5%% ABV, mash bill: 100% house-malted barley, SRP $90/ 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
This is moderate amber in color with deep brown undertone.
Nose:
Plum, orange, raspberry, and champagne grape can be detected. In addition, Herbes de Provence, vanilla bean, oak ester, dark chocolate, and brown sugar rear their pretty heads. Let me catch my breath. Wow. Just fantastic. These non-fruit scents all hang back patiently, like supporting actors, to make the 5.1 a virtuoso performance.
Palate:
As with the Highland Park 25, this baby lingers on and on and on. Honey duels with the slightly bitter oak, along with a tantalizing marshmallowy nougat, which clings to the back of the tongue, ultimately outlasting the rest. Yes, the label on my sample bottle says the oak used in this release is primarily American, but I taste European casks thrown into the mix, as well. In fact, both kinds of wood complement each other quite nicely.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a keeper, and one I look forward to sipping as fall approaches. Try with an ice cube, as recommended by the brand, which brings out the cereal notes of the barley.

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.

Suzanne Bayard

Suzanne Bayard struck out to the West Coast with her now husband almost a decade ago to explore the intersection of wine and policy in its world-class wine regions. She manages a Portland, OR bottle shop by day as the wine buyer and newsletter editor. She is also the Director of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of 30 Willamette Valley wineries that educate on and promote dry farming and sustainable practices. She joined the Whiskey Wash to explore two other passions: writing and whiskey.

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