Alfred Giraud French Malt Whisky is a distinguished family-owned brand that seamlessly blends generations of cognac expertise with innovative whisky craftsmanship. Rooted in France's rich spirits heritage, the Giraud family's association with fine distillation dates back to 1910, when Louis Giraud began overseeing the aging of eaux-de-vie at the renowned cognac house, Rémy Martin. This legacy continued with subsequent generations mastering the art of cognac production, culminating in Alfred Giraud's tenure as Cellar Master at Rémy Martin for over three decades.
In 2012, Philippe Giraud, representing the fifth generation, embarked on a new venture to craft exceptional French malt whisky that honors the family's storied past while embracing contemporary innovation. This vision materialized through a partnership with the Nau family, resulting in the establishment of the Distillerie de Saint-Palais in Saint-Palais-de-Négrignac, Charente-Maritime. This collaboration combines nearly three centuries of collective experience in spirits production, ensuring meticulous oversight of every stage, from grain selection to bottling.
Alfred Giraud whisky is crafted using 100% French barley, malted at the Malterie des Hautes Vosges, a micro-malting facility co-owned by the Giraud family. The whisky undergoes distillation at the Saint-Palais distillery, where traditional methods are employed to create distinctive malt expressions. A hallmark of Alfred Giraud's production is the maturation process, utilizing rare and exceptional casks, including extra-old cognac barrels sourced through the family's deep-rooted connections in the region.
The brand offers a curated range of expressions, each reflecting the family's dedication to quality and innovation. Notable offerings include:
Heritage: A blend of three French malt distillates matured in a combination of extra-old cognac casks, new French oak, and American oak barrels.
Harmonie: A slightly peated French malt whisky that showcases a harmonious balance of flavors.
Horizon: The brand's first single malt, matured in a variety of casks, including old cognac, Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé, and pineau, culminating in a final maturation in old cognac casks. Alfred Giraud French Malt Whisky continues to operate, upholding its commitment to producing limited-release whiskies that embody the elegance and finesse of French craftsmanship. The brand's offerings are available internationally, reflecting a growing appreciation for their unique approach to whisky-making.
