Michel Couvreur Overaged N.S. Blended Malt Whisky 70 cl 52%

Somewhere between the vineyards of Andalusia and the Scottish Highlands, a Burgundy village sits on top of a maze of cold, damp tunnels cut into the rock. Sherry casks line the walls, and Scottish malt has been left down there to take its time.

Expert description

Michel Couvreur Overaged N.S. is a Blended Malt Whisky from Burgundy, matured in sherry casks and bottled at 52%.

The spirit was distilled in Scotland. Which distilleries supplied the malt is not stated anywhere, and that suits the house just fine. The label says only that it is a vatting of several very old whiskies, matured with sherry casks in the house's own cellars in Bouze-lès-Beaune. There is no age statement on the bottle, though retailers put the malt at somewhere between 12 and 27 years.

Michel Couvreur was a Belgian who came to Burgundy in the 1950s to work with wine. In 1978 he set up his whisky business in old cellars in Bouze-lès-Beaune. He died in 2013, and his apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried the work on.

Couvreur's view was that oak, more than the spirit or the distiller, is what turns grain spirit into whisky. The house says as much on the box: whisky happens when a grain distillate slowly takes on the character of oak that has held great wines. Here, the wine is sherry.

N.S. on the box marks the stronger bottling at 52%, where the standard bottle in the range sits at 43%. The colour is natural.

Tasting notes

Nose

Dried flowers and light tobacco come first, then prunes and dried cherries. Behind them sit Jerez-style sherry, rich almond and a hint of honey.

Palate

Fruity and powerful. Dark chocolate, Christmas cake and cinnamon, with orange blossom and a peppery edge at the end. If there is smoke, it is a whisper.

Finish

Long and warm. The sherry lingers, and the pepper stays on the tongue.

Specifications

Name: Michel Couvreur Overaged N.S. Blended Malt Whisky Burgundy
Bottler: Michel Couvreur
Region/Country: Burgundy, France
Type: Blended Malt Whisky
ABV: 52%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry casks
Natural colour: Yes
EAN no.: 3760150950170

Flavour profile

Sherry-matured · Dried fruit · Spicy · Nutty · Powerful

Did you know?

The village is called Bouze-lès-Beaune, and on the box the house itself calls the name aptly chosen. Say Bouze out loud and booze is not far away.

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Frequently asked questions about Michel Couvreur Overaged N.S.

What does Michel Couvreur Overaged N.S. taste like?

Sherry up front, more dry and full than sweet. The nose brings dried flowers, light tobacco and rich almond, and the palate adds prunes, cherries, Christmas cake and a touch of pepper. The finish is long and warm.

Is Michel Couvreur Overaged a Scotch Whisky?

No. The spirit is distilled in Scotland but matured in France, and Scotch Whisky has to be matured in Scotland. That is why the label says Malt Whisky, and we list it as a Blended Malt Whisky because it is a vatting of several whiskies.

What does N.S. mean on Michel Couvreur Overaged?

N.S. stands for Natural Strength, the 52% bottling as opposed to the 43% standard bottle. There is no age statement on the bottle, but retailers put the malt at 12 to 27 years.

How should I serve Michel Couvreur Overaged N.S.?

At room temperature in a tulip-shaped whisky glass. At 52%, a few drops of water can open up the sherry and soften the alcohol. Ice is not needed.

Who was Michel Couvreur, and why is the whisky matured in Burgundy?

Michel Couvreur was a Belgian wine man who settled in Burgundy and made whisky from 1978. His cellar lies midway between the vineyards of Andalusia and the Scottish Highlands, and the cool, damp rock gives a slow maturation in sherry casks.

Is Michel Couvreur Overaged N.S. a good gift?

Yes, if the recipient likes sherry-matured whisky. It comes in a white gift box, and the style is sherry rather than peat.