History

La Fabrique à Alcools is one of the first craft distilleries in Île-de-France. The idea arose in 2016, and in 2017 the first distillation process was carried out in Pecqueuse (Essonne). Two friends, Éric Esnault and Christophe Astorri, merged their knowledge and passion for spirits and founded the distillery. In 2021 Pauline Meresse joined to lead production and the chai. The distillery is located at Ferme de Fromenteau and houses two copper stills: Marie (1200 L) with a column and Chantal (300 L) as a copper pot still, used for distillation of gin, vodka and whiskeys. They age the whiskeys in barrels that previously contained ex-Bourbon or ex-wine from Bordeaux/Burgundy, and the cellar masters sign each new whiskey. La Fabrique à Alcools is also known for gin, vodka, beer-based spirits and a wide range of Arrangés (rum-based flavor experiences).

Production / Manufacturing

The whiskeys age in the distillery's aging rooms in ex-Bourbon barrels and ex-wine from Bordeaux/Burgundy, in step with the changing seasons. Master of Chai selects, ages and signs each new whiskey. For Collection Affineur Création 01, the whiskey gains a clearly smoky signature, as the barriques are smoked beech wood (bois de hêtre). Edition Special Peat Finish 43° finishes in ex-peat barrels from Scotland and gives a distinct smoky and earthy note in the glass. Fromenteau 40° is a Single Malt refined in the distillery's chai. Alliage 43° is described as a whiskey that is 'brassed' and ages during distillation and maturation at the distillery. In addition to whiskey they produce Arrangés (rum-based infusions), gin and vodka – part of a broader whole based in Essonne and the region around Vallée de Chevreuse.

Whiskies / Products

• ALLIAGE 43° — 57€ (Whiskey, blended style)
• CHEVREUSE 40° — 51€ (Whiskey, single malt)
• FROMENTEAU 40° — 38€ (Whiskey, single malt)
• ÉDITION SPÉCIALE Finition Tourbée 43° — 77€ (Whiskey, finish in ex-peat barrels)
• COLLECTION AFFINEUR Création 01 — 63€ (Whiskey, finish in beechwood-smoked barrels)

Tasting Notes (selected whiskies)

• Chevreuse 40°: Nose indulgent; palate with a rounded attack, notes of caramel and cinnamon, as well as leather.
• Fromenteau 40°: Fruity nose, wine/commodity notes; palate with a spicy, fruity character.
• Edition Special Peat Finish 43°: Expressive nose with smoke and salted notes; palate with smoky, dry feel and underlying forest notes; finish iodine-like and fresh.
• Collection Affineur Création 01: Explicit and complex nose, biscuit-like and roasted notes; palate with caramel, cinnamon and leather, a lightly ashy finish.

Visits and Experiences

• Visit and Tasting: Guided tours of the distillery including tastings of the house spirits. Events typically take place on one or more Saturdays a month.
• Visit & Workshops: Groups can participate in visits and workshops, including making their own gin.
• Events: La Fabrique à Alcools goes on tour at Christmas markets and hosts market days in Pecqueuse and the surrounding area.

Philosophy

The distillery emphasizes a balance between tradition and innovation. It combines craftsmanship with regional ingredients and collaborates with local producers in Essonne (for example honey, saffron and verbena). The whiskeys age in their own aging rooms under the close supervision of the two stills, Marie and Chantal. There is a strong emphasis on regional belonging (Île-de-France, Essonne and Vallée de Chevreuse) and the use of locally sourced ingredients in Arrangés and other products, while maintaining their connection to their unique identity and international expressions in gin, vodka and beer-based spirits.