::: French whiskies :::

:: An introduction to the whiskies of France ::

French whiskies are quite unlike any others produced around the globe. The sheer variety of flavours and aromas in these complex whiskies is testament to the willingness for experimentation and innovation, and the desire to produce exceptional whiskies that showcase their French heritage.

Two of the factors that contribute quite prominently to the unique characteristics of French whiskies are:
> the casks they are matured in; and
> the type of still they are distilled in.

Maturing whisky - the French way

France produces large volumes of arguably some of the world's finest and most renowned wines and this presents a unique opportunity for French Whisky producers in the form of readily available barrels. French whisky producers have embraced this opportunity and they are getting some incredible results from maturation in barrels previously used for a variety of wine styles including white, red, sweet, dry, fortified, and even sparkling (Champagne).

Distilling whisky - influences of the past

French whisky producers often have a history in the distillation of other spirits, including brandies. Many of the spirit stills that are now employed to produce whisky were previously (or currently are) used to produce other spirits. The 'Holstein' type still for example, which is often used for producing 'eaux-de-vie' (fruit brandies) - is often now used for the distillation of whisky, producing a whisky quite different from those made using the more traditional pot still. As an example, the resulting whiskies often have more pronounced 'fruitiness'.

Some of the whiskies produced in France are listed below, along with some brief information on each.

If you believe the information below should be updated - please send us an email using the details on the contact page.

:: Uberach Single Malt ::

Bertrand Distillery (Distillerie Bertrand).

Bottled at 42.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Non chill-filtered.
Aged in new oak casks initially, followed by further maturation in ex-Banyuls (fortified wine) casks.

:: Uberach Single Cask ::

Bertrand Distillery (Distillerie Bertrand).

Bottled at 43.8% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Non chill-filtered.
Aged in a single ex-Banyuls (fortified wine) cask.

:: Brenne French Single Malt Whisky - Finished in Cognac Barrels ::

Brenne Whisky (Brenne Estate).

Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). 750ml bottle.
Made from 100% organic barley, which is grown in the Cognac region of France.
Matured in new Limousin oak barrels, finished in ex-Cognac casks.
Single barrel bottlings.
Launched in October 2012.

:: Bastille 1789 Hand-Crafted Whisky ::

Daucourt Distillery (Distillerie Daucourt).

Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Made from a combination of barley and wheat.
Aged for five to seven years in a combination of French Limousin oak, cherry wood and acacia casks.

:: Eddu Silver ::

Des Menhirs Distillery (Distillerie Des Menhirs).

Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
'Pure buckwheat whisky' (no other grains used).
Launched in September 2002.

:: Eddu Grey Rock ::

Des Menhirs Distillery (Distillerie Des Menhirs).

Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Blended whisky with 30% buckwheat whisky.

:: Eddu Gold ::

Des Menhirs Distillery (Distillerie Des Menhirs).

Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
'Pure buckwheat whisky' (no other grains used).
Limited quantity of 1,400 bottles per year.
launched in September 2006.

:: Glann ar Mor - Breton Single Malt Whisky ::

Glann ar Mor Distillery (Distillerie Glann ar Mor).

Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Non chill-filtered and no colouring (caramel) added.
un-peated single malt whisky, aged in ex-Bourbon casks.
Bottled in November 2010.

:: Kornog - Breton Peated Single Malt (Taouarc'h Trived 10 BC)::

Glann ar Mor Distillery (Distillerie Glann ar Mor).

Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Non chill-filtered and no colouring (caramel) added.
Peated single malt whisky, aged in ex-Bourbon casks.
Limited quantity available.

:: Kornog - Breton Peated Single Malt (Taouarc'h Pevared 10 SC)::

Glann ar Mor Distillery (Distillerie Glann ar Mor).

Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Non chill-filtered and no colouring (caramel) added.
Peated single malt whisky, aged in ex-Sauternes (wine) casks.
Limited quantity available.

:: Kornog - Breton Peated Single Malt (Taouarc'h Eilvet 10)::

Glann ar Mor Distillery (Distillerie Glann ar Mor).

Cask strengtth, bottled at 59.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Non chill-filtered and no colouring (caramel) added.
Peated single malt whisky, aged in a single ex-Bourbon cask.
Limited quantity of 247 bottles.

:: Glann ar Mor - Breton Single Malt Whisky ::

Glann ar Mor Distillery (Distillerie Glann ar Mor).

Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume (ABV). 700ml bottle.
Non chill-filtered and no colouring (caramel) added.
Un-peated single malt whisky, aged in a single ex-Bourbon cask.
Bottled in November 2008, limited quantity of 305 bottles.
Glann ar Mor's first whisky release.

:: Glann ar Mor - Celtique Connexion ::

Various Scottish whisky distilleries - further maturation by Glann ar Mor Distillery (Distillerie Glann ar Mor).

The whisky used in the Celtique Connexion range has been originally distilled and matured in Scotland. Glann ar Mor then matures this whisky further in casks previously used for French wines.
Celtique Connexion whiskies are non chill-filtered and no colouring (caramel) is added.
All Celtique Connexion whiskies are single cask. Examples of casks used include: Armagnac, Champagne, Coteaux du Layon, Saussignac, and Sauternes.