Whisky Review/Tasting: Eddu Gold
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Brittany, France.
- Type: Pure Blé Noir (Buckwheat) Whisky.
- Distillation: Double distillation using a copper pot still (Alambic).
- Maturation: Aged in French oak casks (Limousin oak).
- Age Statement: Not specified, but as it's classified as whisky, it adheres to the European requirement of a minimum of three years aging.
- Color: Gold, amber, and mahogany.
- Clarity: Not specifically mentioned.
- Bottle Design: Not described, but the label includes details in French and mentions its Gaelic heritage.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced with a complex array of aromas and tastes.
- Unique Characteristics: Made from buckwheat, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile not typical of malt whiskies.
- Comparison: Described as being as different from Scotch malt whisky as Kentucky straight bourbon is, indicating a unique standing among whiskies.
- Flavor Notes: Harmonious wood characters, vanilla, oak, saddlewood, cigar box, dried flowers (rose, carnation, lime tree flower, tea flower), honey, fruit pastries, delicate spices (cinnamon, curry, nutmeg), and sweet buckwheat. The finish is exceptionally long and aromatic.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery: Distillerie des Menhirs, founded in 1921 by the Le Lay family. Known for their mastery in double distillation.
- Anecdotes: The distillery is located near alleys of standing stones (Menhirs) similar to, but not as tall as, Stonehenge. The reviewer visited the region in 2013 and in the 1980s.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Brittany's Gaelic Heritage: The whisky's Gaelic roots are emphasized, tracing back to the migration of the Gaelic people. Eddu Gold celebrates this heritage through its production and naming.
- Buckwheat Tradition: Utilizing buckwheat, a pseudo-cereal native to the region, highlights Brittany's agricultural practices and distinguishes it from other whiskies.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "A potpourri of fresh and aromatic aromas."
- "This is something completely different but complex."
- "It's as far from Scotch malt whisky away as Kentucky straight bourbon is from Scotch whisky."
Summary
- Eddu Gold is a unique buckwheat whisky from Brittany, France, characterized by its double distillation process and aging in French oak casks.
- Its flavor profile is rich and complex, with a mix of wood, spices, dried flowers, and sweet buckwheat, offering a long and aromatic finish.
- The whisky has a strong cultural significance, rooted in Brittany's Gaelic heritage and agricultural tradition.
- Expert opinions highlight its distinctiveness from traditional malt whiskies and bourbons, emphasizing its unique flavor and complexity.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Connoisseurs: Those interested in exploring non-traditional whiskies with unique ingredients and distillation processes.
- Cultural Enthusiasts: Individuals fascinated by the historical and cultural significance of spirits and their production regions.
- Adventurous Drinkers: Those looking to expand their palate beyond the familiar territories of Scotch, bourbon, or other mainstream whiskies.