The mention of whisky typically evokes thoughts of Scotland, Ireland, or even Japan, but France is carving out a niche in the world of malt spirits with its own unique expression: French blended malt whisky. It's a category that might surprise some, given that France is traditionally associated with wine, cognac, and armagnac. Yet, the country has emerged as a significant player in the whisky realm.
Historically, France has always had a love affair with whisky, particularly single malt scotch. In fact, the French are one of the largest consumers of Scotch whisky globally. This passion for whisky led to the natural progression of producing their own.
While France's whisky industry is relatively young, having started earnestly in the late 20th century, it's rooted in a deep understanding of fermentation and distillation, thanks to its brandy-making heritage. The country's diverse climatic conditions and rich agricultural bounty, from Brittany's coastal regions to the inland plains, offer a myriad of ingredients and influences for whisky-making.
French blended malt whisky is made by blending single malt whiskies from different distilleries. The aim is to create a harmonious product, taking the best attributes of each component. These whiskies can showcase a spectrum of flavours, from maritime and salty notes influenced by the Atlantic to more fruit-forward and floral profiles from inland areas.
The use of indigenous grains, wine cask maturation (thanks to its vast wine industry), and even innovative distillation techniques lend a unique character to French whiskies.
Brands such as Armorik and Brenne have gained international recognition, presenting the world with a French interpretation of a traditionally non-French spirit. They've showcased the potential of French terroir in whisky-making, melding the nation's rich spirit tradition with a global favourite.
In essence, French blended malt whisky is a testament to France's adaptability and expertise in the world of spirits, demonstrating that the country's distillation prowess goes well beyond grapes.