Whisky Fin de Partie Benjamin Kuentz

Whisky Fin de Partie from Benjamin Kuentz is the warmest and most generous cuvée from this French whisky editor whose singular philosophy and transparent approach have quickly won over the most discerning enthusiasts. Fin de Partie marks the close of day and the beginning of those lovely moments when you're happy to gather with others, moments you wish would never end. A single malt crafted at the Grallet-Dupic distillery in Rozelieures, Lorraine, aged in a remarkable assembly of five different cask types for a result that is both indulgent, spicy, and of remarkable depth for a contemporary French whisky. Alcohol content: 46% vol. Bottle size: 50 cl.

Production and cask maturation

Benjamin Kuentz positions itself as a whisky editor rather than a distillery: Benjamin Kuentz explores the length and breadth of France, seeking out cereal farmers and distillers who work with passion and integrity, inviting them to express their sensibility, then assembling and ageing the result according to his own creative vision. Fin de Partie is distilled at the Grallet-Dupic distillery in Rozelieures, Lorraine, one of France's most respected artisanal distilleries for the quality of its malts. The absolute singularity of this cuvée lies in the complexity of its ageing: an assembly of five complementary cask types, ex-Bourbon barrels for vanilla and roundness, ex-Cognac casks for fruited depth and structure, ex-Oloroso casks for dried fruits and cocoa, ex-Pedro Ximenez casks for confected sweetness and prunes, and new oak casks for power and wood character. This multi-cask strategy, reminiscent in spirit of Compass Box's approach, produces a whisky of remarkable complexity and indulgence for a French single malt.

Tasting profile

The colour is warm, golden amber. The nose is both refined and expressive, built on a spicy, warm foundation: cinnamon, ginger and cocoa emerge first, accompanied by notes of apple, candied fruits, vanilla and yeast, composing an intriguing and indulgent bouquet of fine complexity. On the palate, the texture is rich, fat and enveloping, with natural amplitude and warmth that make this whisky an ideal companion for the end of a meal and autumn evenings. Custard, cocoa, tree nuts and spices unfold progressively in a register both indulgent and pastry-like, with remarkable precision and harmony. The finish is long and slightly less disciplined than it first appears: notes of prunes, spices and black pepper punctuate the tasting with a liveliness and final character that confirm the depth and personality of this cuvée.

The house

Born from a passion developed in Montréal, Benjamin Kuentz redefines the art of French whisky from Île-de-France. Benjamin Kuentz positions itself as a whisky editor, collaborating with French distillers to assemble resolutely modern, fruited and sincere cuvées. His approach, rooted in transparency and respect for terroirs and artisans, celebrates the richness of France with an elegance and impertinence that recalls the work of the finest independent Scottish bottlers, applied to a category in full expansion.

Tasting and pairings

Fin de Partie is best enjoyed neat, cool but not chilled, in a good balloon glass at the end of a meal. It will be a perfect companion to a square of intense dark chocolate at 70%, a quality light cigar, a long coffee or a plate of aged cheeses. In cocktail form, it works beautifully in a Manhattan, where its indulgent and peppery notes dialogue delightfully with the bitter flavours of this legendary cocktail. A contemporary French whisky of remarkable generosity and complexity, to be shared during those moments you wish would never end.