Brigantia 10 Years (2014/2024) Chardonnay Single Cask Distillery Exclusive
Ten years in a chardonnay cask and exclusively available at the Steinhauser distillery – you know what to expect. Or rather, you don't. This Brigantia Distillery Exclusive pulls no punches with its oak and delivers a single malt that has made dryness and character its guiding principles.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Oak announces itself immediately and with confidence, followed by a massive helping of red grape and raisin. Blood orange brings a tart freshness, Brazil nut an earthy depth. Yeasty notes and a tannic undertone complete the first impression. After the first sip, the surprise: intense dark caramel forces its way into the picture and transforms the bouquet entirely.
Palate
Bone-dry – there's no other way to put it. Dried fruit and a lovely sweetness push back, with apricot and plum bringing fruit depth. A hefty dose of wood suggests a small cask – but it wasn't. Dark caramel slides in and lends the flavour a spicy weight that defines this single malt's character.
Finish
Nutty, extremely nutty. The dryness returns, paired with strong tannins that hold nothing back. Black pepper and old leather emerge, alongside a touch of sour cherry that offers a fruity counterpoint right at the end. Long and powerful – this finish stays.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100 - (Excellent)
Definitely one of the more unusual kind – I've rarely had such a dry whisky in my glass. A touch too much oak, sure, but the aromas behind it come through surprisingly well. And here's the insider tip: try this with chocolate, dark or milk, doesn't matter. Or poured over vanilla ice cream. Trust me!
Sascha 80/100 - (Excellent)
Cask hammer. Lots of cask, less whisky – which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Built hard against the wood, a fascinating contrast emerges between initial sweetness and the edge of bitterness. Intriguing and unconventional, but honestly not one to recommend to most palates.
Value for Money: 3/5 (Fair)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Distillery Exclusive' mean for Brigantia?
The Distillery Exclusive is a special bottling available only at the Steinhauser distillery in Kressbronn on Lake Constance. These releases are typically limited single cask bottlings sold exclusively on site, distinguished by particularly distinctive cask profiles.
Why is this whisky so dry?
The ten-year maturation in a chardonnay cask has lent the whisky a pronounced dryness, amplified by strong tannins and intense wood influence. Compared to the Brigantia Cognac Single Cask, which is noticeably sweeter and more delicate, the Chardonnay variant shows just how differently wine casks can shape a whisky.
What food pairs well with the Brigantia Chardonnay Single Cask?
With its dryness, nutty notes, and dark caramel, this whisky is an ideal companion to chocolate – both dark and milk varieties work brilliantly. A special tip: try a splash over vanilla ice cream. The sweetness of the ice cream and the dryness of the whisky complement each other perfectly.