Kornog is the peated range of whiskies distilled by the Glann ar Mor (Meaning : By the sea in Breton) whisky distillery , located in the Brittany region in France (yes, France!). Brittany is a region of Celtic Origin, and many of the distillery expressions are adorned by Celtic names, (this one is not for some reason). Glann ar Mor also produced non peated whiskies as well. The distillery itself was created in 1997 , and was said to be closed last year after whisky regulations in France changed (but has not closed eventually, as it seems and is still distilling malt) . The founders are in the process of establishing a new whisky distillery in Islay by the name of Gartbreck. I was able to get a bottle of this one (they are not easy to come by) with the help of a good whisky friend from France (cheers Franck).
Kornog PX Cask #14, 46% abv , ~70 Eur
Nose : Definitely sherry here, but not as deep as one would think px cask would be. Not that’s a bad thing… but at any rate, balanced. which is nice. There’s a nice peaty note with sweaty sherry sweetness , rhubarb and red plum. Some pepper and sour sherry with a slight farmyard note as well.
Palate : Deep peaty embers and sweet BBQ meat in sweet sauce. Earthy and again slightly farmy with stewed plums, a hint of metal and rhubarb jam.
Finish : Sweet BBQ smoke,pepper and peaty embers. quite long.
You know what, this is a really lovely drop. It’s quite balanced, and is not just about peat. Although it is not cheap (and it is quite young), you can expect such a small whisky maker to sell whiskies at a premium, and I think taking all into consideration, it’s a worthy whisky to have. I am happy I have more of that.