Michel Couvreur 12 Year Old "Overaged" Malt French Whisky (700ml)

Staff Reviews

DO

David Othenin-Girard

David Othenin-Girard

K&L Buyer

Review Date: 01/2025

The most classic of all of Couvreur's offerings actually provides some of the best bang for you buck drinking in the store. This is indeed a very similar blend to the K&L Exclusive, less the peated element. There is a tiny hint of peat here, and I have to say, I think this blend has improved seriously over the last 18 years since I first tried it. Less raw and pointed now, we have more influence on the sherry and more of those wonderful deep cellars notes -rancio, earth, oloroso, magic- that we love about Couvreur. Big bold vanillas and fruit notes jump from the glass around the funky malt and remain through the palate. Thanks to going direct on this one we've been able to get the price down. A stupendous deal for the quality.

Notes

Belgian Michel Couvreur was an independent bottler of single-malt Scotch. After his death, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. The cellars are located in Bouze-lès-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. There, Michel aged his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns (giant glass bottles) kept in total darkness in well-protected underground galleries. Vatted from 54 whiskies aged 12 to 27 years in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine, and fat almond, plus a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.