Brenne French Whisky – Review

Brenne French Single Malt Whisky

80 Proof

Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML

Distiller: Classic Imports

Background

This one is an interesting story.  Brenne French Single Malt Whisky began when Allison Patel decided to begin importing whisky from a small distiller in the heart of Cognac, France.  After a relationship was formed, the pair refined their spirit, incorporating a finishing process in ex-Cognac barrels.

I am always intrigued to taste whiskeys which explore alternate maturation processes, and Cognac is certainly not used as frequently as something like sherry casks.  Why not give Brenne a try?

Review

The first thing I notice on Brenne’s nose is garbage.  More specifically a garbage bag full of cut-up fruit.  Notes of offensive licorice; it’s sickeningly sweet.

Once on the palate, Brenne moves from sickeningly sweet to shockingly sweet.  This is the most fruit-forward whisky I have ever tasted, exhibiting characteristics of melon Jelly Bellies.  There are subtle traces of malt and cinnamon, and barely any alcohol burn.  Is this a single malt or a flavored whisky?  The lack of balance has me making funny faces as I sip.

The finish is short and unmemorable at 40% – thank goodness!

Rating & Recommendations

Brenne French Whisky earns a rating of 68 out of 100 from me.

I suppose Allison Patel was trying to make a whisky for the female demographic, incorporating the light blue color scheme, the allure of a whisky from France (versus Scotland or Ireland), and the extremely fruit-forward taste.  However, this whisky has no balance and frankly, I found it difficult to finish the two small drams I used to write this review.  There is a whisky for everyone, as they say, but this one is not for me.

-Ryan