I’ve always had a soft spot for French whisky, but it’s not something I get to explore often. The French have quietly been making some exceptional drams, but very few make their way beyond their borders. When they do, they often surprise you — and Fin de Partie from Maison Benjamin Kuentz is one of those whiskies that does exactly that.
Everything about this bottle feels French: elegant, understated, and intriguing. From the minimalist label covered entirely in French (which I’ll freely admit I can’t read), to the balance of refinement and creativity that defines the spirit inside, Fin de Partie manages to feel cultured yet adventurous. It’s not a whisky that tries to copy Scotland, Ireland or Japan — it has its own character, and it’s unashamedly proud of it.
About Maison Benjamin Kuentz
Maison Benjamin Kuentz isn’t a distillery but an independent bottler — a curator of sorts — who works with distillers and grain farmers across France to create whiskies that reflect the country’s terroir and artistry. The brand’s ethos revolves around passion, ethics, and collaboration, bringing together French craftsmanship from grain to glass.
Fin de Partie is a single malt distilled in Lorraine, aged between six and nine years in a fascinating mix of casks: ex-Bourbon, Cognac, Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso sherry, and virgin oak. It’s bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered, unpeated, and without any added colour — something the French whiskymakers seem to take quiet pride in.
The result is a whisky that looks deceivingly delicate but hides layers of complexity beneath its light exterior. It’s refined yet rustic, balanced yet bold — and in true French fashion, it’s got just the right amount of funk.
Appearance
In the glass, Fin de Partie presents as an incredibly light whisky — almost straw-coloured, bordering on white wine. Given the variety of casks used, you’d expect something darker, especially with both Oloroso and PX sherry casks in the mix. But this gentle hue is a testament to the absence of artificial colouring and the natural restraint of the maturation process.
The legs move slowly down the glass, hinting at a rich and oily texture to come. It’s one of those whiskies that visually prepares you for something soft and grassy, only to completely surprise you once it reaches your nose. Its pale tone also adds to the intrigue — it’s unassuming, but you quickly learn not to underestimate it.
Nose
Despite its light colour, the aroma of Fin de Partie is anything but delicate. It opens with a wave of musty oak and damp wood, layered over subtle hints of dark chocolate and aged leather. There’s an unmistakable oiliness that seems to hang in the air, giving it an almost chewy impression even before tasting.
As the whisky opens up, earthy undertones emerge: mushrooms, damp straw, and a faint suggestion of spice. It’s reminiscent of walking through an old cellar filled with aging barrels and dried fruit — rich, rustic, and slightly mysterious. There’s a fleeting sense of sweetness, like overripe fruit preserved with something savoury, though it never becomes sugary or cloying. The nose feels alive with character, and while it’s hard to pin down, that’s part of its charm.
Palate
The palate lands with a thick, almost viscous texture that coats the tongue in layers of flavour. The first impression is earthy and savoury, with that same damp wood note from the nose translating into something deeper and more complex.
Then comes the twist — an unmistakable cheese funk. It’s a note I never expected to find in a whisky, yet here it feels oddly natural. Imagine the aroma of a French cheese cellar, where brie and comté rest on wooden boards, mingling with the scent of the oak itself. It’s not overpowering, nor unpleasant — it’s rich, creamy, and savoury in a way that challenges what you think whisky can be.
Underneath that funk lies a tapestry of flavour: hints of white pepper and spice flicker in and out, balanced by a creamy mouthfeel that gives the whisky a custard-like texture without the sweetness.
There’s a faint echo of dried fruits, perhaps prunes or figs, but they sit quietly behind the savoury core. It’s complex, expressive, and unapologetically different.
This is a whisky that invites you to slow down. Each sip feels like an exploration, revealing new nuances as it evolves on the palate. And that distinctive cheese-like funk? It’s the kind of note that keeps you coming back, trying to understand how something so unusual can be so enjoyable.
Finish
The finish is long and warming, leaving behind traces of spice and white pepper. That creamy, oily character persists, coating the mouth with a lingering richness. As the flavours fade, the savoury edge gives way to something slightly sweeter — a gentle echo of custard and dried fruit, with a whisper of oak and chocolate returning right at the end.
It’s a whisky that lingers in memory as much as it does on the palate. Even after the last sip, you’re left reflecting on how different it felt compared to a typical Scotch or Irish malt. The finish ties everything together beautifully — the oil, the spice, the funk, and the faintest touch of sweetness — like the last chord of a song that resolves perfectly, but leaves you humming long after it ends.
Overall Impression
Fin de Partie feels like the embodiment of French creativity — confident, unconventional, and effortlessly elegant. It’s not trying to compete with the great Scottish single malts; instead, it’s carving out its own identity. The combination of casks gives it remarkable depth, while the oily texture and funky, savoury notes make it a true conversation starter.
It’s also a whisky that lends itself beautifully to food pairing. That savoury cheese note makes you immediately think of how it might shine alongside a platter of French cheese — perhaps an aged comté, brie, or even a tangy goat cheese. The whisky’s texture would complement the creaminess, while its spice and oak balance the richness. It’s one of those pairings that feels almost too fitting to be accidental.
For those who enjoy exploring whiskies from outside the traditional powerhouses of Scotland and Ireland, Fin de Partie is a revelation. It’s proof that France isn’t just a country of wine and cognac — it’s a nation capable of producing world-class whisky that expresses its own terroir and temperament.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something truly different, Fin de Partie is a whisky worth seeking out. It’s an experience as much as it is a dram — one that challenges your expectations, rewards your curiosity, and delivers flavour in ways you didn’t know whisky could.
Yes, it’s oily. Yes, it’s funky. And yes — it somehow tastes just a little bit like cheese. But in the best possible way.