DRINK THIS: Whiskey Del Bac’s Limited Release ‘Normandie’

Recently, Whiskey Del Bac, the Tucson-based distillery known for its award-winning American single malts, announced the launch of its fall seasonal limited release, Normandie.

Normandie, which was named one of the “12 Best New Spirits of the Year” by Robb Report, offers Whiskey Del Bac’s Classic American Single Malt whiskey aged in charred, new American white oak barrels, then finished in ex-Calvados brandy barrels. This small-batch whiskey release is named after the coastal region of Normandie, France, which is known for its creamy cheeses, rich seafood, and an abundance of apples and pears.

Also, only 1,400 bottles were produced nationwide and Normandie is officially back in stock (for a limited time) in Whiskey Del Bac’s online store.

“It’s an honor to be able to share our Global Cask Collection with our customers,” said Head Distiller Mark Vierthaler. “Normandie is an opportunity to showcase the ways flavors and spirit styles of different countries interact with our distinctly Sonoran single malts.”

The new spirit is part of Whiskey Del Bac’s Global Cask Collection, a collection of annual releases inspired by places around the world where oak barrels are used to age wines or spirits. The collection includes Spanish sherry-inspired Frontera, the heavily-smoked Isley-inspired Ode to Islay, and Normandie with its French-inspired Calvados brandy finish.

“It’s a journey to the coastal region of France, as the Calvados barrels impart flavors of green apple and citrus with hints of cherry and freshly-cut flowers that counterbalance the traditionally heavy notes of our unsmoked single malts,” said Vierthaler. “It’s the perfect blend for fall.”

Tasting notes for this release are caramel-dipped apples, sour cherry, and dulce de leche. On the palate, bright citrus brings up the front, with peppery notes across the mid-palate, ending with short-but-sweet caramel and stone fruit. The recommended serving for Normandie American single malt is with one large ice cube.

Each has an ABV of 48.5% and is 97 proof.

As mentioned earlier, Normandie is available now for purchase online or directly from the distillery here in Tucson (while supplies last).

Whiskey Del Bac is located at 2106 N. Forbes Blvd. #103. For more information and to purchase a bottle online, visit whiskeydelbac.com.