Box 5 - Guilde du Chardon - June 2026
LIVE TASTING - Wednesday 01 July - 20H
1. Glenfarclas 12
Nestled at the foot of Ben Rinnes in Banffshire, Glenfarclas — meaning "valley of green grass" in Gaelic — was officially founded and licensed in 1836 by Robert Hay, although evidence suggests that an illicit distillery operated on the site as early as 1791.
It was in 1865 that John Grant, a successful cattle breeder, bought the farm and distillery for the sum of £511 and 19 shillings – a tasty anecdote when we know that some bottles from the Family Casks collection today sell for multiples of this sum. Six generations of the Grant family have since succeeded each other at the head of the distillery, with John Grant at its helm today, whose son George serves as brand ambassador. Their motto, The Spirit of Independence, is not a marketing slogan — it’s a lived reality: Glenfarclas is one of the last truly family-run, independent distilleries in Scotland.
For a video presentation of the history of Glenfarclas, click here.
On the nose, we start delicately with beautiful fresh and juicy apples, which seem to go into the oven little by little. The oranges arrive next, between zest and orange blossom. A few spices bring a warmer side with also small white flowers and a hint of cereals which bring the ball to a close.
In the mouth, we find a world of roundness. The oranges of the nose with a very nice buttery side. Add to that a little cinnamon, a hint of pepper and some cereal notes. We finish with lemons and floral freshness.
The final is medium long, on oranges, cereals and pepper.
2. Benriach 12
Benriach was founded in 1898 by John Duff, serial entrepreneur of the world of whisky, on a small promontory — a well — on the site of the old Riach farm, in northern Speyside. The name of the distillery is therefore literally the topography of the place. Duff also owned the nearby Longmorn Distillery, and the two sites were linked by a private railway, with a steam locomotive nicknamed The Puggy, which transported coal, barley, peat and barrels between the two distilleries.
However, Benriach's destiny was quickly thwarted. Barely two years after its opening, the Pattison Crash of 1900 —the fraudulent bankruptcy of the merchants Pattison, Elder & Co. which shook the entire sector—resulted in the closure of the distillery. A fate shared with Glenfarclas who also almost sank in the same shipwreck. During the 65 years of silence that followed, only malting continued: the floor maltings of Benriach remained active to supply Longmorn with malted barley, thus maintaining a tenuous link with life.
The distillery only began producing whisky again in 1965, under the leadership of Glenlivet Distillers Ltd. It was in the 1970 years that Benriach made a bold and countercultural decision: to distill Highland peat-peated whisky in a region of Speyside renowned for its unpeated whiskies. This originality forges the DNA of the house and constitutes one of its most distinctive brands to this day.
To produce Benriach Twelve, Benriach alcohol is aged for at least twelve years in three different barrels: sherry, bourbon and port barrels. The whiskies from each cask are then carefully blended to create a smooth and rich single malt
On the nose, we will find a nice vanilla, with a few raisins. We have some spices, before finding a touch of citrus and fig. A hint of maple syrup appears with a hint of coffee.
In the mouth, the cereal comes to the fore, with a return of vanilla from the nose. We find some citrus fruits and a honeyed side, with cinnamon and some nuts. We then have a little leather and a fig note.
The final is long, on spices, dried fruits and coffee.
3. Benriach The Smoky Twelve
In 2020 Benriach decided to rework its range. After a policy of experimentation of all kinds, a bit like Mark Reynier at the helm of Bruichladdich, at the time. They have therefore streamlined, as well as reworked, their permanent range. To start, these are 4 bottlings which offer us two 10 years and two 12 years with a peated and unpeated version each time.
Smoky Twelve is the perfect combination of fruit, malt, oak and rich smoky notes. Made from a blend of peated and non-peated spirits, aged for at least twelve years in three different barrels: bourbon, sherry and Marsala. The whiskies from each barrel are then carefully blended to create a smooth and creamy single malt, with multiple flavors of ripe fruit, aromatic smoky sweetness and warm notes of oak spice.
On the nose, we find a pretty vanilla, quickly overtaken by smoke and hot ashes. We quickly dive into citrus fruits with bitter oranges and some spices, cinnamon and ginger first. We find some buttery notes and finish with nuts.
In the mouth, we find the citrus fruits of the nose, but also some cooked apples. We have a little caramel and above all a nice bitter cocoa, which are intertwined with a nice swirl of smoke. We finish with sweet spices and some woody notes, as well as some nuts.
The final is long, on citrus fruits, smoke, chocolate and spices.
Box 4 - Guilde du Chardon - May 2026
LIVE TASTING - Wednesday 03 June - 20H
1. Amrut fusion
Amrut presents us with a Single Malt from the blend of two vintages. The first uses a malted barley that finds its origins at the foot of the Himalayas and the second uses peated malted barley from Scotland.
These two vintages were aged independently for four years in a quasi-tropical climate which accelerated their aging before being blended.
Not chill filtered, it was bottled at 50°. It has a nice roundness and is medium peaty.
On the nose the peat is not as present as expected. We find a beautiful woodiness, sweet notes of honey and roasted barley. It then softens with frangipane, bitter oranges and fruits, pineapple and apricots. Licorice and a little pepper remind us that we are dealing with peaty.
In the mouth we immediately find the barley of the nose as well as the fruits, more exotic with the return of pineapple and the addition of mangoes. We then find citrus fruits and licorice makes a return. The spices then arrive, pepper and ginger, to close the ball.
The final is long, on barley, spices and a touch of peaty.
2. Bowmore 9 years
This Bowmore 9 years embodies the subtle balance between delicate smoke and fruity freshness. Resulting from controlled maturation, it reveals an accessible personality while retaining the maritime identity specific to its island of origin. Its sweetness on the palate is accompanied by a light peat, never intrusive, which gives way to notes of citrus and honey. It is a whisky that appeals to both curious amateurs and connoisseurs in search of an elegant and easy-to-appreciate expression.
On the nose, a soft smoke is accompanied by notes of citrus, honey and sea air.
In the mouth, the balance between light peat and malty sweetness reveals flavors of lemon, caramel and a salty touch.
The final is supple, slightly smoky, with a delicate persistence.
3. Bowmore 15 years
The Bowmore 15 years is an excellent whisky in the permanent range of the Bowmore distillery.
Its distinctive character is marked by rich grape aromas and subtle smoke that lead the way to a nicely chocolatey center.
This whisky stands out in particular for its maturation process, first in Bourbon barrels then in Oloroso barrels. It is the last three years spent in these Sherry casks that give Bowmore 15 years its deep colour and warm, robust finish.
On the nose the influence of sherry is undeniable. Raisins, oranges, grapefruit, we take a nice tour towards Jerez. Walnut kernels and leather notes give character, while an earthy peat gradually arrives. We finish on a salty and metallic side, with a little coffee in the background.
In the mouth the peat is this time first, with smoke and soot. Nuts are back with the coffee, followed by a cereal note. The saline notes also return, with a hint of cold tobacco and citrus. we finish with liquorice.
The final is long, on prunes, saline notes, nuts and oranges.
Box 3 - Guilde du Chardon - April 2026
REPLAY - LIVE TASTING BOX 3
1. Togouchi Kiwami
Distillery: Sakurao
Country: Japan
whisky “Kiwami Togouchi” results from a unique blend of Japanese whiskies grains and malt (20%). In Japanese, "Kiwami" means "supreme".
Her exceptional know-how is based on an ancestral heritage in the production of shochu and sake while drawing inspiration from traditional Scottish techniques that she takes care to revisit.
Togouchi whiskies are aged in a tunnel dug in 1970 at the foot of Osorakan mountain. It measures 361 meters long and offers perfect maturation conditions: the temperature is ideally maintained at 14°C and the hydrometry is constant at 80% , thus limiting the impact of the wood and letting the juices express themselves fully by themselves. The spring water comes from the Sandankyo mountain range. She is very pure.
Nose : all lightness and elegance, Togouchi Kiwami reveals notes of hazelnut and cereals.
Mouth : of great refinement, a sweet characteristic flavour of hazelnut and chocolate opens up, enhanced with notes of honey and sweet spices.
Final : vanilla, slightly smoked.
2. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Distillery: Woodford Reserve
Country: Kentucky, USA
Exclusive to Comptoir Irish - this very special bourbon is available in limited quantities. Developed in an artisanal manner in the oldest distillery in the United States (Woodford County, Kentucky) dating back to 1812, , this Bourbon is aged in a unique way thanks to double maturation which fully masters the combinations of barrel and wood and their influence on the whisky. Indeed, the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked rested in heavily burned white oak barrels, it then underwent a second passage in new oak barrels twice as toasted and then very lightly toasted, so as to bring out more of the natural juices of the wood.
This additional maturation gives this new expression more character and roundness. Its unique flavour, twice as intense, also lies in the blend of the best cereals as well as the quality of the white oak barrels used.
Nose : black fruits, caramel, honey, chocolate and almond paste. Toasted oak notes.
Mouth : full-bodied blend of vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, apples and spices.
Finale: apple and honey.
3. Eagle Rare 10 years
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Country: Kentucky, USA
Eagle Rare 10 years is a high quality Straight Bourbon. This Single Barrel from the United States is herbaceous with rich and delicious notes of coconut, crème brûlée, apples and dried pears coated with spices.
Carefully aged for ten years, Eagle Rare has developed an aromatic palette of rare intensity for a Kentucky whisky. He regularly receives prizes and awards, including six for the year 2016.
Nose : complex aromas of caramel, herbaceous notes and scents of orange zest, honey, leather and toasted oak.
Mouth : bold, spicy and quite dry oak flavors with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa combined with aromas of coconut, crème brûlée, apples and pears.
Finale: dry and persistent.
Box 2 - Guilde du Chardon - March 2026
Replay - LIVE TASTING 25 MARS 2026 - 20H
1. Bushmills 10 years
40% alc.
Distillery: The Old Bushmills
Country: Northern Ireland, County Antrim
Bushmills 10 years is the most famous Irish Single Malt. It is characterized by a triple distillation typical for whisky from the Old Bushmills distillery, and a majority maturation in American oak barrels (Bourbon barrels), with a small percentage of malt aged in European oak sherry barrels (Sherry Butts).
It is a full-bodied whisky but soft and supple in finish which perfectly evokes the Irish spirit.
Nose : elegant and very balanced, it turns out to be fine and creamy on notes of malted cereals, citrus (lemon) and licorice. Aeration of flowers, clover and vanilla.
Mouth : soft and slightly creamy, it is faithful to the nose. Finely wooded, it also reveals notes of almond and honey and melted chocolate.
Final : long, with a nice herbaceous dryness
On the Live tasting tour to discover the anecdotes and secrets of Bushmills!
2. Teeling Rioja Wine
46% alk.
Distillery: Teeling Whiskey Company
Country: Ireland, Dublin
Let yourself be carried away by this modern creation signed by the Teeling Whiskey Company distillery in Dublin: a refined Irish whiskey, ripened in barrels containing red wine from the prestigious Rioja region of Spain. Result: an elegant aromatic palette blending ripe red fruits, sweet vanilla, fine spices and subtle wine tannins. Served to 46 % alcohol and not cold filtered, it retains all the richness of its profile. Whether you want to surprise your guests or enjoy a moment of tasting in peace, this whiskey brings a touch of sophistication and audacity.
Nose : Strawberry compote, cherry, delicate cinnamon and sweet caramel
Mouth : Black berries, salted butter caramel, black pepper and nutmeg
Final : Long, luxurious finish with dry tannins, light minerality, honey and a hint of dark chocolate
On the Live tasting tour to discover Teeling's anecdotes and secrets!
3. Tullamore D.E.W. - 14 years
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
Country: Ireland, Middleton
Tullamore Dew presents us with a new edition of the Single Malt 14. This expression is the result of an assemblage of Irish whiskeys aged in bourbon, sherry, port and madeer barrels.
A result of a triple distillation carried out in the Midleton distillery, this single malt blend is marked by notes of citrus fruits, ripe apples and tropical fruits.
He won a bronze medal as the best Irish Single Malt aged 13-20 at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.
Nose: intensely fruity, it is first marked by notes of ripe apples and citrus fruits, and then opens on a tip of tropical fruits. The whole is deliciously wrapped in oak and vanilla aromas.
Mouth : Gourmet and generous, it is dominated by intense aromas of fruits and oak, to develop on subtle notes of spices.
Final : long and deliciously sweet.
Live tasting meeting to discover the anecdotes and secrets of Tullamore D.E.W.
Test phase 1 - Guilde du Chardon - December 2025
REPLAY - LIVE DEGUSTATION COFFEE 1
1. Arran 10 (Lochranza Distillery)
Distillery: Lochranza Distillery
Place: Arran Island, Western Highlands, Scotland
Nose
On the nose, it's a little Christmas: candied citrus and honey choke in an intoxicating waltz quickly accompanied by liquorice. The salted butter caramel will point the tip of its nose with its acolyte water.
Mouth
Classic Arran. The citrus notes have rounded with age and reveal new depths of character on a soft oak and apple background.
Final
Sweet spices coat the tongue, with notes of hazelnut and cinnamon. Long, clean and fresh.
2. Ledaig Sinclair Series (Tobermory Distillery)
Distillery: Tobermory Distillery
Place: Tobermory, Mull Island, Western Highlands
Nose
Notes of Loukoum candy and balanced rose petals with candied fruits and grapes, followed by rich leather and a beautiful peppery spice. A hint of chocolate goes into the background.
Mouth
She's creamy and generous. Almonds, barley and sweet malt mix with peppery notes. Then all this gives way to black fruits, sweet vanilla and cocoa sprinkled with cinnamon spices and freshly cut grass notes.
Final
Persistent smoke with red fruits and salinity that doesn't want to go away.
3. Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 years old (Ardbeg Distillery)
Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
Place: Ardbeg, Islay Island
Nose
From the opening, it hurts! This Ardbeg, like many of his older brothers, attacks strongly on the first nose with very fresh vegetable notes that accompany vanilla, pear and black pepper. We have a side of fir sap, coffee, fennel, green apple, and anise that mix this nose with obviously a lot of peat.
Mouth
Very rich with pure cocoa, notes of smoked bacon, anis and eucalyptus (I have the impression that we often find eucalyptus in young Ardbeg... we will discuss this in Live). The potency of peat develops as tasting takes place.
Final
A long finish that covers the mouth with an iodized flavor with hints of cocoa, caramel and smoked meat.