French Whisky

At first glance, French whisky sounds strange. But if you take a closer look, it quickly becomes clear that whisky from France not only makes sense, but is also developing into one of the most interesting European whisky categories. France's history and culture are more closely linked to whisky than you might think. Through the Auld Alliance, there are still many links between Scotland and France. France is also the record holder in terms of Scotch whisky imports worldwide. The French love their Scotch! No one can doubt that France knows how to enjoy Scotch, and there is no shortage of distilling expertise either. Whether it's Calvados, Cognac or Armagnac, almost every region of France has its own distillate. The barrels made from Limousin oak are highly sought after by whisky distilleries. It is no coincidence that the first whisky distillery, Warenghem, developed in Brittany of all places. The Armorik single malt is now one of the best-known French and Brittany whiskies. By the way, did you know that Brittany is one of the six Celtic nations? The other five are Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. Brittany has Armorik to thank for the fact that Whisky Breton is now even a protected designation of origin, just like Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey. How is French whisky made? Many French whisky producers are modelled on Scottish production methods. However, the French allow their own regional cultural characteristics to flow into the whisky. For example, the Chateau de Breuil in Normandy distils its single malt on Calvados stills. For Armorik, Scottish pot stills came to Brittany from Scotland, but the barrels even come from their own cooper. What does French whisky taste like? Very different and what we have been able to try so far is really delicious! Smoky whisky can be found at Kornog and in the Yeun Elez from Warenghem. The non-smoky Armorik single malts and the Glann Ar Mor whiskies are similar in flavour to Scottish coastal malts, fruity, full and slightly maritime. Rozelieures Single Malts, Domaine des Hautes Glaces and Ninkasi are also French whiskies that are worth a try.