The Celtic Whisky Distillery currently produces three very different whiskies; their new release for this month, Gwalarn, is a blend whisky created as a tribute to the origins of CWC of collecting whisky from distilleries in the Celtic region and diluting with natural mineral water that flows through the region’s pink granite rocks. The blend comes from two malts (Kornog produced by the distillery and Scottish malt and one rye (from Germany). The intention for Gwalarn is to produce a liquid greater than the sum of its parts.
The other two existing expressions from Celtic Whisky Distillery are both single malts, Glann Ar Mor and Kornog, created from grain to liquid at the distillery using artisan methods.
The distillery is located in Brittany on the “sauvage” peninsular in a unique position facing the Island of Bréhat and produces whiskies in the purest artisanal tradition. Benefiting from the northerly Brittany winds, and ocean climes and mild weather the whiskies are well placed within the perfect conditions for the crucial ageing process and showcase a unique identity. Jim Murray was quoted in the release of the 2019 Whisky Bible: “There are good whiskies in France. The best distillery in mainland France is probably the Celtic Whisky Distillery”.
Whiskies
Celtic Blend (not aged, on-site blend)
Gwalarn (meaning the north west wind)
The nose is rich and opulent with the first powerful notes of grain and slight peat give way to an aromatic palette combining the sweetness of vanilla, the complexity of leather and smoky tobacco and some honey. In the mouth the honey extends supported by slight peat and saline notes with aromas of gingerbread combined with flavours of candied fruit.
Single Malts and Special Editions (aged, produced on-site)
Both of these whiskies have been redesigned and repacked for 2021.
Glann Ar Mor (meaning by the sea)
Truly elegant the nose this offers notes of honey and toffee and a hint of brine and iodine from the Brittany coast. The palate offers honey, toffee, notes of apricot and mild spices and the finish is smooth and delicate. Once the ageing in bourbon barrels has come to an end Glann Ar Mor is bottled at 46% ABV.
Kornog (meaning the west wind)
Bouquet of aromas from lemon peel to beeswax enhanced with a touch of vanilla on the nose perfect balanced in the mouth blending the smokiness of peat with fruit and spices (ginger, white pepper), the result of patient ageing. The finish is intense and smoky. Kornog has very peaty character.
Note: The latter two both rated as “superstars that give us all a reason to live”** in the most recent Whisky Bible tastings.
Production Details
Glann Ar Mor and Kornog are produced on-site and the distillery is one of the very few in France to work with authentic methods only a handful of people continue to use across the world; the stills are heated over an open flame for slow distillation and wooden fermenters (made from Oregon pine) are also used, which, thanks to their indigenous yeasts, provide greater complexity than stainless steel fermenters. Similarly, the use of copper serpentine condensers gives a richer texture and greater aromatic richness. Finally, the spirit is aged in Bourbon barrels in a cellar located just by the sea. Thus, the emphasis is placed on quality, taking advantage of an exceptional environment and artisanal know-how.
Recent Acquisition
Celtic Whisky Distillery’s mission is to produce a malted barley whisky of uncompromising quality and authenticity has been accelerated by the recent acquisition from Maison Villevert; until now Glann Ar Mor and Kornog were distributed by selective prestigious merchants as well a selection of Michelin starred establishments in France and a few additional countries.
Those whiskies will immediately benefit from the excellent distribution network created in 2015 (in France and abroad) for the brands in the Maison Villevert group and they will become stablemates of other great brands such as: G’Vine and Nouaison gins, June flavoured gins, La Quintinye Vermouth Royal, La Guilde du Cognac and Excellia Tequila. It marks a first stride forwards on the path to new goals: first acquisition and first step into the world of whisky and first move outside of the Cognac area – the region in which Maison Villevert has been based since 2001.
“I am full of admiration for Martine and Jean Donnay’s hard work at the Celtic Whisky Distillerie and success over the past twenty years. Together, they have demonstrated their passion, conviction, expertise and a thirst for excellence, with spectacular results. I look forward to adding the support of our knowledge and network to build on these exceptional foundations,” says Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, founder and director of Maison Villevert.