Whisky français

France and whisky share a deep love story. However, for a long time, France remained a consumer rather than a producer. As a land of distillation and cereal production, the country had all the resources to create exceptional whiskies. Yet, its tradition leaned towards fruit brandies, wine-based spirits (like Cognac and Armagnac), and liqueurs.

The birth of French whisky in Brittany

The origins of French whisky trace back to Brittany, at the Warenghem distillery in the 1980s. In 1983, Gilles Leizour, the heir of the house, aspired to create the first 100% French, Breton whisky. This ambition came to life in 1987 with the launch of WB, a humble blend that paved the way for the renowned single malt Armorik from the Warenghem distillery.
Following this, the Menhirs distillery introduced its buckwheat whisky in 1996, unveiling the unique Eddu whisky. This marked the start of a movement that inspired many French distilleries to join the whisky adventure in the years to follow.

The rapid rise of French whisky

For years, the lack of regulations allowed products labeled as French whisky to fall short of quality standards. Often blends of imported Scotch whiskies with added grain whisky made in France, these products rarely stood out for their excellence. This has changed significantly in recent years.
Today, a French whisky must be produced (distilled), aged (at least three years in oak barrels), and bottled in France. The French whisky industry now shines with its distinctive terroirs and traditions. It is characterized by small, often artisanal distilleries that create unique and original whiskies.
Initially, well-established distilleries producing fruit brandies were the first to venture into whisky. They possessed the necessary equipment and technical expertise. These were soon followed by brewers leveraging their brewing knowledge. Today, France boasts over 80 distilleries producing French whisky!

The unique features of French whisky: a story of terroir

French whisky quickly set itself apart from its Scottish counterpart by building on the distillation traditions and expertise of each production region.

Diverse types of stills

France’s long history of mobile distillation has led to the development of compact and efficient stills. This diversity of still types plays a crucial role in shaping the style and character of French whisky. From Charentais to Armagnac, Cognac, or even regional stills like Stupfler and Blavier, the variety is impressive.
Existing distilleries, with their equipment and methods for producing fruit, cider, wine, or liqueurs, were able to adapt to whisky production. Meanwhile, new craft distilleries often invested in small, regionally typical stills, leveraging their local terroir.
This diversity in distillation techniques results in a wide range of whisky styles, each showcasing a regional identity.

Locally sourced cereals

The terroir also shines through in the raw materials used. Examples include buckwheat whisky from the Menhirs distillery or single-estate bottlings from Domaine des Hautes-Glaces. France’s wide range of cereals allows for creative use of barley, wheat, rye, and even ancient grains like einkorn, adding variety to French whisky.

A variety of casks

The aging process also reflects the concept of terroir. Like Scotch whisky, French whisky must age for at least three years in oak barrels. Alongside bourbon and sherry casks, French oak barrels, including those from the Brocéliande forest, are prominently used.
Producers of French whisky favor local supply chains for barrels. Given France's rich viticultural history, this opens the door to unique aging techniques, using barrels previously used for wine, macvin, or ratafia, adding complexity to the whiskies. Each distillery highlights its regional specialties, creating whiskies with a distinctive identity.
In essence, French whisky is defined by craftsmanship, experimentation, and terroir. It is winning over enthusiasts with its originality and quality, reinventing whisky through French expertise.

The must-visit distilleries of French whisky

Distillerie Grallet-Dupic

This distillery, located at the heart of a family-owned fruit and cereal farm founded in 1877, began with fruit brandies before venturing into French whisky. It is now known for its whisky Rozelieures.

Distillerie Warenghem

The Warenghem distillery, based in Brittany for over a century, is a pioneer in French whisky. It established the tradition of Breton whisky with Armorik and continues to innovate with a wide range of whiskies. Warenghem’s whiskies are celebrated for their fusion of Celtic influences and French distillation techniques, creating exceptional spirits that honor Breton identity.

The Eddu French whisky

Eddu, crafted by the Menhirs distillery in Brittany, is the world’s first whisky made from buckwheat, a traditional ingredient of the region. Established in 1986, the distillery expanded into whisky production in the early 2000s. The Eddu whisky is renowned for its distinctive flavor profile, offering a unique tasting experience that highlights the heritage of Brittany.

Distillerie Ninkasi

Founded in 1997 in Lyon, Ninkasi started as a brewery before expanding into spirits, including whisky. Ninkasi is known for its innovative approach, blending brewing techniques into whisky production. Its modern French whisky, influenced by brewing expertise, stands out for its unique malty notes, reflecting the creative and dynamic spirit of Lyon.

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