P&M Red Oak
Distillation has been a tradition in Corsica for over 150 years, while the Pietra brewery has only been brewing beer since 1995. Pietra and the Mavela distillery have recently entered into a collaboration, releasing their products under the name P&M Single Malt Corsican Whisky. Today, we're exploring the "Red Oak" special edition, featuring spring and winter barley, 5ppm of smoke, a Holstein Pot Still, maturation in ex-Niellucciu (a Corsican grape variety) red wine casks, and a limited run of 567 bottles. Unfortunately, the age of the whisky remains a secret.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose of the Red Oak immediately captivates with a decidedly exotic character. A strong grain note accompanied by pronounced maltiness meets typical aromas of caramel, walnut, and a hint of vanilla. However, it gets particularly interesting – a touch of eccentricity best described as "funky." Our primary associations lead us to mango and lychee, providing an extraordinarily exotic fruitiness.
Palate
The taste of this single malt is wonderfully creamy and smooth. Sweet fruitiness of mirabelle plums joins the more typical apple and pear notes, all while retaining the unique flavors experienced on the nose. Now, a hint of oak also appears on the palate, and with careful exploration, a trace of smoke emerges in the background.
Finish
The finish leaves a short impression, characterized by subtle marzipan notes and a gentle, tingling sensation. A pleasant dryness envelops the palate, accompanied by delicate maritime, slightly salty undertones.
Thoughts
Marcel 73/100
A whisky that really delights with its exotic fruitiness and soft creaminess – like a little holiday in Corsica in a glass. The unusual aromas are bold, but that’s exactly what gives it character and drinking pleasure. Whether the price is justified is something each person must decide for themselves, but the P&M Red Oak is definitely worth a Corsican adventure.
Sascha 74/100
The P&M Red Oak impresses with an interesting balance between sweet fruitiness and subtle notes of oak and smoke, although the lack of an age statement leaves a bit to be desired in terms of transparency. The structure is solid, but the short finish and exotic accents feel somewhat unbalanced. Overall, a technically well-crafted single malt with an exciting regional profile that still shows potential for further maturation.
Value for Money: Fair
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82/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the age of the P&M Red Oak whisky not disclosed?
The age of the P&M Red Oak whisky is deliberately kept a secret, which is common among some distilleries and bottlings to focus attention on the flavor and maturation in special casks rather than on age alone.
What role do the ex-Niellucciu red wine casks play in the maturation of this whisky?
Maturation in ex-Niellucciu red wine casks imparts the P&M Red Oak with its distinctive fruitiness and complexity by introducing aromas of red berries and a subtle woodiness that supports the flavors of mirabelle plums and exotic fruits.
How does the low peat level of 5ppm influence the taste of the whisky?
With a peat level of 5ppm, the P&M Red Oak shows only a delicate smoky note, which manifests as a fine hint on the finish and complements the whisky’s creamy, fruity character without overpowering it.