Over the last couple of years of whisky hype we’ve not only seen many more distilleries pop-up in the traditional “Big Five” whisky countries (Scotland, Ireland, U.S.A, Canada & Japan) but also the emergency of many “New World” whiskies. With especially Taiwan (Kavalan), Australia (Starward), India (Amrut, Paul John, Indri), Israel (Milk & Honey) and even The Netherlands (Cley is an absolute favourite of mine) producing some absolutely stellar whiskies. Whisky can be found all across the world, and the French are also producing some very good spirit. Though in my humble opinion… their expertise with Cognac’s and Armagnac’s still completely outshine their Single Malt making abilities. For a country that’s so amazing at making distilled spirits, I find their whisky a bit lacking more often than not. But as new distilleries keep popping up, new chances to prove me wrong keep arising. Today that chance appears in the form of this Fontagard Single Malt CGNC 9918.5.
Fontagard is a truly French whisky, made from French Barley, brewed and distilled in France, and often incorporating French casks as well. In the case of this Fontagard Single Malt CGNC 9918.5 the ageing happened in ex-Bourbon and ex-Cognac casks. For a total of 4 years. Which is an age statement not that uncommon for continental whiskies, though at the same time still not particularly old. Which in the case of approaching a new spirit often isn’t a bad thing at all, as this younger age still allows the spirit to truly shine through. Giving us a chance to take it apart tasting note for tasting note. And hopefully make an educated guess what the whisky will be like with a few more years behind its belt!
Tasting Notes: Fontagard Single Malt CGNC 9918.5
Stats:
Age: 4 years old
ABV: 44%
Distillery: Fontagard
Chill-Filtered: No
Natural Colour: Yes
Nose:
Cooked apples dominate a rather pleasantly green nose, with notes of grass, moss, kardemom, fennel and lemongrass. With plenty of freshly brewed malt to boot. Though matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Cognac casks, it somehow brings immages of a fine aged chardonnay to mind despite those heavily malty notes. Fresh, fruity and bright, this dram is just begging for a hot summer eve!
Palate:
Back to the big apple! Apples sit front and center with this palate, but this time it seems to be incorporated in wonderfull layers of baked goods. Apple beignets, warm apple pie with plenty of cinnamon, candied apple. The vegetal notes of the nose are completely replaced by fruity esters and a lovely layer of honey has been added. While not overly complex, it will surely hit the spot for those who favour apples!
Finish:
The finish has a medium length with little to no bite. Though a little tannins can be noticed tastewise as well as a bit of dryness left on the palate, still reigning supreme are those apples. In fact the finish of this dram reminds me somewhat of the finish of a young Calvados. It’s pleasant and fresh, just like the entire dram really. Where it lacks in complexity, it makes up in sippability. And at this price point (~€50,) that’s a fair deal for a world whisky nowadays.
Food Pairing:
This dram would make a perfect salad with lighter flavours. Pair it with a nice salad if you’re looking for a meal, or with some tuna salad on toast when feeling peckish for a snack. And I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. More of a sweet tooth? Try some Turkish Delight!
Verdict:
It’s not overly complex nor does it hit any real heights flavour wise. But what this dram does, it does well. For the price tag of 50 euro, it sits roughly in the same ballpark as a Glenfiddich 12, which (with it’s apple notes) is actually not that bad of a comparison. This Fontagard Single Malt is a bit brighter and packs a bit more punch, at the cost of being slightly less well-rounded. But personally, that’s a bargain I’m more than willing to take! For a 4-year-old I find this a very promising whisky and I can’t wait to try some older releases in the future!
