History

Distillerie Merlet & Fils is a five-generation, family-owned business that blends tradition and innovation. Their roots go back to the 18th century, and cognac has been part of their DNA since 1850. Over the years they have expanded into other spirits and into the production of wines as well as fruit liqueurs. Milestones include: in 1938 as a supplier for a large trading company; in 1973 Gilles Merlet began cultivating cassis in Saintonge; in 1980 they launched Merlet and their wines, cognacs and pineaux; in 2001 they created the liqueur Hpnotiq and built a new packaging facility; in 2006 Pierre and Luc Merlet joined the management; in 2010 they expanded with cognac; in 2014 they built new cellars for liqueurs and spirits; 2018 marked the start of malt eau-de-vie distillation to produce their own whisky; and in 2021 new aging cellars were built. The company is centered around Saint-Sauvant and Chérac in Charente-Maritime and emphasizes a close connection to the terroir, to wine and fruit production, and to international markets.

Production / Savoir-faire

Merlet & Fils describes an in-depth, transversal competence from raw materials to finished product. Savoir-faire includes cultivation, distillation, blending and aging, development and packaging. Their approach is supported by 360° project management, tailor-made collaborations and a continual pursuit of high quality and innovation. They hold ISO 22000 (manufacturing safety), OEA freight logistics and an active CSR program. Their production is based on distilling their own wines and selected partner wines into eau-de-vie for cognac, and since the 1970s also fruit liqueurs. In 2018 they began distilling malt eau-de-vie to produce their own whisky, and in 2021 new aging warehouses were built.

Whisky Series

COPERIES: French whisky aged in oak casks; distilled, aged and blended in Charente-Maritime. Saint Sylvain: French Whisky Pure Malt (Malt Whisky). This part of the range also notes that Saint Sylvain has a golden color, fruity nuances as well as grain and vanilla, and that it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.

Visits / Experiences

The text does not provide details about tours or experiential activities.

Philosophy

Merlet & Fils is a five-generation, family-owned company that combines tradition and innovation, with a deep-rooted connection to the Charente-Maritime terroir. They produce their own wines and fruits, have an international outlook, and place emphasis on long-term partnerships, high quality and responsible operation ( CSR) and food safety (ISO 22000).