French Whisky

Let’s start at the beginning: what is whisky? Whisky is a spirit produced by distilling grains. Whilst barley is the most commonly used grain, some producers also opt for maize, rye or wheat. After germination and drying, the barley is said to be “malted”. This process converts the starch in the grain into sugars, which yeast can then ferment and turn into alcohol. To qualify for the designation “whisky”, the production process must include a minimum of three years’ ageing in wooden casks, usually made of oak.

In France, producers benefit from less stringent regulations than in other countries, such as Scotland or the United States, when it comes to whisky production. Indeed, the country is not yet subject to an AOC or strict specifications governing the production of this spirit. Greater freedom in distillation techniques means greater variety! French whisky thus comes in the form of Single Malt (100% malted barley), Blended Malt (a blend of several Single Malts), or even grain whiskies (made from wheat or maize). But what really sets French whisky apart is the types of casks used during the ageing process. Old red wine, Sauternes, Cognac, Armagnac or Calvados casks are used to impart new flavours, aromas, colours and textures to the whisky.

Fruity, oaky, indulgent, spicy… A veritable playground for experimentation for French producers, whisky takes on a wide range of flavour profiles. It is this eclecticism that lies at the heart of the growing enthusiasm for French whisky.

According to the French Whisky Federation, there are more than 115 French whisky brands. Bellevoye, Arlett, Benjamin Kuentz, Eddu, Armorik, Distillerie Hepp… These are just some of the whiskies carefully tasted and selected by our Vinatis experts.

It is worth remembering that there is no such thing as a “best whisky”, it all comes down to personal taste and the food pairings you are looking to create.

Ideal for lovers of fruity, smooth and approachable whiskies, with notes of red berries, pear, honey and vanilla. What makes Bellevoye particularly noteworthy is that it produces 100% French whiskies made as “triple malts”, blending three single malts from different regions of France: the North, Alsace and Charente. The whiskies are then matured in a variety of casks, including French oak, Sauternes, Calvados and rum casks, among others.

Malting, mashing, distillation, maturation, blending… Arlett takes pride in carrying out every stage of the production process entirely in-house. This distinctive French whisky producer is known for its bold and characterful whiskies, combining powerful, rich and spicy flavours with original cask finishes, including rum, Japanese Mizunara and Pineau des Charentes casks.

For Benjamin Kuentz, a “French whisky curator”, whisky is much more than a spirit: it is a philosophy. He approaches the creation of each bottle from a literary and narrative perspective, seeking to make each whisky evoke sensations, memories or themes. Maison Benjamin Kuentz develops its own recipes and vision for whisky, then works with partner French distilleries before handling the blending, finishing and bottling in-house. Whether fruity, floral or spicy, the resulting whiskies reflect Benjamin Kuentz’s boundless creativity.

While whisky is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it can also be paired with a wide variety of dishes. With such a diverse range of styles to choose from, there are plenty of options for both sweet and savoury pairings.

• Charcuterie and cheese: whisky can be an excellent choice for an aperitif. A light, floral single malt pairs beautifully with fresh goat’s cheese. For mature Comté or Beaufort, try a whisky matured in Cognac casks.
• When it comes to charcuterie, choose a round, oaky whisky to add aromatic depth to terrines, rillettes or cured ham.
• Gourmet dishes: pan-fried foie gras, duck breast served with fruit or delicately smoked salmon can all pair beautifully with the finesse of a premium whisky.
• Dark chocolate: there’s nothing quite like a subtly fruity whisky with a Pineau des Charentes finish alongside dark chocolate or a red berry dessert. For more indulgent pastries, such as cannelés, try a rich French whisky with notes of vanilla and caramel.

Whether bought on its own or as part of a gift set, the price of a French whisky can vary depending on several factors. Age, the type of cask used, the raw materials, the distillery and the expertise behind the whisky can all influence its price. At Vinatis, you can expect to pay between £30 and £90 for a bottle of French whisky.

What better place to discover the finest French whiskies than France’s largest online wine merchant? Arlett, Bellevoye, Armorik, Maison Benjamin Kuentz… The Vinatis experts have brought together a selection of distinctive brands and whiskies that deserve to be better known.

Whether you prefer Single Malt, Blended Malt or Blended whisky, you’ll find plenty to choose from in our carefully curated selection of French whiskies. With fast delivery to Great Britain and across the EU, as well as protective packaging designed to prevent breakage, Vinatis ensures that your order arrives safely and in perfect condition.