History - Moon Harbour was created in Bordeaux by two enthusiasts, and the brand was launched as "The first whisky from a wine-making city" in Bordeaux. - In July 2013, Jean-Philippe Ballanger envisioned a somewhat crazy passion, namely to create the first Bordeaux whisky. The brand draws on its relation to Port de la Lune and the local terroir. - The Moon Harbour brand emphasizes using surrounding resources (barrels, cereals, stills) and is described as part of a larger vision that includes local collaborations and ambitious projects in Bordeaux. - A close collaboration with Jean-Louis StupflER and professionals from several châteaux is mentioned; cereals from the Bordeaux region and plans to expand with other casks and aging formats. - Pier 1 is Moon Harbour's first whisky and described as a Premium Blended Whisky that finishes in French Sauternes casks and is not cold-filtered.

Production / Manufacturing Raw materials - The main cereals for whisky production are barley and corn, and 25% of the final product's quality is attributed to the grains. For Moon Harbour Malt, the grains are grown in the Aquitaine region.

Malting - Barley is dried and milled after a process consisting of germination and drying. The malt is used in the production process, and the characteristic flavor expresses itself through the malting process.

Fermentation - Yeast converts sugars into alcohol in fermentation; the fermentation phase contributes, according to the text, to around 25% of the whiskies' quality.

Distillation - The alcoholic liquid is heated in a copper still, where the design of the still (STUPFLER) is considered important for flavor development. Moon Harbour uses only one diluted distillation of the wash, which, according to the text, yields high quality in the final alcohol.

Maturation / Aging - To achieve the whisky category, the alcohol must be aged for at least 3 years and 1 day in Bordeaux 225-liter casks, previously containing grand wines. The aging accounts for about half of the whiskies' quality (50%), and the Bordeaux cask is smaller than the sizes often used for whisky. The whisky is not cold-filtered and thus retains its aromas.

Bottling - Bottling is the last operation before marketing; once the bottle is finished, the whisky does not continue to mature like wine does.

Products / Whisky series Pier 1 - Premium Blended Whisky - Pier 1 is a luxurious blended whisky produced from the finest malt and grain whiskies, selected and blended by John McDougall. - This blend matures in France over a period of 3 to 6 months. Fermented in Sauternes oak casks, it acquires some original characteristics. - Not cold-filtered (Non chill filtered).

Visits / Experiences - Moon Harbour has its headquarters and distillery in a former bunker in Bordeaux as part of the Arrière-Base project. Plans for a future distillery were approved by the Bassin à Flots ateliers, and the project receives support from the region, the port, and other stakeholders. - The description notes that there are plans to expand and store new casks on Port de la Lune with rapid development of the premises.

Philosophy - Moon Harbour focuses on serving and preserving the surrounding region through the use of local ingredients, casks, and stills; the brand symbolizes a connection between land and sea and between elegance and character. - Innovation is mentioned as part of the identity: local premium stills, newly-racked casks, partnerships with prestigious châteaux, and special concepts such as the world's first 100% malted maize whisky, as well as whisky smoked with seaweed from the Arcachon basin and special aging caverns in an old World War II bunker. - An ambitious partnership with Jean-Louis STUPFLER and professionals from several châteaux is noted, showing that the right blend also includes human skills and collaboration. 250 hectares of barley have already been planted in the region.