Michel Couvreur Candid – The New Disclosure Expression (70cl, 49%)

This is a peated malt whisky from Michel Couvreur, bottled at 49% ABV in a 70cl bottle. The distillate comes from Scotland and is matured in sherry casks in the house's rock-cut cellar at Bouze-lès-Beaune in Burgundy. Candid sets sweetness against smoke and dry oak. On the nose are candyfloss, caramel, brittle, chocolate and spiced gingerbread, with a slight alcoholic edge, then herbs and white pepper with time and a firm but well-integrated peat smoke. The palate starts sweet and full-bodied, with drier sherry notes coming through, along with malt and bitter almond.