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The origins of the distillery 1984: Theatre, Music and Whisky The summer meetings of "Théâtre à Hérisson" presented that year an adaptation of Thomas Berger's novel, Les Mémoires d'un Visage Pale (Little... See more

The origins of the distillery 1984: Theatre, Music and Whisky The summer meetings of "Théâtre à Hérisson" presented that year an adaptation of Thomas Berger's novel, Les Mémoires d'un Visage Pale (Little Big Man in the cinema). The actor and future founder of the Balthazar Distillery Olivier Perrier meets James Leva, a musician from North Carolina intervening on this show. This American of origin had learned to distill Moonshine (grain alcohol smuggled into the USA) thanks to a world-famous violinist: Tommy Jarrel, who could not live from his musical passion. This was followed by an exchange of good practices between the two men: one taught him to play music, and the other helped him produce his Moonshine. During the weeks of rehearsal, Olivier and James decide to make a makeshift still, to malt barley, to incorporate corn, for its roundness and fruity side, and rye, for its spicy aromas. After distilling a few liters of this cereal spirit, they offer it to the many spectators. From these surprising aromas, and his passion for alcohol distilled by hand, Olivier begins the development of a whisky from the country of Tronçais, always by combining several cereals. 1999 : The retirement of the actor After years of experimentation on the margins of his professional activity, Olivier officially founded the Distillery of Mr. Balthazar in 2000. Six years later, he released, on a larger scale, his first Whisky: hedgehog. The philosophy of the distillery Unique process, unique taste and shared passion! During these years of research, Olivier never wanted to make an imitation of Scotch, American or Irish whiskey. He wanted to produce a different, surprising whisky, with local cereals, barrels from the country of Tronçais or old French liquor barrels. It is thanks to this obsession with quality and difference, that the distillery developed a different manufacturing process and thus created its own signature. In 2013, getting older, he wants to pass the hand. He met David Faverot, a young enthusiast trained at the University of Alcohol of Segonzac, to whom he transmitted his know-how. It is now up to David to write the future lines of the history of Mr. Balthazar's Distillery. Testimony of Olivier Perrier "I am very happy to have been able to meet David at the end of his studies. Already involved in local development, he very quickly clung to the ways of doing "home" before following his own path. He is gifted in the appreciation of aromas: he has an excellent nose, much better than mine. And technically I couldn't follow him anymore. He's a chef! » Testimony of David Faverot "I couldn't find a better trainer than Olivier. It was very enriching to share my days and even my evenings with Olivier, to have information as and when, to share unique moments of conviviality and complicity. Even today, it is exciting to exchange with a man who understands me thanks to a common passion: whisky. And not just any: the one he created. If I had one thing to remember from what he taught me, it would be: "A tasting alcohol, just like the other products of the distillery, must reflect a history, a know-how, a terroir, but above all and above all a person". The genes of the distillery's whiskies, their elaboration (from original cereals to aging in oak barrels), confirm a signature that will necessarily be a little different from that of the beginnings of the distillery, but I assume it. It is this value that drives me: authenticity. » See less

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