CHRISTOPHE AMIGORENA, FOUNDER OF MELIFERA

CHRISTOPHE AMIGORENA, FOUNDER OF MELIFERA

Christophe Amigorena

"Charentais origins, tempting associates, Oléron, memories of immortelle... and there you have it."

09 April 2024

Are you ready for a sensory journey inspired by a walk through the dunes of the Southwest or in the Corsican maquis?

How did the idea of MELIFERA come about?

The idea was born from a passion for the immortelle flower that grows in the dunes. I used to find it on the beaches of my childhood in the Basque Country and later on the island of Oléron with the children. We wanted to rediscover the emotions offered by this little flower in an organic and committed spirit, these unique scents of returning from the beach and walking in the dunes. The fact that our gin is organic was very important to us. If we were going to change our lives to launch a brand, it might as well be a project that makes sense. That's also why we call ourselves Melifera, like the Apis Mellifera Mellifera, the scientific name for the black bee we are committed to.

What makes MELIFERA an Avant Gardist?

Firstly, because the use of the immortelle flower is rare and innovative in spirits. Secondly, to preserve this flower, the picking of the latter being prohibited, we planted our own immortelle plants in the north of the island of Oléron. We bought land and hired someone to work at the Melifera Garden in agroecology, where they cultivate other botanicals and develop local partnerships, notably with the Conservatoire de l'Abeille Noire on Oléron. This is also where our partner beekeeper has placed his hives of black bees and is developing a project to breed black queen bees.

"In short, our organic gin lives up to its commitments. That would make it an Avant Gardist, wouldn't it?"

What were you doing before? What led you to delve into the spirits industry?

I have worked for over 25 years in the national and international development of prestigious brands such as Häagen-Dazs or L'Occitane. The immortelle flower is the key ingredient in L'Occitane's flagship range, and I had always told myself that I would do something with this beloved flower. A final experience at Devialet, a French startup, a gem in sound technology, gave me the impetus, the desire to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure. With Charentais origins, enticing partners, Oléron, memories of immortelle... and there it is. I even brought my wife along for the ride!

Tell us about your first memory tasting gin.

My earliest memories of tasting gin are inevitably distant, painful, and associated with the nocturnal escapades of my youth... More seriously, I rediscovered gin a few years ago. That's when I understood that the spirit had changed, that it could be delicate, aromatic, less about the alcohol. It's a testament to genuine craftsmanship.


What is your favourite cocktail, and place to enjoy it?

The Negroni is unquestionably my go-to cocktail. Whether enjoyed with friends in a cozy lounge or on a terrace in the late afternoon, overlooking a lovely bucolic view.

What is the most heartwarming feedback you have ever gotten from a consumer about MELIFERA?

Our favourite feedback is from customers who are new to Melifera. When we share the story with them, they take a sniff of the glass and say, "Oh yes, this reminds me so much of my grandmother's house in Noirmoutier. I love this scent; it brings back so many memories." That's when we know we've succeeded! That's exactly what we set out to do when we created Melifera. Here's a little anecdote: not long ago, we were at the Hôtel Costes, and the bar manager told us that Prince Albert of Monaco had been there the previous week. When he saw the bottle of Melifera, he exclaimed, "Ah, I know this, it's my favourite gin!" Naturally, we were thrilled.

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