In the world of whisky, the most frequently cited references often come from Scotland, Ireland, or the United States. However, over the past decades, France has emerged as a notable player in the whisky universe. Leveraging its traditional expertise in the production of fine spirits and its geographical diversity, France has successfully crafted high-quality whiskies that compete with the best globally.

Exploring the History of French Whisky

The origins of French whisky trace back to the 1980s when the first distilleries embarked on small-scale production. At that time, whisky was predominantly imported to France, and few envisioned the country creating its renowned whisky. Nonetheless, visionaries embraced the challenge, initiating production experiments using local ingredients.

Warenghem Distillery

The true rise of French whisky occurred in 1987 with the emergence of the first authentic whisky at Warenghem Distillery, renowned for its Armorik brand.

Over the years, two distinct trends have emerged, one in the west with Celtic influences, and the other in the Grand Est region relying on microbreweries. Distillation methods vary, with some distilleries opting for traditional copper stills for robust whisky, while others prefer column stills for a lighter and smoother version. Regardless of the method, most French distilleries aim to produce quality whisky using local ingredients such as French barley and spring water.

Among the most renowned distilleries in France is Glann ar Mor in Brittany, founded in 1997. This distillery adopts traditional methods to produce Scottish-style whisky, aged in French and Scottish oak barrels, imparting remarkable complexity and depth to their products.

Finally, there are no fewer than a hundred distilleries across France, spanning all regions. A third trend has emerged around Cognac (Bercloux, Daucourt...), and whisky has spread throughout the territory.

In conclusion, French whisky is earning its place on the global stage through the use of local ingredients, aging in French wine barrels, and the adoption of traditional production methods. French distilleries have succeeded in creating high-quality whiskies that rival the best in the world. Whether you are a whisky enthusiast or simply curious to explore new flavors, French whisky is certainly worth discovering.

Explore our selection of French whiskies without further delay >