Latest news with #Armagnac
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why French Whiskey Belongs on Your Shelf
Glass of cognac on the vintage barrel. getty France has long had a reputation for doing alcohol very well. Cognac? Legendary. Champagne? Peerless. Wine in general? A national obsession. But whiskey? Until recently, that was more of a side character in the French drinks universe—enjoyed, perhaps, but not often made. That's changing. Thanks to a growing number of ambitious distillers and an audience eager for homegrown alternatives to Scotch or Irish whiskey, France is becoming a serious player in the global whiskey scene. And yes, the French are doing it their way—with regional ingredients, wine barrel finishes, and a deep respect for terroir. Here's what to know about the rise of French whiskey—and six bottles that absolutely belong on your shelf. The French have been drinking whiskey for over a century—largely imports from Scotland, Ireland, and the U.S. But the idea of making whiskey? That took time. For decades, French law and tradition centered around grape-based spirits like Cognac and Armagnac. It wasn't until the late 20th century that whiskey-making in France really took off, with distillers in Brittany and Alsace leading the way. Why those regions? Because they already had a distilling culture, and—perhaps more importantly—they weren't part of the protected zones for Cognac or Armagnac, giving them more freedom to experiment. Fast forward to today, and France now has over 100 whiskey producers crafting everything from peated single malts to rye whiskeys aged in Sauternes barrels. Armorik Single Malt Distillerie Warenghem Lannion, Brittany Armorik is basically the OG of French whiskey—produced by Warenghem, a family-run distillery that's been making spirits since the 1900s and whiskey since the 1980s. If France had a whiskey hall of fame, this would be the first inductee. The Armorik Classic Single Malt is aged in French oak and sherry casks, offering notes of malted barley, apple tart, honey, and spice, with just enough oak to keep things grounded. It's warm, inviting, and wonderfully Breton. Brenne French Single Malt Brenne Cognac Region Brenne is the whiskey your wine-loving friend will instantly understand. Founded by former ballerina-turned-spirits-entrepreneur Allison Parc, it's distilled in the Cognac region using organic barley, and aged in—wait for it—ex-Cognac barrels. The result? A fruity, floral whiskey with flavors of banana bread, crème brûlée, dried fig, and baking spice, and a finish that feels like dessert in a glass. If you like your whiskey soft, approachable, and just a little bit flashy, Brenne is your move. Origine Collection Rozelieures Single Malt Lorraine Rozelieures is one of the few French distilleries that grows its own barley, malts it, distills it, and ages it all on-site. Think of it as the farm-to-glass whiskey of France—with volcanic soil thrown in for good measure. The Origine Collection is lightly peated and aged in ex-Cognac and sherry casks. Expect notes of smoky pear, black tea, citrus peel, and roasted nuts, all tied together by a delicate minerality. If you're into Highland-style Scotch but want to go off-script, this one's a no-brainer. Moissons Single Malt Domaine des Hautes Glaces Alps Region This is the whiskey equivalent of a biodynamic natural wine. Domaine des Hautes Glaces (aka DHG) makes avant-garde spirits using sustainable farming, long fermentation, and native yeast. You don't just drink this stuff—you feel it. The Moissons Single Malt offers an earthy, grain-forward profile with aromas of hay, toasted rye bread, dried fruit, and a whisper of alpine herbs. It's rustic, bold, and built for serious sipping—or intense philosophical debates. Triple Malt Rouge Bellevoye Blend of Three Regions Bellevoye does things a little differently. Rather than distilling in one region, they source whiskey from three different distilleries in France and blend it—think of it as a curated tasting menu in a bottle. The Rouge expression is finished in ex-Bordeaux wine casks, which gives it a tannic edge and a lovely red fruit core. You'll find notes of cherry compote, toasted oak, almond skin, and dark chocolate, with a plush, almost chewy finish. If you like whiskey with swagger and structure, this one's for you. Heritage French Malt Alfred Giraud Cognac Region Crafted by a family with deep Cognac roots, Alfred Giraud takes a haute couture approach to whiskey. The Heritage release blends several malt distillates and is aged in a combination of new French oak and Cognac casks. It's smooth but complex, with flavors of stewed plum, spice cake, roasted hazelnut, and orange peel, and just enough Cognac richness to make you say "Ooh la la." Yes, it's on the pricier side—but very much worth it if you're into layered, luxurious pours. French whiskey may still be considered 'new,' but it's rooted in deep craft traditions and powered by a seriously creative distilling culture. These aren't Scotch clones—they're expressions of French terroir, barrel aging expertise, and yes, a little Gallic flair. So if your whiskey shelf is already packed with bottles from Kentucky, Islay, and Hokkaido, it might be time to make room for something with a French accent. Just don't be surprised if one of these bottles becomes your next favorite—and insists on being paired with cheese.
Mint
29-05-2025
- Mint
Spirited Picks: What India's alcobev insiders buy when they travel
Peak travel season is upon us. People you know, or barely know, are putting out shiny Stories from all over. Chances are your bags, too, are packed. And as a spirits enthusiast, you're probably wondering what bottles to snag — at Duty Free or your destination. If that's indeed the case, we've got reccos from some of the most tuned-in names in India's alcobev ecosystem. As owner of Pass Code Hospitality, which runs 20 restaurants and bars across the country, and co-founder of homegrown agave brand Maya Pistola Agavepura, Rakshay Dhariwal is always sampling new stuff — and recco-ing spirits. The latest addition to his sizeable tequila collection is a sotol from Flor del Desierto, picked up in Thailand. Sotol is a traditional Mexican spirit, like mezcal or tequila, but distilled from dasylirion, a spiny, desert-dwelling plant in the asparagus family. 'This one's a pechuga-style sotol,' says Dhariwal, referring to a rare distillation method in which meat, typically chicken or turkey breast, is added to the still during a final distillation, often alongside fruits and spices. It adds body and complexity, says Dhariwal. The 'Snake Pechuga' he bought includes rattlesnake meat in the distillate, along with local botanicals. 'It's got outstanding flavour and aroma,' he says. If a serpent in your drink feels like a step too far, he suggests the more conventional Fortaleza, a tequila he calls 'one of the smoothest I've ever had.' Flor del Desierto. Currently holidaying in Vietnam, Uday Balaji is all praise for Sampan Rum, an agricole-style rum made by Distillerie Indochine near Hoi An. 'It's made entirely from sugarcane juice and has this lovely fresh, floral character,' says the Coimbatore-based whisky educator. For those heading to Southeast Asia, he also recommends keeping an eye out for Glenglassaugh Portsoy, a coastal single malt from the Brown-Forman portfolio. 'I feel it's a much-overlooked gem,' says Balaji of the peaty dram. 'I've come across it at several duty-free outlets in the region, especially at Changi Airport and in the Philippines.' Also on his radar, if Europe happens this year, is Smogen, a bold Swedish whisky. 'It holds its own against several Scottish single malts,' he says. Glenglassaugh Portsoy. Mayukh Hazarika's Cherrapunji is one of India's standout gins — smoky, rainwater-distilled in Meghalaya, and infused with botanicals from the North East, including second-flush tea from the Lushai Hills in Mizoram. But gin isn't the only thing Hazarika likes to sip after a long day. At times, he turns to Calvados or Armagnac. 'I've mostly picked up the Calvados Chateau du Breuil and Pays d'Auge, from Berlin, and they never disappoint.' The Chateau du Breuil, he says, is smooth and rounded; the Pays d'Auge, sharper and more structured. For Armagnac, he turns to Janneau, which is soft, slightly spiced, and always dependable. If you're in Holland, he recommends picking up Rutte, a 'benchmark' gin distilled at a 150-year-old facility in Dordrecht, about 100 km from Amsterdam. Rutte. Kasturi Banerjee's Maka Zai, launched in 2021, was one of India's first homegrown craft rums. Since then, the former banker has expanded her portfolio with Mesma, a limited-edition barrel-aged expression that leans on aromatic complexity. When she's travelling, Banerjee makes a point of seeking out local spirits, especially rums that experiment with indigenous ingredients. 'I look for flavoured rums, especially those using indigenous fruits or spices, and how distilleries are experimenting with not just traditional Asian crops like sugarcane, but also less common ingredients like cashew.' She is particularly fond of the agricole-style Samui Rum, which is distilled by the Magic Alambic Rum Distillery (La Rhumerie de Samui) on Koh Samui's quiet southwest coast. Dos Maderas Luxus, a rum aged in the Caribbean and then finished in casks that previously held 20-year-old Pedro Ximénez sherry in Jerez, Spain, is another favourite that she picked up in the UK. Her latest find is Rosemullion Honey Rum, from Frankfurt. Made in Cornwall, the rum is infused with local honey and herbs. Her whisky picks are rooted in Ireland, and she especially recommends Redbreast for its elegance and Connemara for its gentle peat. Redbreast. Vinayak Singh, co-founder, Dram Club As co-founder of Dram Club, a community for spirits lovers, Vinayak Singh often leads whisky tours to Scotland, and never returns without a bottle of Highland Park 18. 'It's consistently good… I have no idea why it's overlooked.' Another label that never fails to impress is Octomore. 'We recently had a tasting of the super heavily peated Octomore 9.3 — it was a big hit.' Both brands, especially the Highland Park, are often available at duty-free shops in Southeast Asia, says Singh. Highland Park 18.
Forbes
17-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Rabbit Hole Adourra: A Bourbon With A French Accent (and A Heavy Gold Cork)
Bourbon Rabbit Hole's latest release doesn't shout for attention, but it definitely has presence. Adourra, the newest member of the Founder's Collection, is a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Armagnac casks and bottled at a confident 108 proof. Named after the Adour River in France's Armagnac region, this limited-edition whiskey blends Kentucky muscle with a splash of French polish. Founder Kaveh Zamanian has long leaned into creative cask finishes, but Adourra takes things a step further—channeling the oak-driven elegance of one of France's oldest spirits into something distinctly American. Rabbit Hole Adourra For starters, Armagnac isn't your average brandy. It's earthy, elegant, and often overlooked in favor of its flashier cousin Cognac. But what it lacks in PR, it makes up for in serious aging pedigree—especially thanks to the Solera method, a cascading system where older brandy casks are continuously refreshed with younger spirit. The result? Barrels that are layered with decades of deeply integrated aromas and complexity. When Rabbit Hole bourbon rests in these seasoned casks, it takes on more than just flavor. The result is a deep amber whiskey with layered complexity, subtle warmth, and a long, smooth finish. Launched as a series of limited-edition releases, the Founder's Collection serves as a creative playground —a place where traditional Kentucky bourbon meets unexpected influences from around the world. Each expression in the collection starts with mature, high-quality whiskey, often aged for nearly a decade. But it's the finishing casks that set these releases apart. Past bottles have included bourbons rested in rare sherry casks, French oak, and now, with the release of Adourra, Armagnac barrels from southern France. The goal isn't novelty for novelty's sake. Rather, the distillery uses the collection to explore how nuanced cask finishes can deepen complexity without overpowering the bourbon's core character. Bottled at cask strength and released in small batches, every Founder's Collection bottle is individually numbered and presented in a custom-designed box. It's not just about taste—it's also about ritual and presentation. Whether you're opening it for a special occasion or keeping it sealed on your shelf, the collection is made to feel rare and intentional. Rabbit Hole Adourra opens with a rich, aromatic nose layered with dried stone fruit, toasted almond, and delicate floral notes, underscored by hints of vanilla and spice from its time in Armagnac casks. On the palate, the 108-proof bourbon delivers a bold yet balanced profile—velvety in texture with flavors of caramelized sugar, dark cherry, and a subtle nuttiness that nods to its brandy-barrel finish. The mid-palate reveals a touch of leather and baking spice, giving way to a long, warming finish marked by oak tannin, gentle sweetness, and a lingering note of fig and cocoa. It's a whiskey that marries Kentucky strength with French refinement in every sip. Rabbit Hole recommends enjoying it neat (as do I), or with a touch of water to unlock deeper notes. Adourra isn't just designed to taste good—it's designed to look good. Each bottle is individually numbered, sealed with a heavy gold cork, and arrives in a linen-wrapped gift carton complete with the founder's debossed signature. It's giving 'I splurged, and it was worth it.' Rabbit Hole Adourra is available now at the Rabbit Hole Distillery and in select U.S. markets. Like other releases in the Founder's Collection, it's limited edition—which in whiskey terms is code for: you should probably move fast.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why New York City's Most Exclusive Bar Refuses To Serve This Cognac
Louis XIII is undeniably superb, an icon of craftsmanship and prestige, but at Brandy Library, it's the one bottle you won't find, by deliberate design. New York's Brandy Library has become the place to be after hours in the city, but you may be surprised to know that you won't be able to get a pour of the world's most prestigious Cognac. I spoke to Brandy Library's founder Flavien Desoblin to find out more about his exclusive bar and discover why he's banned Louis XIII Cognac from the shelves. In Lower Manhattan's Moore Street, Brandy Library has become the go to destination for those after a quieter spot to unwind and connect. It's a carefully designed venue that glows with the ambient lighting from walls lined with around 1,500 bottles of spirit from across the world. This impressive collection has been curated by the library to offer an unrivaled opportunity to explore new and existing favourites, from whisky to cognac. Over 1,500 bottles line the shelves at Brandy Library, offering everything from obscure Scotch and vintage Armagnac to underrated American bourbon gems. The group sizes are limited to six—although larger groups can request to book a private party or experience—and the ambience is very much reminiscent of a library. The hushed and respectful tone revered for a selection of spirits, although you can also get a glass of wine or beer if that's your preference. You might expect brandy to be their most popular spirit, or a scotch thanks to its increasingly premium reputation, but Desoblin explains that bourbon has reestablished itself as the drink to be seen with. 'The resurgence of Bourbon started as a necessity during the 2008/09 financial crisis,' Desoblin said over an email exchange with me. 'Businessmen would come in but couldn't spend corporate money on the previous go-to Macallan 18, so they switched. What started as an act of active patriotism eventually was loved for its defining qualities. The younger generation, going back to what the grandparents were drinking, has fully embraced bourbon.' Jordan Belfort, the former stockbroker and financial criminal whose memories were recreated in the film The Wolf of Wall Street was a regular at Brandy Library, although Desoblin says they didn't know who he was until after the movie. Despite its proximity to New York's Financial District, Brandy Library isn't solely focused on the corporate side. Desoblin explains his library setting is perfect for 'dates who want to see what's really inside each other's mind, in a quiet and calm environment when you easily lose track of time.' I felt it was a must to ask about the elephant in the room—or lack of it—the Louis XIII Cognac. Louis XIII is arguably the pinnacle of luxury cognacs. The price of a bottle starts around $3,000 to $4,000 depending on the edition and it's the crown of Rémy Martin's portfolio. This exceptional brandy combines up to 1,200 different eaux-de-vie that are aged for decades—some reaching a century—and presented in a handcrafted crystal decanter. Despite its renowned quality and striking design, at the Brandy Library they have deliberately chosen not to stock Louis XIII. Despite its fame and luxury status, Louis XIII Cognac is nowhere to be found at Brandy Library. I find the interaction of luxury lifestyle and spirits fascinating, so I had to ask Desoblin what drove their decision. 'There's no argument that Louis XIII quality is superb! But I was tired of witnessing ice cubes thrown into it as it was consumed just for status. There are plenty of similarly exquisite Cognacs for a fraction of the price, so we chose to focus on those.' Sometimes it is nice to have something you are familiar with, but equally if you have access to somewhere like Brandy Library with the selection and expert guidance it can be just as enjoyable to be steered toward something new. I asked Desoblin what he considered overlooked in their vast selection of spirits. His answer is as succinct as his selection is vast: 'Heaven Hill bottled-in-bond 7 years bourbon and Glen Moray single malt scotch.' Flavien Desoblin calls Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7 Years one of the bar's hidden gems—a no-frills bourbon that proves great taste doesn't need a big price tag. For those that don't know, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7 Years is a traditional Kentucky bourbon adhering to strict requirements—100 proof, aged at least four years and produced in a single distilling season. The 7-year expression represents the distillery's commitment to their production methods while delivering a robust, full-flavored experience. Glen Moray is a Speyside distillery that is often overlooked in favour of some of its more infamous neighbours. Established in 1897 Glen Moray creates whiskies that typically showcase the lighter, fruitier side of Speyside malts. They are also a fraction of the price of the better known speyside single malts, which can often make people a bit more open minded about trying something new! If Kentucky bourbon or a fruity speyside scotch are the right choice for your palate the expert team at Brandy Library would be more than happy to offer a suggestion. Just make sure you book your table in advance for the full experience.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
French co-ops Vivadour and Terres du Sud eye merger
French agricultural cooperatives Vivadour and Terres du Sud have entered 'exclusive discussions' to explore a potential merger. In a statement, Vivadour said the co-ops aim to jointly build the 'full agricultural, agri-food, and distribution potential of unified terroirs'. Vivadour added the boards of directors of both the cooperatives have approved 'the study of a merger'. Employee representative bodies across both organisations have been informed about the proposed initiative, the statement said. Vivador and Terres du Sud both grow and sell a range of food ingredients to manufacturers. The Vivadour portfolio also includes the production of bulk wines and spirits, including dry white wine and Armagnac. Terres du Sud's consumer-facing brands include the poultry brand Blason d'Or, duck meat business Delmond L'Origine and fruit juice lines Vallée Verte and O'natur. O'natur offers a 'premium' range of fruit juices for specialist networks such as organic, wine merchants, delicatessen stores, café-hotel-restaurant and caterers. Vivadour said the proposed merger of the co-ops would be based on 'the complementarity of their territories, their businesses, and their skills.' If the co-ops decide to merge, the move is contingent on approval from the French competition watchdog. The cooperatives will also consult with staff representatives and seek approval from cooperative members, potentially through a vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for 'the end of 2025'. Last month, French agri-food cooperatives Euralis and Maïsadour announced plans to create an entity with a turnover of around €3bn ($3.2bn) through a merger. Two years ago, the co-ops pulled plans to combine their operations in foie gras, salmon and direct sales after opposition from France's competition watchdog. "French co-ops Vivadour and Terres du Sud eye merger" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
