Blended Scotch Whisky - 70cl 50°
A word from Cave de France: This Scotch whisky, bottled at 50% ABV, is a true homage to the American Prohibition era and to William McCoy, the captain renowned for smuggling Cutty Sark in the 1920s.
It's a "blended" whisky made from a blend of malt and grain whiskies, aged in American oak barrels – a "small batch" – to combine roundness, richness, and character.
Visually, it presents a warm, golden color. On the nose, one perceives relatively powerful aromas: ripe citrus fruits softened by honey, vanilla, and delicate spices.
On the palate, it offers a creamy and generous texture, with notes of caramel or toffee, sometimes dried fruits, chocolate, mingled with spicy touches (pepper, sweet spices).
The finish is rather soft and warm, with a lingering spice and woody sweetness, making it pleasant to drink neat, but also particularly suitable for cocktails.
A bit of history... Cutty Sark was launched in 1923 by the British company Berry Bros. & Rudd, one of London's oldest wine and spirit merchants. This house is famous for its expertise in the world of alcoholic beverages and is located near Buckingham Palace.
The name "Cutty Sark" comes from a famous Scottish clipper (a type of sailing ship), built in 1869, which was one of the fastest ships of its time. The ship became a symbol of adventure, speed, and excellence, qualities that the whisky also aimed to embody.
A fascinating part of Cutty Sark's history is its connection to American Prohibition (1920-1933). During this period, alcoholic beverages were banned in the United States, but this did not prevent smuggling. Cutty Sark was one of the most popular smuggled whiskies, often clandestinely imported by famous bootleggers like Bill McCoy. In fact, the expression "The Real McCoy" (synonymous with authenticity) comes from the fact that McCoy sold quality alcohol products, including Cutty Sark, without diluting them.