Michel Couvreur The Unique over 4 years old Grain Whisky 70 cl 44

Grain whisky rarely gets the spotlight, but at Michel Couvreur even the grain gets the same uncompromising care as the house malt.

Expert's description

Michel Couvreur The Unique over 4 Years is a Grain Whisky matured in sherry casks and bottled at 44 percent.

The whisky carries at least 4 years of cask maturation and, like the rest of Couvreur's range, is matured further on fresh sherry casks using the house's fresh filling method in the damp cellars of Bouze-lès-Beaune. Grain whisky is typically lighter and more grain-sweet than malt whisky, but the cask gives it a surprising richness here.

Michel Couvreur travelled to Jerez himself to source his sherry casks, with help from Emilio Lustau, and shipped them - still wet with sherry - to the damp cellars of Burgundy. The village of Bouze-lès-Beaune sits almost symbolically halfway between Jerez and the Scottish Highlands.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose is sweet and grainy with notes of vanilla, honey and a hint of ripe apple.

Palate

The palate is soft and lightly sweet, with caramel and sherry giving unexpected richness to the light grain base.

Finish

The finish is medium and warm, closing with a sweetness of honey and a hint of spice.

Specifications

Name: The Unique
Distillery: Michel Couvreur
Region/Country: France
Type: Grain Whisky
Age: over 4 years
ABV: 44 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Edition: The Unique

Flavour profile

Grainy · Sweet · Soft · Sherry-matured

Did you know?

Grain whisky is typically distilled in continuous column stills rather than the pot stills used for malt whisky, usually giving a lighter spirit - but Couvreur's sherry casks add a richness rarely found in grain whisky.

Frequently asked questions about Michel Couvreur The Unique over 4 år Grain Whisky 70 cl 44%

What's the difference between grain whisky and malt whisky?

Grain whisky is usually made from several grain types and distilled in continuous column stills, while malt whisky is made exclusively from malted barley in pot stills. Grain whisky tends to be lighter and sweeter.

How old is this whisky?

It has matured in cask for over 4 years.

Is this whisky coloured or chill filtered?

No, it's neither chill filtered nor coloured.

Is grain whisky a good choice for a beginner?

Yes, the light, grain-sweet style makes grain whisky like this a gentle and approachable introduction to French whisky.

How should this whisky be served?

Try it at room temperature in a nosing glass - the mild style also takes well to a single ice cube.

What makes this particular grain whisky different?

Michel Couvreur's fresh filling method gives the whisky a richness and sherry character that most grain whiskies on the market simply don't have.