Eddu is a release frmo Distillerie des Menhirs in Brittany, France. Brittany is a bit like the England-part of France, so it’s not too surprising that they lean towards their northern neighbours for boozy inspiration. Brittany has quite some whisky distilleries, and makes heaps of good Cider as well. Let’s just say I didn’t run dry when I was on holiday there, a couple of years ago.

Even though the distillery has been around for quite a while, there aren’t that many releases, especially compared to Warenghem and Glann ar Mor, which are far wider spread and more known.

Apart from that, I really like that they’re doing their thing in Brittany, learn from the Scots and then do their own things like buckwheat whisky and things like that. I have a few bottles of that at home but haven’t gotten around to reviewing them over the last couple of years… It’s shameful, I know.

This one then. This is also a 100% buckwheat whisky, which should make it a bit different to barley based whiskies. It matured for 10 years in French oak. According to the website it can be compared to 15 to 18 year old whisky, although without specifying which one, that doesn’t mean much.

Sniff:
Strangely chalky with quite some dusty minerality. Parma violets and candy hearts. Some grist too. A very unique nose. Not bad, but I’m quite surprised by it.

Sip:
The palate is quite thin and a bit more typical for whisky. More oak and gtain, some white pepper and slightly bitter apple seeds. Still that dusty candy stuff, although it’s not very sweet at all.

Swallow:
The finish keeps the dry notes of grist, and lasts quite a long time. Slightly more sweet than before.

I’m not entirely sure what part of the scents and flavors can be attributed to the different grain, but there’s certainly something a bit different than ‘regular single malt’. It’s anything but a spectacular whisky, but with this setting you back almost € 100, I wouldn’t go for a full bottle.

83/100