Cap a Pie (2018) - Michel Couvreur
With the Cap à Pie, Michel Couvreur expands his portfolio with a bold new blend. This assemblage combines whiskies aged between 4 and 12 years, all of which spent an additional four years finishing in ex-sherry casks. Bottled at 45% ABV and without an age statement, this whisky keeps its origins a secret—but the influence of its maturation is unmistakable.
The panel
Mean 76.0 · spread 2
Value for money 3/5
- Bottler
- Michel Couvreur
- Type
- Blended Whisky
- Strength
- 45% ABV
- Character
- rich
Tasting
Nose
The first impression is surprising—espresso? For a moment, you might think someone mixed up whisky and coffee. Intense roasted aromas dominate, followed by a slightly musty cellar note, nutty tones, and a touch of dried dates. Leather, dark chocolate, and a hint of licorice complete this complex nose. It’s not designed to please—this one challenges the drinker.
Palate
On the palate, Cap à Pie continues its dry and earthy journey. Oak is front and center, joined by date-like sweetness and a hint of dark berry fruitiness. Particularly striking is the impression of fermented grapes, which lends the whisky a wine-like character. The sherry cask influence is undeniable—but expressed more through depth and spice than sweetness.
Finish
The finish stays true to the overall profile: dry, spicy, and oaky. A touch of pepper brings a subtle heat, before a faint mustiness echoes back—like a final glance into an old cellar filled with wine casks.
Verdicts
Marcel
This is not a whisky for collectors, but for connoisseurs who crave an unusual, robust tasting experience. Cap à Pie surprises with its dry, almost rustic character and challenges the brave to embrace its dark cellar aromas. If you’re into sherry bombs, you’d better look elsewhere – this dram is honest, distinctive, and definitely a conversation starter at your next tasting.
Sascha
The Michel Couvreur Cap à Pie impresses with its complex structure and the successful interplay of dry sherry notes and earthy oak. Despite its quirky mustiness, it remains balanced and reveals an intriguing depth that is well supported at 45% ABV. Not an easy introduction, but a fascinating blend for lovers of sophisticated whiskies with character.
What it is worth
No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.