I have been looking forward to getting my hands on Whiskey Del Bac Normandie. and priced at $90/ 750ml bottle, it promises genuine character.
Nose
This is moderate amber in color with deep brown undertone.
Palate
Plum, orange, raspberry, and champagne grape can be detected. In addition, Herbes de Provence, vanilla bean, oak ester, dark chocolate, and brown sugar rear their pretty heads. Let me catch my breath. Wow. Just fantastic. These non-fruit scents all hang back patiently, like supporting actors, to make the 5.1 a virtuoso performance. As with the Highland Park 25, this baby lingers on and on and on. Honey duels with the slightly bitter oak, along with a tantalizing marshmallowy nougat, which clings to the back of the tongue, ultimately outlasting the rest. Yes, the label on my sample bottle says the oak used in this release is primarily American, but I taste European casks thrown into the mix, as well. In fact, both kinds of wood complement each other quite nicely. This is a keeper, and one I look forward to sipping as fall approaches. Try with an ice cube, as recommended by the brand, which brings out the cereal notes of the barley.
Finish
Aged in charred, new American white oak barrels and finished in Calvados brandy barrels, 48.5%% ABV, mash bill: 100% house-malted barley, SRP $90/ 750ml bottle. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Whiskey Del Bac Normandie is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $90/ 750ml bottle, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
