SWELL DE SPIRITS - Constantia Eastern Tales No.1 - Ben Nevis 2014 Peated - Bourbon Hogshead - 58.1%
Swell de Spirits is an independent, family-owned bottler based in Pessac, in the southwest of France. Founded in 2021 by Michael Barbaria and Kelly, this passionate house specializes in selecting and bottling rare and exceptional spirits. Their range includes a wide selection of limited editions, featuring unique bottles of rum, whisky, armagnac, and cognac from the most prestigious distilleries around the world.
Eastern Tales 01 "The Rooster" represents the inaugural release marking the opening of our Constantia gourmet restaurant, scheduled for September 6, 2024, in Bordeaux. A symbol of loyalty, punctuality, and renewal, the rooster is the tenth sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, associated with luck and protection. In ancient Chinese tradition, the rooster's crow signals the end of the night and the start of a new day, bringing hope and light. This Single Malt comes from the prestigious Ben Nevis - Peated distillery, located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Distilled in 2014, this peated whisky aged for 10 years in large Bourbon hogshead casks (250 liters), offering a subtle balance between intense woody aromas and the smoothness of aging. Bottled in April 2024 at cask strength 58.1%, this exclusive edition is limited to only 140 numbered bottles.
Peated
Tasting notes by Fabien:
A few years ago, Mika and I had the idea to create an exclusive series for our restaurant, Constantia: a unique collection of spirits crafted to enhance the gastronomic harmonies imagined by our chef. Thus was born the Eastern Tales collection, embodying not only an expression of excellence in spirits but also a nod to the Chinese zodiac signs, perfectly in tune with the elegant decor and subtle Asian influence of our establishment.
For this first release, I invite you on a sensory journey to Scotland with this Ben Nevis 2014, a true personal favorite. Its powerful and assertive aromatic profile is dominated by intense peat, revealing smoky, tar, and damp earth scents characteristic of peated single malts. In the background, delicate notes of vanilla, blond caramel, and dried fruits soften the whole, highlighted by a very gentle saline touch reminiscent of the sea spray from the west coast of Scotland. On the palate, it unfolds a generous and full-bodied richness with flavors of roasted malt and dark chocolate, supported by a persistent and elegant smoke. The long, warm finish captivates with its complexity, blending peat, mild spices, and a beautiful aromatic depth. A remarkable tasting experience for lovers of exceptional peated whisky.
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