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Whiskey Del Bac Normandie Review

What happens when Arizona mesquite smoke meets French Calvados apple brandy barrels? Whiskey Del Bac's limited Normandie release answers that very question.

OVERALL RATING

6
$90
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Whiskey Del Bac is an American Single Malt distillery specializing in Mesquite wood. The distillery in located in Arizona in the American Southwest. A family business started in 2011, it has grown from two offerings to now include specialty yearly releases like this bottle the Normandie. Taking inspiration from their home in the American Southwest, this brand offers a unique exploration into American Single Malt with a Southwest twist.

From the Whiskey Del Bac press release, “Normandie is an annual limited collection of Whiskey Del Bac’s lightly mesquite smoked single malt, aged in new American White Oak, then finished in ex-Calvados barrels. Calvados typically boasts flavors of green apple and citrus with hints of cherry and freshly-cut flowers. The American Single Malt is named after the coastal region of Normandie (the French spelling), France, which is known for its creamy cheeses, rich seafood, and an abundance of apples and pears. This small batch whiskey release has 1,800 bottles nationwide. Each has an ABV of 48.5% and is 97 proof.”
Appearance:
Amber with slow legs
Nose:
The nose opens quickly to the Mesquite char followed by the unmistakable aroma of apples from the Calvados casks. It blossoms into apple pie crust, alcohol, grasses and mixed grains. Successive smells reveal stone fruit with just the softest hint of winter mint.
Palate:
On the tongue the softer points of the nose are lost. I found apples, some milk chocolate, musing the flavor in the mouth you can find some graham cracker and baking spice. Overall the flavors are just a little sharp and there is a tannic nature to them.
Finish:
Watery mouthfeel but a long finish. It has a pleasant Calvados apple profile on the finish with stewed apples, oak, and cinnamon.
Comments:
Certainly above average and the calvados cask really plays well with the single malt here, but overall it felt a little too spirited for the majority of the flavors to play well together. I feel the Calvados being a delicate but approachable cask finish should have had a touch more power over the profile of the whiskey than I experienced. I would love to sip this on a hot day with a big cube to maybe cut down on some of the sharpness.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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