Celtic Whisky Distillery: a living architectural heritage
500 kilometers away, in Pleubian, facing the ocean, on the north coast of Brittany at the end of the Sauvage peninsula not far from the islands of Jersey and Guernsey, is Celtic Whisky Distillery, created in 1997 and installed in an old farm dating from 1668.
A land of traditions, rich in numerous Breton and Celtic legends, this peninsula constitutes the ideal and unique setting for this artisanal distillery designed to produce whiskies whose quality and authenticity leave no room for compromise.
A distillery anchored in Brittany, between land and sea
Celtic Whisky Distillery takes advantage of the exceptional Breton terroir
An old farmhouse dating back to 1668 is home to the Breton distillery Celtic Whisky Distillerie. The building, located at the tip of the "Sauvage" peninsula, in the commune of Pleubian, faces the sea. This ideal setting, steeped in Celtic and Breton traditions, greatly influenced and inspired the creators of Celtic Whisky Distillerie.
The distillery combines a number of specific features that ensure the production of whiskies in the purest artisanal tradition: open flame heating, slow distillation, the presence of traditional equipment, such as two small "Pot Stills" as well as wooden fermenters. In addition, the maturation of the whisky by the sea promotes early balance and complexity.
Celtic Whisky Distillery is particularly renowned for its Kornog single cask whiskies, produced from a single barrel. This artisanal approach allows visitors to taste unique creations, each barrel having its own distinct character.
Production of Breton whiskies
When we think of whisky, we don't automatically think of France. Nevertheless, Celtic Whisky Distillery has managed to challenge preconceived notions by gaining recognition from leading experts in the field.
The French distillery owes its success to the quality of its malted barley whiskies and their authenticity: our French whiskies have their own character and share the same qualities.
It relies on proven distillation and aging methods. Heated, in the purest tradition, over an open flame in two small stills, the eau-de-vie gains complexity and aromatic richness. Subsequently, aging by the sea promotes the development of a balanced whisky of very consistent quality.
International recognition
The results achieved through this traditional method of excellence have attracted widespread attention. Celtic Whisky Distillerie's creations have won several awards. In 2016, Kornog was even named "Best European Whisky of the Year" by the Whisky Bible, edited by the eminent Jim Murray.
The core products of the French whisky brand with Breton accents, as well as the finishes and other single casks, all receive scores above 94/100 from this reference bible. Such recognition is only granted to exceptional whiskies.
What characterizes Celtic Whisky Distillerie's flagship products?
The strong character of the whiskies from our Breton distillery is expressed in their diversity, as each of the three whiskies currently on the market has its own specific characteristics. They are all beacons signaling the proximity of the same Celtic land:
- The first historic single malt from our French distillery in Côtes-d'Armor, Glann Ar Mor , is produced from Marris Otter, an ancient variety of barley brought up to date.
- Lovers of distinctly peaty whiskies (50ppm) will therefore not remain indifferent to the smokiness of Kornog as well as its fruity and spicy notes reminiscent of ginger and white pepper.
- For its part, Gwalarn is a blend of whiskies from the Celtic world and selected by Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, founder of Maison Villevert.
While these products have their own unique character, they share a common quality. Their Celtic roots are enhanced by a French soul and expertise.
