Michel Couvreur : The Unexpected N°3 2012

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Unexpected N°3 2012 by Michel Couvreur

Tasting

Nose

The nose reveals a fruity and indulgent aromatic profile of remarkable richness. It unveils notes of candied fruits, currants and almond-stuffed prunes, accompanied by honey and apple cake. Marzipan and mocha add an indulgent dimension, while toasted almonds bring a touch of character. The whole is distinguished by a fresh, sparkling quality.

Palate

The palate offers rich, concentrated flavors carried by a supple structure marked by oak notes. The candied fruits and marzipan from the nose reappear, enriched by mocha and toasted almond aromas. A slight bitterness from grape skins adds complexity, accompanied by subtle creamy caramel notes. The finish is of medium length, slightly oaky and creamy.

Mixology

This exceptional whisky, bottled at cask strength and in limited edition, is ideally enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its aromatic richness and complexity.

Other characteristics

This whisky stands out for its cask strength bottling at 50%, preserving the full intensity of its aromas. Non-chill filtered, it retains the entirety of its aromatic richness. This is a limited edition, crafted from the Vanessa barley variety. Aging for over 10 years was carried out in sherry casks (oloroso, amontillado and pedro ximenez). Distilled on December 1, 2012, it was bottled on February 23, 2023.

A Highland Scotch whisky matured in the Burgundian tradition

Michel Couvreur, the visionary

Founded in the 1970s by Michel Couvreur, a former Burgundian wine merchant who settled in Scotland in the 1960s, this pioneering House embodies a unique approach to Highland Scotch whisky matured in Burgundy. Now led by Cyril Deschamps and Alexandra Couvreur, this independent family business produces whiskies with an average age of twelve years. Since 2022, Michel Couvreur has been distilling its own Burgundian spirits using two stills and locally grown organic barley, with sales expected to begin in 2034. The House is distinguished by its patient philosophy (Virtute et Opera), its mastery of malting and its hybrid approach combining Scottish and French distillates, embodying a rare artisanal vision that prioritizes quality over growth.

The Unexpected N°3 2012: a limited edition aged in sherry casks

The Unexpected N°3 2012 represents a remarkable expression of the Michel Couvreur philosophy. This limited edition was crafted from the Vanessa barley variety, distilled on December 1, 2012. The whisky benefited from over 10 years of aging in a selection of sherry casks including oloroso, amontillado and pedro ximenez, imparting the spirit with its aromatic richness and gustatory complexity.

True to the House's artisanal approach, this Scotch whisky was bottled at cask strength at 50%, without chill filtration, thereby preserving the full range of its aromas and texture. Bottled on February 23, 2023, The Unexpected N°3 2012 perfectly illustrates the patience and expertise that define Michel Couvreur, offering a fruity and indulgent profile of remarkable concentration.