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Most Recent Whisky Review

Bellevoye Bleu

If you had not of heard of this French blended malt you are not alone, because it was new to me as well when I saw it in the Air France Lounge in Paris.  A little online research suggests this is a blend of 3 single malts of different regions of France and finished in new French oak casks.  It is bottled at 40% ABV but nosed like it was much stronger.  Very feisty and malty with barnyard, floral and even perfurmed notes in the nose.  Hot and sweet on the palate with some flashes of toffee which were quickly masked by pepper and even a slightly acrid smokey note.  The finish has some chilli heat with a hint of lemon peel marmalade.  A splash of water improves it greatly, smooths out the grainy mouth feel and brings out some more fruity and sweet flavours.  It is not bad but posseses little elegance or sophistication so in that respect it is not a very French French whisky.

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  • Wednesday, 28 December 2011 03:18

    My Alfred Barnard Blend Project Part 3

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    My Alfred Barnard Blend Project Part 3

    I quite liked my second version of the recipe and I have posted tasting notes under Reviews.  

    The nose has some malt and peat smoke.  This version is a bit more subdued than Blend #1,  The taste is still smooth and rich, orange maramalade and caramel notes.  The finish is spicy and long with tobacco and smoke.  With water the finish becomes a little more peppery.  Overall  this is still pretty hefty for a blend and my guess with just 25% grain most people would assume this is a single or perhaps a blended malt whisky.

    This version was more balanced than blend #1, but overall I think I will stick to drinking whisky and let the experts do the blending.  Those that can, do.  Those that can't, write blogs.

    More in this category: « My Alfred Barnard Blend Project Part 2 A New Year Whisky Resolution Worth Keeping »

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    White Horse

    I have seen this blended whisky for years in bars in the UK, but until recently never tried it.  I did know that Lagavulin was the single malt at the heart of the blend and how much that knowledge affected my tasting notes is hard to tell, but I have commented before that the power of suggestion is very strong.  The nose is little fruity and sweet but not overly complex or interesting.  However the taste makes up for it!  Salty and sweet, caramel with chocolate, I could definately taste the smoky Lagavulin influence and I suspect some sherried whiskies as well.  Very nice and creamy.  There is also some salt and chocolate in the finish, some peat as well and little spice.  A really good blend, worth trying, especially if you like the peaty Islay single malts.