Among the most inspired expressions of French single malt, the GALAAD, Prélude 43% celebrates the elegance of an entry-level whisky that never sacrifices depth. Born at the La Mine d’Or distillery, on the edge of the Brocéliande forest in Ploërmel, it borrows the imagination of legend and the precision of craftsmanship. Its maturation in new French oak casks gives it a subtle woody thread, a vanillary caress and a gentle spiciness that adds brightness without ever overpowering. In the glass, the grain speaks plainly, the texture stretches with grace and the finish, edged with citrus, brings a frank freshness. Awarded a bronze medal in 2024, this Prélude lives up to its name: it prepares the palate for a sensory adventure while mastering the art of nuance. A 70 cl format, a 43% ABV, and that typically French way of combining precision, poetry and conviviality.

Assemblage et vinification

This single malt is made from malted barley, then refined with artisan care that honours tradition while showcasing Breton character. Maturation takes place in new French oak casks, chosen for their fine grain and their ability to provide a delicate backbone, soft spices and clean vanilla, without masking the purity of the grain. Bottling at 43% preserves the balance between aromatic intensity and mouthfeel softness, offering a silky texture and pleasing weight. Every step, from careful selection of raw materials to the choice of barrels, aims for gustatory clarity and stylistic coherence, to present a whisky that is readable, harmonious, immediately appealing, yet nuanced enough to sustain conversation throughout the tasting.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour: Bright gold with amber highlights, clear and glossy, promising a caressing body and good density without heaviness.
• Nose: Opens on malted barley and a fine woodiness, joined by fresh fruits such as apple and pear, then delicate vanilla, light honey and soft spices recalling cinnamon and nutmeg. An impression of freshness accompanies the whole.
• Palate: Smooth and straightforward attack, well-contained oily volume. The grain stretches with clarity, underscored by the sweetness of new oak, notes of honey and vanilla, before a rounded finish reveals a burst of citrus and persistent freshness. The structure, slightly tannic, brings support and elegance.

Température de service et conseils

Serve the GALAAD, Prélude 43% ideally between 16 and 18°C, in a tulip glass to concentrate the bouquet. Let it breathe for a few minutes so that vanilla, cereal and oak harmonise. One to two drops of water can be added to open the aromas without diluting the character. Store the bottle upright, away from light and temperature variations, to preserve aromatic clarity and the brilliance of the finish.

Accords mets et whisky

• Aperitifs: roasted walnuts and almonds, smoked salmon on blinis, mini aged gouda. The iodine and fattiness converse with vanilla and grain.
• Starters: country terrine with green pepper, lemony mackerel rillettes, sea bream tartare with citrus.
• Main courses: honey-glazed roast poultry, spice-roasted confit pork belly, pan-seared salmon with browned butter.
• Cheeses: 24-month Comté, aged cheddar, mild pecorino, whose saltiness highlights the fresh finish.
• Desserts: thin apple tart, vanilla crème brûlée, 70% dark chocolate to underline the structure.

Moments de dégustation

The Prélude slips naturally into your rituals, when the gesture becomes attentive and taste turns into language:

• For a meditative moment at the end of the day, where the roundness reassures and the freshness rekindles pleasure.
• During a dinner for gastronomic enthusiasts, for a delicate pairing with straightforward but nuanced dishes.
• As an introductory gift to offer someone exploring the world of spirits, seeking a precise and well-mannered French single malt.

Caractéristiques

• Name: GALAAD, Prélude 43%
• Distillery: La Mine d’Or, Ploërmel, Bretagne, France
• Type: Whisky single malt
• Raw material: malted barley
• Alcohol by volume: 43%
• Ageing: new French oak casks
• Volume: 70 cl
• Aromatic profile: vanilla, honey, soft spices, fresh fruit, citrus notes, fine oak
• Distinction: bronze medal in 2024
• Serving temperature: 16–18°C