Confirmez votre âge
Vous devez être âgé(e) de 18 ans minimum pour naviguer sur ce site.
Sort by:
78 products
78 products
Mutin Fortified Wine,
Sentema Distillery
A fortified wine with subtle verbena aromas
The Mutin from the Sentema Distillery is an ode to the French tradition of fortified wines, creatively revisited in Provence. Made from the fortification of fermenting organic Rolle must, enhanced with a brief but delicate infusion of organic verbena, this fortified wine stands out for its perfect balance between freshness, power, and natural sweetness.
On the nose, it reveals superb aromas of white fruits and verbena, evoking an immediate freshness. On the palate, the controlled sweetness and liveliness of the grape juice are enhanced by the intensity of the organic Provençal wine brandy. This fortified wine is an ideal companion for all occasions: aperitifs, desserts, cheeses, or even foie gras. It can also be enjoyed in creative cocktails, thanks to its versatility and elegance.
With Mutin, let yourself be carried away on a sensory adventure where tradition meets innovation, with respect for life and nature.
To find out more
The Sentema Distillery offers exceptional spirits, created on an eau-de-vie of organic wines from Provence, distilled by hand on copper pot stills, made entirely with French plants and fruits, for unique recipes with frank and natural flavors.
Patte Blanche Rendez vous XO
L'Explorateur du Gout
Rendez-vous XO is an aged, organic, and artisanal cognac from the Patte Blanche brand. Classified VSOP and AOC Cognac, it is distilled and aged at the Sabourin distillery in Arthenac (Charente-Maritime), founded by the grandfather of one of the two founders of Patte Blanche. The brand's goal is to create new-generation cognacs that are light, environmentally friendly, and equally suited to solo drinking and mixology. The XO (Extra Old) designation means that it has been aged for at least ten years.
Production
Made entirely from organic Ugni Blanc grapes, Rendez-vous XO is distilled and aged at Sabourin. The double distillation is carried out on lees in a Charentais still. Aging in lightly toasted oak barrels (20-25 minutes at 110°C) allows the delicate aromas of the spirit to be extracted.
Tasting
Rendez-vous XO is a woody and evolved cognac with a pronounced amber color. On the palate, after an olfactory attack of cedar wood, it leads towards candied citrus, dried orange peel and dried fruits (walnut, hazelnut) as well as spices (nutmeg, clove, cassia) and sandalwood. To be drunk neat (over ice or not) or in cocktails, and to flambé fine fish.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This spirit was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer seeking out the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label for compliance with social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. In the catalog: French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not forgetting liqueurs and tonics. Something to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply demanding consumer.
Patte Blanche Vis-à-vis VSOP
L'Explorateur du Goût
Classified as VSOP and AOC Cognac, Vis-à-vis is a Laissez-faire cognac, an organic and artisanal cognac from the Patte Blanche brand. The VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) designation signifies that it has been aged for at least four years. It comes from the Sabourin distillery in Arthenac (Charente-Maritime), founded by the grandfather of one of the two creators of Patte Blanche. The brand's goal is to create new-generation cognacs that are not heavy, respectful of the environment, and equally suited to solo drinking and mixology.
Production
Made from 100% organic Ugni Blanc grapes, Vis-à-vis VSOP is entirely distilled at Sabourin. Double distillation is carried out on lees in a Charentais still. Aging in lightly toasted oak barrels (20-25 minutes at 110°C) allows the delicate aromas of the spirit to be extracted.
Tasting
Vis-à-vis is a mature cognac with a golden color. Fruity yet dry, it evokes pear, quince, and muscat grapes. Woody, spicy, notes of clove and nutmeg with creamy accents of caramel and toffee. To be drunk neat (over ice or not) or in cocktails and for cooking.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This spirit was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer in search of the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label for compliance with social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. In the catalog: French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not to mention liqueurs and tonics. Something to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply demanding consumer.
Patte Blanche Laissez-faire VS
L'Explorateur du Gout
Laissez-faire is an organic and artisanal VS cognac from the Patte Blanche brand. It is classified VS (Very Superior, aged at least two years) and AOC Cognac. One of the two creators of Patte Blanche is the grandson of the founder of the Sabourin family distillery, located in Arthenac (Charente-Maritime), where this spirit is distilled and aged. The brand's goal is to create new-generation cognacs that are not heavy, respectful of the environment, and equally suited to solo drinking and mixology.
Production
Laissez-faire VS is made from 100% organic Ugni Blanc grapes, entirely distilled at Sabourin. Double distillation is carried out on lees in a Charentais still. Aging in lightly toasted oak barrels (20-25 minutes at 110°C) allows the delicate aromas of this cognac to be extracted.
Tasting
A young, light, delicate cognac, suitable for all occasions. Laissez-faire VS offers notes of spices, musky pear, clove, vanilla, and spices. To be drunk neat (with or without ice), for cocktails and for cooking.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This spirit was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer seeking out the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label for compliance with social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. In the catalog: French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not to mention liqueurs and tonics. Something to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist or simply demanding consumer.
Organic Copalli Black Cane Rum
Another truly remarkable white rum, sourced from the tropical forests of Belize, a green and preserved environment: Organic Copalli Black Cane Rum is a white rum certified organic from soil to bottle (Eurofeuille label), made from black cane by the Copalli distillery. Founded by Will Maheia and Todd Robinson, Copalli supports local communities by being the largest employer in southern Belize through its Copal Tree sugarcane plantation, distillery, and lodge. The cane varieties are traditional (noble cane and black cane), and all cultivation and manufacturing waste is recycled on the plantation. Copalli, in addition to protecting the environment, subsidizes the education of its employees' children.
Production
Copalli Black Cane is a single estate organic rum, made from pure black cane juice, double distilled in a pot still (Charentais-style still). Only three ingredients, sourced from the rainforest: organic black sugar cane, pure canopy water, and local yeast. Black cane is a traditional ingredient.
Tasting
This white rum is quite surprising: Copalli Black Cane astonishes with its roundness and fruitiness. Melon, watermelon, fresh cane juice, dried fruits, dried apricot, dried peach, Chinese medlar, lychee, and Chinese fruits. Black cane really produces unique flavors. Try it in an unusual ti-punch and in all rum-based cocktails, but also drink it straight, with or without ice. In the kitchen, it will bring an extraordinary aroma.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This organic Copalli White Rum was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer seeking out the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label for compliance with social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. In the catalog: French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not to mention liqueurs and tonics. Enough to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply demanding consumer.
Organic Copalli Barrel Rested Rum
Certified organic from soil to bottle (Eurofeuille label), Copalli Barrel-Rested Rum Organic is an organic amber rum from the tropical forests of Belize, a green and preserved environment. It is the same rum as Copalli White Rum Organic after a few months of aging in oak barrels. Copalli Distillery, founded by Will Maheia and Todd Robinson, supports local communities by being the largest employer in southern Belize through its Copal Tree sugarcane plantation, distillery, and lodge. The cane varieties are traditional (noble cane and black cane), and all cultivation and manufacturing waste is recycled on the plantation. Copalli, in addition to protecting the environment, subsidizes the education of its employees' children.
Production
After double distillation in a pot still (a Charentais-style copper still), this pure cane juice rum (as opposed to the less rare molasses rums), entirely organic, is aged for eight months in bourbon barrels. Copalli Barrel-Rested Rum is made from only four ingredients: organic sugarcane, pure canopy water, local yeasts, and barrel wood with its bourbon aromas.
Tasting
Incredibly aromatic. Deep, clear amber color, with a nose of Chinese oolong tea and precious wood. This Copalli Barrel-Rested Rum opens with woody notes on the nose and palate: green, cocoa bean, leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, tobacco, hot powder, sandalwood, and oud wood. The finish is long, rich, and complex. A rum to drink on its own or in a cocktail. It can also accompany a spicy meal. If you use it in cooking, be careful: consider it as a spice and not as an alcohol for pancakes.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This organic Copalli White Rum was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer in search of the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label for compliance with social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. In the catalog: French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not to mention liqueurs and tonics. Enough to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply demanding consumer.
Organic Copalli White Rum
Organic Copalli White Rum is an exceptional white rum, certified organic from soil to bottle (Eurofeuille label), sourced from the tropical forests of Belize, a green and preserved environment. The Copalli Distillery, founded by Will Maheia and Todd Robinson, supports local communities by being the largest employer in southern Belize through its Copal Tree sugarcane plantation, distillery, and lodge. The cane varieties are traditional (noble cane and black cane), and all cultivation and manufacturing waste is recycled on the plantation. Copalli, in addition to protecting the environment, subsidizes the education of its employees' children.
Production
Copalli White Rum is a single estate rum made from pure cane juice (as opposed to the more common molasses rums) distilled in two types of stills: pot still (Charentais-style still) and column still. Only three ingredients, sourced from the rainforest: organic sugarcane, pure canopy water, and local yeast. This rum thrives on its exceptional and protected environment.
Tasting
Extraordinary purity, clarity, and intense aroma, Copalli White Rum is an extraordinary white rum, with notes of sugarcane, vanilla, and fresh herbs. On the palate, tropical fruits (guava, soursop, lime) and lemon zest. Delicious and long on the palate. Try it in a ti-punch and in all rum-based cocktails, but also drunk on its own, with or without ice.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This organic Copalli White Rum was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer seeking out the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label for compliance with social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. In the catalog: French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not forgetting liqueurs and tonics. Something to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply demanding consumer.
Copalli Organic Cocoa
Copalli Organic Cocoa is a very surprising, organic and natural rum (Eurofeuille label), produced by the Copalli distillery in the Belize rainforest, in a green and preserved environment. Made from pure cane juice (unlike molasses rums), it is infused with cocoa beans, which gives it its unique flavor. Founded by Will Maheia and Todd Robinson, Copalli supports local communities by being the largest employer in southern Belize through its Copal Tree sugarcane plantation, distillery, and lodge. The cane varieties are traditional (noble cane and black cane), and all cultivation and manufacturing waste is recycled on the plantation. Copalli, in addition to protecting the environment, subsidizes the education of its employees' children.
Production
To obtain organic Copalli Cocoa, the fermented cane juice is distilled three times in column and pot stills (Charentais-style copper stills). Copalli then infuses roasted local organic cocoa beans.
Tasting
A characteristic taste of cocoa bean permeates this rum and gives it a crazy charm. Through a clean, pure and powerful mouthfeel, no sweet sensation but softness and roundness, notes of fresh cane juice, chocolate and coffee. This very tasty Copalli Cocoa can be drunk on its own, or as a ti-punch or cocktail. Use it in cooking and baking like a spice.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
Organic Copalli Cocoa Rum was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer seeking out the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label for compliance with social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. In the catalog: French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not to mention liqueurs and tonics. Something to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply a demanding consumer.
Nc'nean Botanical Spirit Organic
L'explorateur du Gout
Awarded Eurofeuille certification, Nc'nean Botanical Spirit Organic is a botanical liqueur made in Scotland. It comes from an organic whisky distillery founded by Annabel Thomas in the West Highlands. The distillery is certified organic and BCorp certified (a global organic and ethical label). Its name is a tribute to the Celtic goddess Neachneohain, protector of nature (and don't panic, it's pronounced "nac'nean").
Production
On a base of 100% organic barley malt brandy from the distillery, a maceration of ten plants (some of which are endemic to Scotland) is carried out: bog myrtle, coriander, juniper, fresh grapefruit peel, chamomile, thyme, heather, sorrel, angelica, licorice. An addition of syrup completes this herbaceous liqueur.
Tasting
Aromatic and soothing, Nc’nean Botanical Spirit Bio provides a sweetness of orange blossom marshmallow on the attack, confirmed on the palate with notes of barley, chamomile, almond, juniper berry and wildflowers. A hint of salt on the finish. As a digestif or in a cocktail.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This organic Nc’nean Botanical Spirit liqueur was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer in search of the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label of respect for social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. The catalog includes French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not to mention liqueurs and tonics. Something to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply discerning consumer.
Vervain by Stephane Spirits
After Vincent Granier created his vervain, his brother Stéphane wanted to make his own version: here it is. Entirely organic and artisanal, sourced locally, it's the big brother's vervain. Its production is different, as is its taste.
The Plant
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) is a favorite in cottage gardens. A member of the Verbenaceae family, it is cultivated for its fragrant leaves, with a slight hint of lemon peel. It is tonic, calming, fever-reducing, antispasmodic, and digestive. The one infused for this liqueur was grown organically and harvested by hand in the Alps.
Production
Stéphane's initial recipe is identical to that of Vincent's Vervain (link), but it is aged for six months in vats to "settle," then it is passed through a barrel of arranged rum, which gives it a different, more sophisticated taste and olfactory envelope. Lemon zest from Menton, biodynamic Egyptian lemongrass, and organic coriander seeds are also present.
Tasting
The reddish-brown color is more intense and deeper, the nose more vanilla and caramelized due to the aging in wood. More powerful on the palate too: roasted aromas of old rum coat those of the plants. To be enjoyed as an aperitif over ice, as a digestif, as a long drink and to be paired with high-end hams: Ibérico de bellota from Don Bardem, the Gascon from Porc Noir de Bigorre, or the delicious beef hams from Maison Aitana. But if you want to pair it with chocolate, that works very well too!
To the vervain are added organic lemon zest (from Menton), organic coriander seeds and lemongrass grown biodynamically in Egypt (the closest and most eco-friendly place to find 100% natural lemongrass). The plants and spices are infused in natural water from the Boubioz spring, near Lake Annecy, and the alcohol is made from 100% organic wheat. Organic sugar is produced in the Palatine Forest.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory—two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier—makes artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, sweetness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
Plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and, for this reason, reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and additive-free, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never before have such fresh plant flavors been conveyed to us by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it's also an excellent digestif. Vervain, genepi, gentian, mint, or meadowsweet, we guarantee you: you'll have a good time.
Mint Spirits
This organic, artisanal mint liqueur is produced locally by the Granier liqueur factory, near Annecy, in Haute-Savoie. It is made from peppermint, faithfully reproducing its fresh flavor.
The Plant
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a member of the large mint family, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. A spontaneous hybrid between water mint and spearmint, it was first cultivated in England in the 17th century. Peppermint is present in many aromatic and medicinal products.
Production
The mint is grown organically by growers-gatherers in Auvergne, dried, and infused in 40% organic alcohol. It is blended by the Granier liquorist factory with an organic sugar syrup produced in the Vosges and the Palatine Forest.
Tasting
Refreshing and reassuring—it doesn't taste like toothpaste at all—this mint is also powerful and long-lasting. A slight hint of pepper on the finish. It has a 26% alcohol content with less than 5g of sugar per liter. Drink it neat with a few ice cubes; it will put your mind and stomach back in place. It will go very well with a square (or two) of chocolate or a stuffed lamb breast from the Ferme de Mayrinhac.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory — two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier — produces artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, smoothness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
Plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and for this reason reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and without additives, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never have such fresh plant flavors been restored to us by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it's also an excellent digestif. Verbena, genepi, gentian, mint, or meadowsweet—we guarantee you'll have a great time.
Gentian Spirits
Granier Gentian is an organic and artisanal liqueur, sourced locally and produced by the Granier brothers near Annecy, in Haute-Savoie. It is part of a long tradition of wild gentian liqueur from the French mountains (Massif Central and the Alps), whose harvest is subject to rigorous controls to ensure the plant regenerates normally.
The Plant
Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a tall mountain plant whose root, extracted by specialized gatherers, the "gentianaires," is used in herbalism and liqueur making. Difficult to extract, it was nicknamed "the poor man's quinquina" because of its beneficial and digestive bitter ingredients. The gentian used for this liqueur comes from a sustainable development sector, controlled by the Gentiana Lutea association, which manages the exploitation of this wild plant.
Production
The gentian root is infused in 96% organic wheat alcohol, before blending with an organic sugar syrup made by a landowner harvesting in the Palatine Forest. The water comes from the Boubioz spring, near Lake Annecy. No additives are added during production. The liqueur, aged in rum barrels, includes coriander seeds and lemon zest. Unlimited aging potential.
Tasting
This gentian has everything going for it, starting with its bitterness. This is indeed the desired flavor in this liqueur, and the Granier brothers know how to let it express itself with frankness and simplicity in order to preserve the strong identity of this noble plant. A few drops on a sugar cube, or a small glass as an aperitif, or as a digestif (with or without ice). Sovereign in case of stomach problems, tones the liver. Despite its bitterness, it can be paired with various dishes, especially as an aperitif. Try it with a ham and butter sandwich! It goes well with charcuterie, cured meats, dry sausages for example. Idea: pour a few drops into your coffee! Or in the batter of a chocolate cake.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory — two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier — produces artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, sweetness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
The plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and for this reason reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and additive-free, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never before have we been given such fresh plant flavors by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it is also an excellent digestif. Verbena, genepi, gentian, mint or meadowsweet, we guarantee you: you will have a good time.
Armagnac The Morning Dew Spirits
Entirely organic (Demeter, AB, and Eurofeuille labels), biodynamic, and artisanal, The Morning Dew can challenge your Armagnac experience with its transparency. It is indeed a young Armagnac, which owes its paleness to four years of aging in oak barrels. Classified VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale). Developed by Maurice de Mandelaëre (Domaine de Saoubis), the only biodynamic Armagnac producer, it is distributed by Hootch and has an alcohol content of 44%.
Development
The Morning Dew is made from 100% Baco grapes grown biodynamically in Bas-Armagnac and aged in 200-liter microbarrels. It is neither reduced nor filtered, and is free of coloring. No fertilizers or pesticides are used in the vineyards, and no additives are used in the cellar. Cuvée limited to 390 bottles.
Tasting
It's a real treat, a delicacy. Dried fruits, honey, and spices, an irresistible taste and floral notes. The silky, round palate reveals fruit, vanilla, and caramel. In its prime, it is suitable for all occasions: digestif, anytime tasting, dessert, or mixology. With this, dare to try a Iberian bellota ham, that's good, we have some. Or a ham from porc noir de Bigorre, a pastry or a dessert with Agen prunes.
Learn more about Hootch
Hootch is not a distillery but a distillery discoverer: created by two childhood friends, Martin and Thomas, it is dedicated to organic and artisanal French spirits, especially Armagnac. Its mission is to discover small Armagnac producers who have been made invisible by competition from foreign spirits. Hootch packages and distributes these Armagnacs to make them accessible to a wider audience.
Armagnacs by Maurice
Maurice de Mandelaëre is the only biodynamic Armagnac producer (Demeter and AB certified). Its sublime spirits are made with the utmost respect for the soil, the ecosystem, and the environment. Whether old, hors d'âge, or blanche Armagnac (not aged in barrels), Armagnacs by Maurice form the basis of Hootch's catalog. It follows that the entire production is organic, biodynamic, and artisanal.
Discover Armagnac
This alcohol, the oldest in France, is so much more than a drop to flavor a Landes tourtière or prune ice cream (even if we love those too)! Armagnac is complex, deep, multidimensional, the pure fruit of its terroir, and Hootch gives you a wonderful opportunity to discover it.
Pastis 2022 Spirits
Garagai
Garagaï is an organic and artisanal pastis from the Provençal region, produced by Maixent Dubois. All the plants that compose it were either picked in the Sainte-Victoire mountain region, in the Aix region in the spring of 2022, or grown organically at the distillery. It's a distinctive and delicious pastis that will be a welcome change from industrial versions.
Production
The plants, picked at the time of flowering, are macerated while still fresh. The maceration time depends on each plant, depending on how the macerates are tasted. The macerates are then filtered and the remaining plants distilled. The blend is carried out over about twenty macerations, after which the mixture rests to marry the aromas and is filtered before bottling. The sweetening is very light, at a rate of 6 g of Butinarello lavender honey per liter of pastis. Here is the composition: star anise, licorice, wild thyme, lemon thyme, rosemary, savory, fennel, tarragon, lemon balm, lemon basil, Marseille basil, absinthe, mugwort, bay leaf, peppermint, spearmint, dill, coriander, green anise, oregano, hyssop, agastache.
Tasting
You can immediately taste the difference, this Garagaï pastis has nothing to do with the mass-market versions: no overly sweet notes; the blend is subtle, the plants form a harmonious bouquet. The aging potential is unlimited, but it is recommended to drink an opened bottle within two months to preserve all its aromatic qualities. What do you serve this pastis with? Peanuts. But also small antipasti from Olio di Serra, Mediterranean starters, tapas, Spanish canned fish, cured meats, the bottarga…
Learn more about the Garagaï distillery
Garagaï is the name of a chasm (or rather two chasms, the large and small Garagaï) located at the top of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. It follows that the products of the Garagaï distillery display a strong Provençal identity. The distillery was born in 2019, created by Maixent Dubois, a local boy who went from working in winemaking to working with spirits.
A desire for pastis
Maixent has long dreamed of making pastis. He will interpret the recipe with love and finesse, growing his organic plants on site or having them picked in the Aix region, around the Sainte-Victoire mountain. The result is a first distinctive and emblematic product, Garagaï pastis, released in 2020. It is made using entirely artisanal methods and organic products, and distilled in a Charentais-style still. Other pastis will follow, as well as syrups made from Mediterranean plants.
The aperitif of the sun
Obtained using various techniques (hot infusion, cold maceration, bain-marie distillation), Garagaï pastis are subtle, complex, and aromatic thanks to the meticulous work of blending the distillates. This will be a change from industrial pastis; it's time to rediscover this aperitif liqueur that so beautifully evokes summer and sunshine.
Sloe Liqueur 2017,
Here's an organic and natural sloe liqueur from the Cazottes distillery, direct from Gaillac (Tarn). The fruit is small but powerful and intense in flavor, and protected by thorns, so it's well worth it. Handcrafted, without pesticides, colorings, or other additives, this traditional liqueur is 18% ABV.
Production
The wild sloes are picked by Laurent Cazottes from the hedges of his garden at the end of December, when the first frosts have concentrated their flavor. They are hand-crushed, then gently macerated for fourteen months in the estate's slightly sweetened organic wine brandy. After pressing and distillation, the marc is reintroduced into the brandy to obtain color, vitality and length.
Tasting
A bittersweet symphony, a magical liqueur with a slightly tiled ruby color, lively and luminous. The nose is all about stewed red fruits, and on the palate, a round and tasty fruitiness is asserted, structured by a rich and melted substance. Pairs with just about anything, sweet or savory: charcuterie, cured meats, cheeses, pastries.
Learn more about the Cazottes distillery
Laurent Cazottes, winemaker, distiller and natural liqueur maker, is a revealer of quintessences. In Villeneuve-sur-Vère, near Gaillac (Tarn), he cultivates a veritable Eden of biodiversity. On limestone soil, he cares for fruit trees, vines, shrubs, and vegetable plants, which he transforms into wines, eaux-de-vie, and liqueurs.
Production secrets
First of all, the integrity of the fruit and the vine, cultivated in certified organic (Eurofeuille and Nature & Progrès labels) and biodynamically, then careful care given to their maceration at perfect maturity in the estate's organic eau-de-vie, and finally a precise and light dosage of sugar.
The Cazottes touch
"Liqueur does not mean sweet," Laurent likes to say. The particularity of Cazottes liqueurs and eaux-de-vie is their fidelity to the raw material: it is the whole fruit that we have in our mouths, with all its nuances and its deliciousness. They are low in alcohol and low in sugar: they are exceptional nectars.
Mauzac Rose Eau-de-vie ("drop") 2016,
This organic and natural Mauzac Rose Eau-de-vie ("drop") from the Gaillac region bears the Nature & Progrès and Eurofeuille labels. Mauzac rose is a traditional grape variety from the Gaillac vineyard that forms the basis of this organic, chemical-free spirit, produced by Laurent Cazottes and with an alcohol content of 45%.
Production
To obtain this drop of Mauzac rose, the fully ripe organic grapes are raisined (dried), destemmed by hand, then pressed and subjected to natural fermentation, without the addition of sulfites, which the Cazottes distillery leaves unfinished in order to retain residual sugar. They are then slowly distilled to preserve the fruity concentration in the mouth.
Tasting
Crystalline, luminous color; delicate and supple mouthfeel. Elegant aromatic profile, retaining all the natural taste of organic Mauzac rose: notes of pear, apricot, grapefruit, apple and sage. As fruity as it is floral, this drop of pink Mauzac from the Cazottes distillery excels in baking: try it to replace the rum in a baba. It can also be enjoyed on any occasion, for example with artisanal terrines, fine pastries or even caviar.
Learn more about the Cazottes distillery
Laurent Cazottes, winemaker, distiller and natural liqueur maker, is a revealer of quintessences. In Villeneuve-sur-Vère, near Gaillac (Tarn), he cultivates a veritable Eden of biodiversity. On limestone soil, he cares for fruit trees, vines, shrubs, and vegetable plants, which he transforms into wines, eaux-de-vie, and liqueurs.
Production secrets
First of all, the integrity of the fruit and the vine, cultivated in certified organic (Eurofeuille and Nature & Progrès labels) and biodynamically, then careful care given to their maceration at perfect maturity in the estate's organic eau-de-vie, and finally a precise and light dosage of sugar.
The Cazottes touch
"Liqueur does not mean sweet," Laurent likes to say. The particularity of Cazottes liqueurs and eaux-de-vie is their fidelity to the raw material: it is the whole fruit that we have in our mouths, with all its nuances and its deliciousness. They are low in alcohol and low in sugar: they are exceptional nectars.
Rum Prélude Batch 10, 49.8° - 70cl
Prélude Batch 10 is a single-variety rum made from 100% red sugar cane. It is the result of a skillful blend of several vintages selected by the cellar master before aging in French oak barrels. It combines the aromatic palettes of different rums to create an unparalleled harmony. It is left at its original strength, without coloring or filtration: its alcohol content can therefore vary slightly depending on the edition. On the palate, a hint of caramel combines with the aromatic richness of the cane juice. Rich and fiery, but not lacking in freshness, this Prélude Batch 10 rum is designed for both initiation and connoisseur pleasure.
Find out more
The Longueteau distillery, located in Capesterre-Belle-Eau (Guadeloupe), is the oldest distillery on the island still in operation. It has the distinction of being entirely self-sufficient in sugar cane production, which it uses to obtain its magnificent terroir agricultural rums. Agricultural rum, we should point out, is made from pure sugar cane juice, unlike many other Caribbean rums, which are produced from cane molasses. It is a specialty of the French West Indies. The estate is currently in the hands of François Longueteau, a distiller since 1979. Production is, as it was originally, artisanal and traditional, but the sugarcane terroirs are developed using plot-by-plot methods—this is Longueteau's unique feature, the first distillery on the island to adopt this approach. Two varieties of sugarcane, blue cane and red cane, are cultivated, as well as fruits from the Guadeloupe region. Longueteau rums and the resulting preparations (punches, shrubberies, etc.) are fine, aromatic, deep, and fragrant.
Bows HEOC White Rum
Bows
This Jamaican-style white rum is produced through a long fermentation process using molasses, wild yeasts, vinasse, and a mysterious ingredient that Benoît will never reveal, except that it is 100% local. Aged for five months in stainless steel vats, the rum is bottled at 57% alcohol; it contains no added sugar or other additives. Aromatic power, precision, and freshness, with notes of fruit throughout the tasting. A great and surprising rum. Want to make wild Occitan ti-punches? Look no further.
