P&M Red Oak

Mellow, Sweet Fruity
2024-02-04
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.
P&M Red Oak
P&M Red Oak
Single Malt Whisky | No Age Statement | 42,00 % ABV. | 121,42 €/l | Mavela Distillery | produced in France (Corsica)

Smell

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.

Taste

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

P&M presents us with a hyper-regional whisky from Corsica – from the ingredients and processing to aging and bottling, all done on the island. The result is sweet, smooth, and undeniably delicious. The exotic notes are daring and certainly atypical for a single malt. Whether the price and effort of importing from France are worthwhile is a decision each must make for themselves. However, one thing is certain: This whisky takes you on a Corsican adventure.

Rating: 74/100 - Very Good (Marcel: 73 | Sascha: 74)

Value for Money: 3/5 - Acceptable

Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange
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