Spirits

Discovering spirits: an epicurean journey of a thousand and one flavors

Guided and intoxicating elixirs, spirits evolve between tradition and modernity, reflecting the cultural richness of the regions that produce them. Complex and intense, these beverages are also creators of emotion and offer very diverse tasting profiles.

Definition of spirits

Spirits, also known as strong alcohols, are alcoholic beverages obtained by the distillation of fermented raw materials. The distillation process concentrates the aromas and alcoholic compounds, creating powerful drinks, often containing 40 percent alcohol or more.

The term "spirits" originates from the Latin "spiritus", meaning spirit or soul. When medieval alchemists distilled liquids, they believed that the resulting vapors carried the essence or spirit of the material. Thus, the term "spirits" was chosen to designate these beverages.

History of Spirits

While it is difficult to determine precisely when the first spirit was created, we know that distillation, the fundamental process at the heart of their production, was already practiced in China and Mesopotamia around 2000 BC., a period when alchemists sought to separate the components of certain substances in order to create perfume, balms, or essences. However, the use of distillation for the purpose of alcohol production was probably still unknown at that time.

The earliest historical references related to spirits distilled for consumption date back to the 3rd century AD in Asia. In Europe, the first writings on this subject date from the Middle Ages, in the 12th century. Then, during the following centuries, many other European countries in turn began to practice distillation in order to produce alcohol.

Today, the methods have obviously become much more refined and thousands of distilleries exist around the world. France is no exception and today has more than 150 distilleries, a constantly growing number and an impressive boom since 2015.

The main categories of spirits

Whisky

Whisky is an alcohol made from fermented grains, often barley but also sometimes rye, corn, or wheat.The most renowned exceptional whiskies are Scotch whiskies,  Japanese whiskies  and  Irish whiskies. Nevertheless, many French whiskies also exist, their number having multiplied in recent years.

Furthermore, several categories of whiskies exist, differing in their production methods, raw materials, and origins:  Single Malt whisky, Blended Malt whisky, or even Single Grain whisky are just a few examples.

Many aromatic profiles also exist for these spirits: peated whisky, fruity whisky, cereal and woody notes… a vast range awaits the enthusiast! Whisky can also be enjoyed neat or in cocktails (Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, etc.).

Famous brands such as Nikka, Chivas, The Glenlivet or Powers stand alongside smaller distilleries such as Hériose or Bellevoye.

Rum

Rum is an alcohol made from the fermentation and distillation of molasses or sugarcane juice. It can be enjoyed as white rum (aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and natural aroma) or as amber rum, aged in oak barrels.

Rums offer a wide variety of flavors depending on their origin and production methods. Some are light and fruity, developing citrus notes or vegetal aromas of sugarcane, while others are richer and offer notes of caramel, vanilla, and clove.

Rum can be enjoyed neat but is also very interesting in mixology. Mojito, Piña Colada, Cuba Libre, Punch, or Planter's Punch are just a few examples.

Another very interesting category is also hidden within this spirit: infused rums. These spirits are then macerated with fruits, spices, and other ingredients to create delicious recipes. The La Fabrique de l'Arrangé range, for example, pays tribute to this category.

Numerous countries distill rum: France, with Martinique and Guadeloupe, is a specialist in agricole rum. Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Barbados are also very well represented origins on the market.

Set off to discover rum with delicious brands such as Pura Vida, Hampden, Neisson, or even Planteray!

Gin

Gin is a spirit made from a neutral alcohol flavored with juniper berries as well as other botanicals and roots (coriander, citrus, angelica, etc.).

While it can be aged in barrels, this remains rare and it is most often consumed clear to offer a refreshing aromatic profile. The latter evolves with fruity notes (citrus, exotic fruits, etc.), spicy notes (pepper), and presents a characteristic bitterness.

In the vast majority of cases, Gin is consumed in cocktails, such as with the great classics Gin Tonic, Martini, or Negroni.

The gins Drumshanbo or Citadelle are excellent examples of this magnificent eau-de-vie.

Vodka

Vodka is a spirit that can be produced from a wide variety of agricultural products. Cereals such as wheat or rye, or even a tuber, can for example be used.

During the distillation of vodka, purity and neutrality are generally sought.

Although some exceptional vodkas are enjoyed neat, this spirit is particularly used in mixology. Its flavor neutrality is indeed ideal for combining different flavors. Cocktails such as the Bloody Mary, the Moscow Mule, or even the White Russian are good examples.

Bourbon

Bourbon is a whiskey, but the reverse is not true. It is in fact an American whiskey mainly made from corn and aged in new oak barrels. This aging gives bourbon intense woody notes as well as aromas of vanilla and spices.

With a very smooth and indulgent aromatic profile, it can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail (Mint Julep, Manhattan, etc.).

The houses Woodford and Four Roses are two heavyweights in the industry, perfectly illustrating this product category.

Tequila

Tequila is a spirit that can only be produced in Mexico and is made from blue agave. It can be enjoyed young and therefore colorless (Joven), aged for a few months in barrels (Reposado), or matured for several years in barrels (Añejo).

Blanco tequilas express very pleasant herbal and peppery notes. In aged tequilas, aromas of honey, vanilla, and humus appear.

To be enjoyed neat, as shots, or in cocktails such as the Tequila Sunrise or Margarita, tequila always makes an impression at parties! The house of Don Fulano is an excellent example of quality tequilas.

Calvados

Calvados is an apple brandy, produced by distilling cider. It is an oak-aged spirit that expresses aromas of apple, vanilla, and woody notes.

This can be enjoyed both as an aperitif and a digestif, and is also used in mixology (Applejack, Calvados sidecar, Calvados tonic, etc.).

The Château du Breuil is a fantastic emblem of Calvados, producing some of the finest spirits in Normandy.

Cognac

Cognac is a wine brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. It is mainly distilled from the Ugni blanc grape variety. Cognac offers rich and complex flavors such as notes of dried fruits, prune, as well as vanilla and oak. Generally consumed neat, Cognac is also a key ingredient in many cocktails (Sazerac, Sidecar, etc.).

Discover this historic French spirit thanks to the Guy Lhéraud house!

Armagnac

Armagnac is a wine-based eau-de-vie produced in the Gascony region of France. It is often distilled with a wider variety of grape varieties than Cognac (Ugni blanc, but also Baco or Folle blanche, etc.) and is also aged in oak barrels (except for Folle Blanche).

Armagnac offers aromas of prune, dried fruits, and vanilla. Enjoyed neat, it can also be used in cocktails or long drinks.

Liqueurs

Liqueurs are spirits flavored with extracts of fruits, herbs, spices, or other ingredients. They can be produced by infusion, distillation, or the addition of flavorings.

The best-known liqueurs are Amaretto, (Adriatico for example), Limoncello, or Chartreuse.

This category covers a very wide range of flavors, from sweet to dry and from fruity to spicy. Most liqueurs are made to be enjoyed on their own, but again, many of them pair very well in cocktails (Amaretto Sour, Limoncello Spritz, etc.).

As you will have understood, spirits form a category of products with incredible diversity, offering lovers of alcoholic beverages an almost infinite universe of flavors.

Each category has its own history, distinct production methods, and unique taste subtleties. So, whether you enjoy spirits neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, set out to discover them and enjoy a rich and evolving sensory experience!