Rozelieurs Tourbé Collection ‘Alcopedia’

On the one hand you’ll find the Distillerie Grallet-Dupic in Rozelieures, that markets Lorraine single malt making use of local barley and peat, on the other hand there is Alcopedia, a company run by an adepts of good spirits and books. With Alcopedia he combines both passions. The ‘books’ contain calvados, cognac or whisky. The version I am trying today – thanks to my whiskybuddy Marc D – is one filled with peated whisky from Rozelieures.

If I tell you that the nose reminds me – even for just a second – of Talisker and Ledaig, I’d say that’s a compliment, no? A bit salty, mildly peppery, soft peat, but also sweetness in the guise of sugared lemon peel and peach. Some menthol too, although that evaporates quickly. Very pleasant surprise.

It has an oily structured on the palate, almost syrupy. Immediately very tasty. Apple, pear, peach and pineapple wrapped in a smoky jacket. Lovely notes of molded wood, sweet and sour peat and cold ashes. Some honey to keep it sweet.

The finish is surprisingly long, sweet and smoky and very good. The best part of this French malt, actually.

Pour this blind without prejudice and you’ll not be disappointed. Au contraire. In fact, I had encountered Rozelieures whisky last year at the festival in Toulouse. I was pleasantly surprised then. This one confirms.