Producer: Vicomte. Distiller: undisclosed. ABV: 40%. Age: 8 years. Price: $40.

Much as I love Scotch, I’m always eager to try single malts from around the world–especially when they bring not just variety and novelty appeal, but genuine deliciousness. Vicomte French Single Malt absolutely fits the bill.

Double-distilled on copper pot stills from organic barley from Poitou-Charentes. Eight years old, aged in ex-Cognac barrels. Fairly priced at around $40, and one stunning package.

Nose: lovely round overripe fruit basket to start. Cognac notes familiar from the Brenne French single malt, but without that troublesome bubblegum note that spoils the party for some folks. Morello cherries. Rum-soaked plum.

Palate: Demerara sugar and fermented fruits–recalls the delicious Balvenie 14 Carribean Cask, but with some oak tannins containing the sweetness. A bit more black cherry. Finish: grilled peaches and a very appealing prickle of spice.

I’ll make my inevitable cry of “my kingdom for 3-6% more ABV,” but even at 40% ABV, the Victomte has plenty going on. (And the company has hinted that a cask strength bottling may be on the way…here’s hoping.) Cognac-curious Scotch lovers and Scotch-curious cognac lovers alike should check it out.

Cheers, friends! – BO

Vicomte graciously provided a sample for review. As always, our opinions are 100% our own.