We continue to explore the boundaries of single malts… so on my last trip to Singapore, I challenged the lass at La Maison du Whisky to suggest something ‘completely different.’ She immediately pulled off the shelf this Eddu Silver – a buckwheat whisky from Bretagne, France.
The distillery heritage was as a cider distillery under Guy Le Lay who then embarked on a novel experiment with black buckwheat from Bretagne in 1998. Today, the Distillerie des Menhirs is run by his three sons with a small, unique range of buckwheat whiskies – aptly named ‘Eddu’ which apparently means buckwheat in Breton.
Yup! Think that fits the bill for something unique!
- Nose – Immediately noted it is distinctly different. A bit like an outdoor pool with a hint of chlorine, sharp fruit, quite ripe, honey, then a hint of menthol or euculapoytus, fresh apples, raisins, boiled sweets and confectioners shop, then mousambi rind
- Palate – Light spice, lots of sugars, wheat cereals
- Finish – Light and sweet then gone nearly in an instant
Overall we found while it isn’t complex, it was oddly pleasing. While certainly not one we would say “Hey I feel like sipping an Eddu tonight”, it certainly was worth sampling and one to add to a collection of unique drams for others in Mumbai to try.
We did wonder whether the colour is natural – obviously having no benchmark with buckwheat or information specifically stating no added colour – we had nothing to confirm or deny. However it does indeed have a copper darkness that seems near impossible in what we normally expect in a NAS whisky.
As we continued sipping, found it remaining unique – fresh, sweet and almost organic.
And so we thought to have a little fun… our host popped into the kitchen and returned with a glass mixing jar with ice, campari, sugar liquor, lime and generous dollops of Eddu. An instant refreshing cocktail!
Here’s what the La Maison du Whisky folks have to say:
This pure buckwheat Breton whisky is produced using 80% unmalted buckwheat and 20% malted buckwheat, a mix which reinforces its fruity character. In addition, it is aged in Cognac oak casks. Yermat! (Cheers)
- Appearance : old gold with glints of copper.
- Nose : intense, complex. Fruity (citrus fruit, fresh fruit) and floral (rose, heather).
- Palate : intensified, original fruitiness (apple, ripe plum). Spices (cinnamon, pepper). Very delicately woody.
- Overall : a fantastic fresh feeling. Fruity and balanced throughout. Fleshy, unctuous.
Purchased from La Maison du Whisky in Singapore for SGD 105 in June 2017.
Other whiskies sampled in our Mumbai monsoon malts evening included:
- R & B Distillers – Borders Single Grain 51.7% & Raasay “While We Wait” 46%
- The Exceptional – Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 43% & Blend Small Batch Scotch Whisky 43%
- Highland Park 12 year 40%
- Finlaggan Cask Strength 58%
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