History

Maison Brana was founded in 1897 by the Brana family in the Pays Basque and has, for four generations, been driven by a passion for land and fertile soil. The family started as wine merchants, evolved into distilling and later became winegrowers – a continuous pursuit of craftsmanship, quality and authenticity. In 1974 Etienne and Adrienne Brana founded the distillery in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and began producing eaux-de-vie and later whiskeys. In 1980 Brana was recognized through a meeting with Jean Troisgros, and in 1984 their own vineyards were established in Ispoure, Bussunaritz and Lecumberry, which later laid the groundwork for Domaine Brana. The cellar in Ispoure was built in 1991. In 2018 a new distillery opened in Ossès, and in 2019 the transition to organic farming began, a process completed in 2025. In 2023 Brana joined the Enowe Excellence group, and the house has since been noted for its sustainability and environmental initiatives such as HVE certification and EPV distinction. Brana today focuses on a broad range of Irouléguy wines and spirits, including Laminak whiskies, gin and fruit distillates, with a strong emphasis on terroir and innovation.

Production / Manufacturing

The Distillery and Production Facilities

Brana distillery is located in Ossès and is a modern facility of 1500 m² with three copper stills and large vats for production. Their production centers around eaux-de-vie, gins, whiskies and fruit liqueurs. A significant portion of the process is also open to visitors in the Brana shop and during distillery visits.

Laminak Whisky – Core Principles

Laminak Whisky is produced as Brana’s Basque whisky, built around harvested barley and native corn, with 3–5 years of aging in cognac and white wine casks from Domaine Brana. Laminak finishers include Bourbon barrels, Port barrels and Peated barrels (kept in separate batches). For Laminak Bourbon and Port finishes, the blends are aged in Cognac/white wine casks and finished in 200 L barrels (Bourbon or Port) to impart aroma and depth. Laminak Peated finish uses barrels from Peated Whisky; the blend is not chill-filtered in the relevant batches and undergoes several months in the casks before bottling.

Economy and Terroir

The Domaine Brana cellars are located in Irouléguy, a small and distinctive appellation with four terroirs: red Triassic micaceous sandstone (Ispoure), claystone, beige limestone and clay-limestone. The estate grows a range of local grape varieties (e.g., Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Arrouya, Erremaxaoua, as well as Cabernet Franc, Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon in red wines). Brana focuses on biodiversity and sustainability: literally 110 birdhouses, 35 different bird species and certifications such as HVE (level 4) and EPV. From 2019/2023 there is also initiation of organic cultivation – fully implemented by 2025.

Products – Whisky Series

• Laminak Batch Finish Bourbon (70 cl): malted barley and native corn; aged 3–5 years in cognac and white wine casks from Domaine Brana and finished in 200 L Bourbon barrels.
• Laminak Batch Finish Porto (70 cl): same base, finished in Porto casks (first quality). Not chill-filtered.
• Laminak Batch Finish Peat (70 cl): finished in Peated Whisky barrels. Not chill-filtered. There is also mention of Laminak in the context of single malt (link referenced in the overview), but details for a complete “Single Malt” description do not explicitly come from the given pages.

Products – Other Spirits and Wines

In addition to Laminak there are Brana wines such as Domaine Brana Rouge (Domaine Brana Rouge), Domaine Brana Blanc and Domaine Brana Rosé – all included in a broad range. Brana also produces a range of eaux-de-vie (William Pear, Prisoner Pear, Marc d’Irouléguy, Plum Brandy, Raspberry Brandy and more), gin (Lime Gin, Gin with Espelette Pepper) and various liqueurs (Pear Liqueur, Clementine Liqueur, Raspberry Liqueur, Peppermint Liqueur, etc.). Several products are labeled organic (e.g., Albedo White, Albedo Rosé and Albedo Red).

Visits and Experiences

Visits to the Brana distillery in Ossès and to the Brana boutiques in Ossès and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port are available. The visits include guided tours, tastings and purchases of Irouléguy wines and Brana spirits. Tours at Ossès have time slots (September–June), and tastings are offered for groups without prior reservation. Prices typically include a small per-person fee (e.g., 7 EUR for Ossès, free for children under 12). For groups over 5 people private tours can be arranged outside the fixed slots. Additionally, special offers during the Christmas season are highlighted, such as “A free customizable flask” with each purchase (subject to stock).

Philosophy and Sustainability

Brana places Audacity as a fundamental value in the company’s DNA, described as a constant driving force throughout its history. Sustainability and responsible production are highlighted through environmental initiatives – HVE level 4, EPV certification, and the complete transition of Domaine Brana’s growth to organic farming (from around 2025). Emphasis is placed on local ingredients and a short supply chain, biodiversity (110 birdhouses and 35 bird species) and collaboration with small producers. Brana also has a culture of partnerships and the transfer of know-how through generations and a continual pursuit of excellence, inspiration, and innovation in Basque traditions.