PRIMARY FLAVOURS

• Stonefruit
• Pear
• Honey
• Grapes

Story

Aymeric Roborel de Climens spent over twenty years as a winemaker in Bordeaux. Now he makes 100% French whiskies, using French malt and maturing them in oak barrels previously used by French wineries to make wine. Uniquely, these whiskies are limited editions, with flavours from barrels from a specific winery or chateau, the whisky's flavours married to the character of the oak.

And the A. Roborel De Climens spirits? They're wildly charismatic, but very different from your usual Scotch or Aussie whiskies, with more fruit, more fragrance and more generosity. Importantly, these whiskies are made with no cold filtration or colouring agents.

This edition from A. Roborel De Climens was matured in oak barrels that had been used to make white Bordeaux (based on Sauvignon Blanc grapes) at the small Graves producer Clos Floridène. A double oaked whisky, this was matured in 20% new and 80% second-fill French barrels and then finished off in the ex-Clos Floridène oak. You really can pick up some of that Sauvignon character in this whisky too, with a little stonefruit in among the vanilla and honey whisky base.

Specs

PAIRING GUIDE

With its distinctive fruity tones, this fascinating French whisky is very much in a world of its own, and really deserves a light touch in the pairing. Served neat with a garnish of lime works wonderfully, but otherwise we think it's best to lean with more fruit-driven and light choices that don't obscure the luscious beauty of this whisky. Fruit-based desserts and pastries are our natural go-to, especially as they help pick up the vanilla oak richness in the spirit, otherwise white mould cheese is and dried fruits are impossible to deny.

RECIPE MATCHES

• Spiced Apple Tarte Tatin
• Boozy Chicken Liver and Orange Pate
• Ricotta with Baked Figs and Nuts