French Whisky, a future key player in the world of premium spirits

Have you already tried a French whisky? Vinatis invites you to discover how France has become a producer of whiskies acclaimed by the most discerning connoisseurs.

France has become a land of whiskies

The Japanese were the first to prove that it was possible to produce high-end whisky outside of Ireland, Scotland and the United States, and the French decided to embark on their own malt distilling adventure. Although France now has more whisky distilleries than Ireland, the French epic really began in 1983, when Gilles Leizour, from the Warenghem Distillery in Brittany, had the idea of developing his own whisky production.

After a year of studying the subject, he began producing a blended whisky from malt and wheat whiskies. In 1984, Gilles Leizour saw his first drops of distillate! A few years later, he released a Blend Whisky WB (Whisky Breton). In 1998, he marketed his first range of Single Malt whisky under the brand Armorik. The 100% French whisky was born! A true pioneer of this made in France spirit, Gilles Leizour also inspired Gilbert Holl, who also wanted to develop his own range. An Alsatian distiller known for his traditional digestifs, he saw whisky as a real growth opportunity, having observed that consumption of traditional liqueurs was declining.

More than French, the Warenghem Distillery emphasises a Breton whisky, while Gilbert Holl creates a whisky with a distinctly Alsatian identity. Although whisky production remained marginal in the early 2000s, Brittany and Alsace laid the foundations for a whisky inspired by the terroir. Just as the Anglo-Saxons and Japanese did, the desire to develop a whisky with a French identity, with a taste associated with its own terroir, is driving French distillers who also want to carve out a place for themselves among the greats!

The craze for this spirit has encouraged several other French distilleries to take the plunge. Between 2010 and 2020, no fewer than 66 distilleries in France began producing whisky! Today, there are nearly a hundred French brands producing artisanal whisky.

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Whisky in France: a matter of terroir

In France, all the elements are in place to produce great whiskies. With distillation expertise having been part of French heritage for several centuries, moving from fruit brandy to grain distillation is no rocket science for French distillers! What's more, natural resources are high quality, with organic farming becoming increasingly common. Between the barley, the different malts and the pure water needed to produce whisky, all the ingredients are in place to create a high-end spirit that meets current trends.

Single cask whiskies for a better expression of terroir

What gives French distillers that extra edge? Their “terroir” approach and strict quality control, inherited from the world of wine. Indeed, some principles of viticulture and winemaking can be used in whisky production, as long as the distiller masters all stages of production. Just like vines, the root system of cereals can grow up to a metre deep. The roots feed on the nutrients contained in the soil, in addition to being subject to the vagaries of climatic conditions, which can of course vary from year to year. All of this is terroir! Christophe Dupic of the Rozelieures farm distillery and malting plant, as the estate describes itself, understands this well and wants to further develop the concept of terroir by offering an innovative range of whiskies: single cask whiskies! In fact, 60% of whisky's aromas are influenced by the terroir. It is therefore entirely possible, relevant and innovative to produce several whiskies with completely different aroma and taste characteristics.

Ageing in wine barrels

France stands out from every other country in the world when it comes to wine production, and the Bordeaux-based distiller Aymeric Roborel de Climens has set himself the challenge of bringing this French excellence to the world of whisky. Formerly a Bordeaux wine merchant, he is redefining whisky maturation by applying techniques from the world of wine. His idea? To mature whiskies in casks that have previously held varietal wines for a ‘finish’ with a unique, French flavour!

In practice, Aymeric Roborel de Climens buys casks from winegrowers that have previously held Merlot, Sauvignon and Sémillon wines, to name but a few. The casks are thus imbued with the character of the grape variety, whilst also imparting their own distinctive qualities derived from the wood, depending on whether they are made of oak, chestnut or acacia. The result? A “varietal whisky” with a predominantly fruity flavour, achieved through a “double finish” combining new casks with carefully selected casks that have previously held wine. A truly ‘French-style’ approach to blending and finishing that allows for the development of an innovative whisky with unique characteristics. Producing single-vineyard whiskies with an ever more refined finish is a response to current trends in spirits worldwide: namely, daring to be bold, reinventing and innovating to challenge the conventions of traditional drinks.

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Two whiskies with protected geographical indications in Alsace and Brittany

Although France ranks among the world's top whisky-consuming countries, the desire to consume locally and enjoy authentic products is stronger than ever. People are consuming less, but better! This phenomenon is fully in line with current consumer trends, and the craze for authentic and organic products is in full swing.

There is a real demand from consumers for product traceability. What's more, customers want to taste the producer's identity in the bottle! In order to meet this growing demand and ensure a consistent and sustainable level of quality, the whisky world has seen the creation of two Protected Geographical Indications for French whisky. Discovering an artisan and local whisky therefore has a special appeal.

Established by the INAO (Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité) in 2015, the Whisky Breton IGP and Whisky Alsacien IGP were created. To reach an agreement, producers consulted with each other to establish specifications defining the colour of the product and its bottling strength, among other things. The IGP reassures customers. In a country where the culture of controlled appellations has been firmly established since the 20th century, customers do not question the origin of the product or its manufacturing process.

The rapid increase in the number of players involved in French whisky production has accelerated the implementation of IGP certification since 2010. Although “Made in France” whisky remains marginal on the international scene, for the INAO and distillers, the implementation of specifications represents a solution for regulating whisky production. Not only quality, but also authenticity and traceability are guaranteed with an IGP. The next step? With a view to achieving the same levels of excellence as Irish or Scottish whiskies, French producers hope to soon be able to indicate the age of the spirit on the bottle, just like the famous XO, highly prized premium whiskies.

Distilleries that market their own whisky

France is the only country in the world to master all stages of whisky production. From growing barley to fermentation, distillation, ageing and blending, the French have perfected these techniques over hundreds of years. As the world's largest producer of malt, France is also the birthplace of the famous French oak, highly prized for making barrels used to age wine and spirits. This gives French distillers access to absolutely exceptional casks that have contained great wines and spirits.

More and more distilleries are no longer content to produce only fruit brandies, but are embarking on the great adventure of “Made in France” whisky, which is already a symbol of quality.

Today, 99 distilleries produce whisky across France, and no fewer than 123 brands of French whisky are available on the market. These French spirits are on the path to excellence, and it is the Warenghem distillery that is behind the phenomenon.

French whisky producers

Domaine des Hautes Glaces Bellevoye Arlett Evadé Armorik

French whisky conquers the world

As the world's leading consumers of whisky, the French have shown an interest in developing their own whiskies. The French are fond of this spirit and have even become connoisseurs. They now know so much about this fermented malt product that whisky production has become a lucrative business. In a very short time, whisky distilleries have exploded across France, in all four corners of the country!

The fact is that the French have mastered every stage of whisky production, from growing barley to cooperage. In fact, France is the world's leading producer of malt! French malt is even imported by the Scots! The French are not the only ones interested in these new “Made in France” gems. Whisky connoisseurs around the world are now looking to France to find the highest quality and most authentic products. In France, there is a truly different approach to whisky making. Distillers are not seeking to copy the Anglo-Saxon methods, but rather to develop an identity unique to France.

French whisky, soon to be the best whisky in the world?

The “French Touch” of whisky lies first and foremost in the production of artisan whiskies with a taste of the terroir, and secondly in the environmental approach. With an increasingly demanding and educated clientele, French whiskies meet the needs and questions of today's and tomorrow's consumers. Short supply chains, traceability, transparency and organic farming are at the heart of current concerns. Spirits consumers are looking for bespoke and rare products! With its single cask whiskies and extremely sophisticated finishes, the land of wine can now claim to be the new land of whisky. French whiskies meet the criteria of whisky lovers and the results are clear to see!

Internationally, French whiskies are positioned at the high end of the market. They are sold at a higher price than Irish, Scottish or American whiskies, simply because they are often better. This excellence is achieved through traditional methods and carefully selected high-quality ingredients. French distilleries are small and production remains limited. The Warenghem distillery, a pioneer of French whisky, is three times smaller than the smallest Scottish distillery! It is therefore a world away from the Anglo-Saxon giants, offering a more artisanal, authentic and high-quality product.

The renaissance of French spirits

Whisky is not the only spirit to be part of consumer trends in France, as elsewhere in the world. A booming market for traditional spirits has characterised recent years and will continue to do so in the years to come. Indeed, interest in traditional French products is in line with consumption trends among both young and more experienced drinkers. This renewed interest in local and French products is part of a certain nostalgia for products from one's region of origin, as well as the current values of (re)discovering the talent of French regions.

Consumption of Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Gin, brandy, Vodka and Whisky has been skyrocketing for some time now. Beyond traditional consumption, today's connoisseurs seek to educate themselves about the art of producing and developing spirits. There is a real buzz around learning about and discovering unique, artisanal products, which is shaping current trends. Consuming less but better, and understanding the production process, is what defines today's customers.

Interest in French spirits is such that it is reflected in the numerous food and spirit pairings that are constantly being updated to meet current demands. France has a lot to offer when it comes to food and spirit pairings, and that's not all! The use of these drinks in recipes is also attracting renewed interest. Camembert flambéed with Calvados, crêpes with Cointreau and countless other pairings with cheeses, desserts and spirits are making a comeback. Whisky lovers can treat themselves to a chocolate or coffee dessert for an absolutely exquisite pairing! All this is part of the French art of living, and few nations can claim such an almost meticulous interest in delicious food and drink.

Sources: Sowine Barometer 2021; Sowin Talks, spirits trends October 2021: Spirits trends: terroir, finish and ready-to-drink; The success of French spirits

Rare drinks that appeal to connoisseurs

Today's consumers are searching for that rare gem, that hidden treasure, and are challenging niche beverage manufacturers to deliver. Much to the delight of distillers, winemakers and brewers in France, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in production techniques and paying particular attention to authenticity and traceability. In France, this is reflected in the concept of terroir. In this country, which has been producing spirits for centuries, the renewed interest in distillation is a welcome development. Thanks to increasingly precise and sophisticated methods and techniques, innovations are bringing new dynamism to the spirits industry. Products are becoming increasingly sophisticated and specific. For a public that is more knowledgeable than ever, every effort is made to meet demanding quality requirements.

Domaine des Hautes Glaces

Located in Isère, in the heart of the French Alps, the Hautes Glaces farm distillery produces whiskies that are made entirely on site. From field to barrel, Frédéric Revol, a trained agricultural engineer, meticulously carries out all the steps involved in producing a premium whisky.

In addition to offering whiskies from selected plots and made from different grains, all of his products are grown using sustainable farming methods. In fact, Domaine des Hautes Glaces is the world's first organic whisky distillery!

Rozelieures

The Rozelieures distillery is a family business with a long history of producing mirabelle plum brandy. The owners have been harvesting for five generations and distilling for 150 years, and it was thanks to the initiative of Christophe Dupic that the company began producing whiskies. A great whisky lover, it was on his return from a trip to Scotland that Christophe Dupic realised that whisky was the obvious choice. The Lorraine distillery has mastered all the stages of whisky production. The water is of high quality and available in sufficient quantities, cereals are abundant and the distillery is already equipped with two pot stills (for double distillation). With the Grallet-Dupic family having mastered the necessary expertise, it was time to embark on the French whisky adventure!

The Rozelieures distillery, located in the heart of the Lorraine village of the same name, is now renowned for its exceptional whiskies, which are blends of single malts aged in casks with different characteristics. New American and French oak casks impart lovely aromas, as do casks that have previously contained wines and other spirits. The Rozelieures distillery ages its whiskies in various casks that have previously contained Sauternes, Fino sherry, Vosne-Romanée wine, and other spirits such as Cognac, which has always contributed to the international renown of French spirits. These surprising, innovative whiskies have distinctly French characteristics that are in line with current trends for local products.

Celtic Whisky Distillerie

Celtic Whisky Distillery offers the opportunity to taste traditional Scottish whisky in Brittany! Located on the Côtes-d'Armor coast, the men and women who work at this distillery are passionate about authentic whisky, Brittany and French products! The whiskies from this distillery stand out from others not only because they are aged in bourbon casks, but above all because they meet eight criteria that contribute to the creation of their exceptional products:

Use of wooden fermenters: these encourage the development of indigenous yeasts, adding complexity to the final product.
Small copper stills: authentic copper pot stills in the pure Scottish tradition, improving the quality of the distillate.
Open flame heating: the burners are in direct contact with the bottom of the pot, resulting in a broader aromatic palette.
Slow distillation: allowing for better separation of the volatile components.
Copper coil condensers: contribute to a more consistent texture for a beautiful roundness on the palate.
Ageing by the sea: brings mellowness and marine notes to the whisky.
No chill filtration: ensuring that all aromatic compounds are preserved.
Respect for the natural colour: for a pure and authentic whisky.

Distillerie Hepp

The family-run Hepp distillery has also managed to do well. Located in the village of Uberach in the Bas-Rhin region, the area is renowned for its high-quality fruit. The production of artisanal brandies is well established in the local tradition, including among the Hepp family, who are venturing into whisky to diversify their range! Indeed, the Hepp family's expertise in distillation has been passed down and refined over three generations.

Until the 1970s, the Hepp family travelled around the region as itinerant distillers, distilling fruit from orchards. In 2007, the distillery developed a passion for whisky production. Already renowned for its brandies and liqueurs, the creation of a quality whisky was the obvious next step. Ouiski, the distillery's flagship product, quickly won over whisky enthusiasts. This whisky, produced with 75% peated malt and aged for five years in Banyuls casks, is unique and meets the highly selective criteria of the Whisky Alsacien IGP.

Évadé

Évadé is the name of the whisky range produced by Whiskies du Monde, a spirits distributor based in Charente. The company, made up of a great team of people who are all passionate about spirits, decided, like many others, to take the plunge into French whisky.

For Whiskies du Monde, France has everything it takes to produce high-end whiskies with varied aromatic profiles. The Évadé range offers a variety of single malt products with increasingly sophisticated finishes. The whiskies are aged in French and American oak casks, in casks that have previously contained bourbon or been used to age French Burgundy wines. More recently, a new product aged in a cask that previously contained a Bordeaux Grand Cru has been launched! This is just the beginning of the adventure for this distributor, who wants to produce whiskies with increasingly sophisticated blends and finishes.