Side by side: ArmoriK

A couple of unusual drams for this side by side, a pair of @ArmorikWhisky from the Warenghem distillery.

Just in case you don't know Warenghem is a French distillery located in Brittany in the north east of the country.

The distillery was built in 1900 specialising in the production of fruit and plant liqueurs and creams, including apple cider and brandy. They diversified into blending whisky in 1987 and launched their first single malt in 1998.

They now produce a range of peated, unpeated and sherry cask finished whiskies and a Rye.

Dram	Original	Double
Characteristics	40% ABV, Natural colour, NCF	46% ABV, Natural colour, NCF
Distillery info	Aged in oak casks Its Breton origins forged the character of Armorik, the first single malt Breton whisky. Produced by double distillation in traditional copper stills, it is then aged for many years in oak casks in our Breton cellars where the sea, wind and rain imbibe it with the subtle nuances of the Celtic soul. Nose: Fine and elegant, with floral and fruity notes (apple, citrus) Mouth: A full-bodied, fruity attack, lightly spiced, with an overall refinement of delightful woody notes. Fine marine and invigorating touches accentuate the palate. Finish: light with smoky, cereal notes.	Genuine symbol of the Distillery's values, this Armorik highlights both the quality of its know-how and its attachment to the Breton land. In partnership with a local cooper, the Distillery designed unique Brittany oak casks. Armorik Double Maturation remains in them for many long years before being transferred into Oloroso sherry casks for a second maturation. Reduced to 46% and non-chill filtered, it pleases through its richness and elegance. Nose: Fruity and elegant, it has wonderful citrus and apple notes, highlighted by salted butter caramel fragrance. Palate: Fine woody notes rapidly changed on to cereal ones, all with an unsuspected fullness. Finish: Touches of heather honey perfume, the finish in the mouth is sustained by the cereals and pleasant marine notes.
My thoughts:
Appearance
	Pale gold in the glass, swirls lead to thick slow falling legs.	Similar to the Original but with a slight red hue, similar legs.
Nose	Acetone, honey and orchard fruit come to the fore. There's a malt note too, some lemon and maybe a hint of salt.	Dried pineapple, maritime breeze and a hint of strawberry.  Quiet unusual! There's also some lemon and cherry influences.
Palate	Watery fruity arrival, apples, pears and apricot. Slightly drying in the mouth with a lovely oaky spice note. There's some salt here again and a hint of wood smoke.	Slightly thicker arrival with an immediate note of strawberry,  there's some honey sweetness and a note of toffee. More oaky spice with an added note of pepper.
Finish	Sweet honey finish, fairly long and warming with hints of the salt and smoke.	Lingering spicy finish with maritime notes. Drying as it goes leaving some honey sweetness.
Overall	I'm sure the Original is fairly young, maybe as young as 3yo, the nose hints at that but the palate and finish suggest an older dram - it's nice enough and for around €21 is good value for money. My understanding is that the Double spends 3 years in French oak then 3 years in ex-Sherry casks so again a young whisky - but still rather nice. This one sells for nearer €50 so whilst a better whisky I'm not sure it's worth the high price tag. Both are worth a try if you come across them! If you are in the area they do free tours (including tastings) between June and October - how many Scottish distilleries to that?