Week 18: Sauvage [52 Whispers From The Muse]
by
J.S. Wells
·
May 8, 2016
(Original Batch #1, 2010)
Overall Rating: 4.9
Appearance: 4.5
Louche: 5.0
Aroma: 5.0
Flavor/Mouthfeel: 5.0
Finish: 5.0
Overall: 5.0
Style: Verte
ABV: 68%
Country: France
Distillery: Emile Pernot
Appearance: A rich, vibrant and crystal clear moss green. Louche: Very slow to build. There was a lot of little dancing as the drips of water mixed in the glass. Just a slight translucency at the end. Not too thick, not too thin, absolutely perfect. Aroma: This is one of those wonderful room filling blossoms of aroma. You can nearly visualize the bouquet of scents spread out and fill the room. Richly alpine with minty Wormwood and a nicely nestled Anise. If it wasn’t screaming “DRINK ME!” I’d want to just bask in the smell all day. I need a Sauvage Potpourri. Flavor/Mouthfeel: Very balanced but wonderfully complex as each flavor cascades over the tastebuds. Wildly Earthy and a little dry with a richness of florals and herbs. Well balanced with a bit of bitter Wormwood standing slightly in front but with a hint of fruitiness that rounds out the fullness. Finish: The Wormwood lingers but the cascade of flavor continues on. The Fennel shines under the whole presentation that leaves a very slight tongue numbing that is like an exclamation point at the end of a very profound sentence. Overall: This has the boldness of the old Roquette with the skillful balance of Authentique, all with a uniqueness undoubtedly due to the wild grown ingredients. Every Time I have a taste of this I come to it from a different place and appreciate different things about it.
As stated at the top, this is a review of the very first batch of Sauvage from 2010. I was lucky enough to have the stars align perfectly to be able to get a few bottles at the time of its release. I originally ordered just one but the twitchy collector in me didn’t want to open the very limited bottle without having another as a backup. So, I ordered 2 more. I did not get a chance to get a bottle of the second run which, if I remember correctly, was a bit of the first run mixed with something else. I also didn’t get any of the 3rd batch that was just released as the reputation of the distiller has been in question. It does seem by all of the reviews from those who did get a bottle of batch 3, the fear is disapointingly justified. There’s no need to go further into that as it was already mentioned in my review of Roquette. I will fully admit that this spirit has become somewhat legendary so my joy in drinking it is completely biased by the idea of its legend.
This is my birthday drink that I save for this very day every year as a ritual. This is the day I contemplate and reflect the most and imbibing on such a beautifully rare thing that dwindles every year helps drive the mood. I have plenty to last me until I die and whatever is left over should be shared by those few people dear to me who would appreciate it after I’m gone. Or, if I have enough warning, I’ll just louche a pitcher of it and go out happy.
Happy Birthday to me.
Tags: 52 Whispers from the MuseAbsintheBoozeEmile PernotSauvageVerte
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