Dear Readers,
It is with pleasure that I would like to introduce you to Mr. Michel Couvreur(below). At the end of May, I had a special day with him at his house not far from "Beaune" in burgundy region.
Actually, we are in Bouze-lès-Beaune. Pure coincidence Mr.Couvreur would tell you. In fact, he started in 1951 as Burgundian wine dealer, set himself up in London in 1959 before emigrating to Scotland in 1964.
Of Flemish ilk and nicknamed The Last of the Mohicans named by the Danish media in 1988, he found himself spellbound by the mystique of whisky to the extent that he immersed himself in the production process from the choice of the most ancient strain of cereals through to that of the sherry casks -the real key to the worldwide thrimph of Scotch. He added to Scottich practice and tradition an uncompromising respect of "ancient and honest usages" instituted by the French laws concerning the "Appellations d'Origine Controlee" and became the epitome of excellence despite the obstacles created by the rapid industrialisation of the production process of whisky. For him whisky is the most refined spirit of the world!
Let's enter to "Paradise" in the depths of the Bouze-lès-Beaune shed where lay under glass the very old whiskies, at the heart of Burgundians rocks, where the greatest wines of the world are taking roots. What can I say, just listen this dream.....but it is real.
After this walk, I felt I was in Scotland but 150 years ago especially with the atmosphere of the cellars combined with an excellent rate of humidity.
After the ageing part in oak sherry casks, the immensly precious residuum is then sealed into large demijohns or giant bottles where it will indefefinitely stay intact. (see below)
Then, we had tasting with Mr. Jean-Arnaud Frantzen(below left) who is trully the second head taster and an extreme connoisseur in term of blending at Michel Couvreur's house.
We started with the Grain Whisky which aged 4 years in oak casks. Slight iodine fragance with a hint of almond.
It is superb on ice (below right side)
After we tasted the Single Malt Couvreur's Clearack which is a vatting of malts distilled in Scotland and aged in pristine casks of very old sherry then reduced at bottling to 43% alcohol by volume with Loch Katrine water. When you sip, you can find the dry fruits and elegant grassy freshness with the spicy. Needs to be served chilled.
Of course, something else was brought to me as a new born of Michel Couvreur's series The Blossoming Auld Sherried. An exact replica of the best Victorian era malt: unforgettable roundness and strengh, together with some freshness only barley can yield. Grand Bas-Armagnac style enhanced by Scottish craftmanship. 45° a truly signature of unusual style but if you are curious you won't be disapointed!
Finally, we have the chance to taste two rarities the Very Sherried which was distilled on the 26th November and aged over 24 years in a Sherry cask. Dark, amber robe with some ruby reflects. Fascinating tropical-style sensuality, vanilla, almond and sherry with very long finish. 45° (see on the left)To end up my day, I had some Ever Young Prisitine
with the master blender. Astounding : juvenile strenght within very old age! Distilled on the 23rd May 1970 limpid ruby colour with golden glints, caressing aroma, long warm sherry flavours. Total production 350 litres at 49° bottled only in 50cl to satisfy demand.
I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome.
Cheers! Michel
