Monsieur Balthazar Whisky

In 1984, at the "Théâtre à Hérisson" event, actor Olivier Perrier met musician James Leva. This meeting led to a blend of theatre, music, and whisky-making. James, who was skilled in making Moonshine, showed Olivier how to distil. They built a simple still and experimented with barley, corn, and rye. This created a special spirit that they shared with their audience. Olivier then grew passionate about craft spirits and wanted to make his own whisky.

By 1999, after years of experimenting with distillation, Olivier retired from acting. He founded Monsieur Balthazar Distillery in 2000. In 2006, he introduced Hedgehog whisky. The distillery focused on authenticity and innovation, not just copying traditional whisky styles. Olivier used local grains, Tronçais casks, and old French spirit barrels. This created a unique taste for the whisky.

In 2013, planning to retire, Olivier met David Faverot, a young enthusiast from the University of Alcohol in Segonzac. Olivier saw David's passion and passed on his distillery and knowledge to him.

The distillery's unique feature is its cask choice. They use new oak from Tronçais or old French alcohol casks. These enhance the whisky's maturation. This shows their commitment to regional influence and innovation. Today, David continues the Monsieur Balthazar tradition. He shapes its future while preserving its history.