Featured at World Whisky Day 2018: A decade or two ago, it might have seemed the very picture of strangeness to have the rise of French whiskies we’re seeing even though the country has long been a large consumer of scotch. The distillery itself is old but the company who owns it is based out of Florida, Venturi Brands. Unlike many current whisky companies, Vicomte and Venturi seem cloaked behind non-functioning websites and precious little information about the whisky beyond what is listed on the label. Though the Vicomte 8 Year was only released in 2015, so it remains to be seen whether it can break into the markets it desires. It is aged entirely in ex-Cognac barrels and the barley is from the Poitou-Charentes region.
Distillery: Vicomte
Region: Foreign
Age: 8 years
Strength: 40%
Price: $37.99
Location: France
Maturation: Cognac barrels
Nose: Perfume, banana
Palate: Fruit, spice, caramel
Finish: Perfume, banana, bubble gum
Comments:
Adam – This Vicomte 8 Year is an intriguing beast. It has that lovely floral perfume on the nose that I’ve come to recognize as a hallmark of ex-Cognac barrels. There’s a nice spice among the fruit on the tongue before finishing in a bubble gum sweetness for me. While the similarities to the Brenne might make an easy comparison, I’m trying not to do so because the Vicomte does not fare as well. It’s a simpler spirit with a narrower and more restrained flavor profile. What it is lovely for is a warm day where an Islay just wouldn’t do and where you don’t want to explore the complexities of what you’re drinking, because they’re just not there. I’d be curious to see what a few more years in the barrel might bring, but wonder if some of what I don’t like stems from having the entirety of the maturation in ex-Cognac casks rather than just as a finish. It’s almost too much of a good thing.
Really good with food. In some ways it’s better than food.
Jenny – This smells like an aged Brenne to me. I’m still getting banana and perfume. It feels more mature, as it’s been sitting in oak longer. Instead of banana runts, you’re getting banana foster. If the Brenne had an older sibling, this would be its sultry sister.
Meghan – This one has a very perfumed nose with a hint of spice. It’s a more old fashioned perfume smell combined with overripe bananas. Luckily, for me, it does not taste like bananas of any type. This has been an on/off whisky for me. Sometimes, it seems absolutely perfect and other times, I’d rather forget about it. The palate is a bit weak and thin; it would benefit from more viscosity. There is also some nice, gentle fruit along with the more standard hint of caramel. The back of the palate, moving into the finish, is quite sweet- like licking the powdery sugar off of a piece of bubble gum. Overall, it’s a whisky that leaves me wanting more. On the good days, I’m left wanting more of it. On the others, I’m left wanting more development, cognac, and richness from it.
Michael – This transports me to the water lily room at the Musee de l’Orangerie in Paris. I want to sip this whisky while I’m looking at all the Monet in that room.
Peter – It was very enjoyable. It was lighter and fruitier. There are layers and textures that kept going. One surprise to another that carries you. It’s fun to drink. I loved it.
Caitlin – It’s really good with food. In some ways it’s better than food. The Vicomte 8 Year is not a solo player. It definitely wants to be part of an ensemble.
Ben – The Vicomte 8 Year doesn’t have any hard lines. But it does kind of glow with different things. There’s a sweet candy to it. It smells kind of like brand new, fresh clothing. Not quite ripe melon or cantalope, a taste of between ripeness. It tastes almost ready.
