What do I like about Binny’s in Chicago? Because of their size, they can get some interesting items that other liquor stores cannot. From what I read, they may be the only store in America selling Armorik, a French Single Malt.
Since I collect a lot of different whiskies (some I like, some I don’t), I am always looking for different single malt whiskies, especially those from around the world. I have had single malt whiskey from New Zealand (Milford’s), Japan (Hibiki and Yamazaki), India (Amrut Fusion), Wales (Penderyn) and a couple from America (Stanahans, McCarthy’s, St. George, Wasmunds and Pritchard’s). Of the American, I really like the Stanahan’s Colorado Whiskey, I really have a hard time drinking some of the others. I have not tried the Pritchard’s yet.
Today I tried Armorik. I read from the bottle that it is distilled twice and matured in oak cask for “several years.” The nose is fresh, and definately has that single malt smell, doesn’t smell like bourbon. The taste is surprisingly smooth, but not sweet or fruity. There are hints of vanilla, figs and I can really taste the wood (which I really like). The finish is long and a hint of a burn ( something I don’t mind).
This is a simple single malt, not complex, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Would I recommend it? Sure, if a place was selling it by the dram, give it a try, if anything just to say you did. Should you buy it? Only if you are a collector like I am. This wouldn’t, and because of the price shouldn’t be an everyday dram. At Binny’s it was about $50.