This couple decided to produce a whiskey made in Cantal

Installed for several months near Neussargues-en-Pinatelle, François Pagès and his companion, Greta Krpciarovaspecialize in the production of whisky.

A family story

Previously working in the wine field, they changed their lives a little by returning to François's native lands.

In fact, it was during a stay in Scotland that he had the idea of ​​setting up a distillery: “here, in the Cantalthere is everything you need. I got closer to my cousin who owns land in the PLanèze. A family farm that has existed for many generations. There are therefore a few plots where we grow cereals (barley, wheat, rye) for our whiskeys. Besides cereals, the 2nd basic element is water and we have what you need here.”

A “top” still

Then we had to find the building. There, he was able to count on a warehouse in the business village located a stone's throw from the RN 122.

Then it came time to find a still. There, he turned to a Stupfler® “which is the best of the best and which allows us to make a product of excellence. Like a cook, you can adjust the temperature quite often,” explains François with stars in his eyes. A true enthusiast of these products and his territory.

First brews

The first brewings have taken place and the first bottles have been released. But these are only sketches. The whiskey has not yet “given its full measure”. You have to “wait at least three years to start having a good whisky” explains François who has chosen to put this nectar in several different barrels.

A bit like a “chemist” who tests several formulas to find the right product. “What is certain is that we produce two whiskeys which reflect our terroir.”

Gin, Vermouth

In addition, they produce Wild Gin and several Vermouths (more or less light and sweet). Which can be drunk neat and which can serve as a base for various cocktails. Here again, the work is carried out locally. In collaboration with SICARAPPAM (agricultural cooperative of producers of aromatic and medicinal perfume plants) based in Puy-de-Dôme.

Project

In recent weeks, they have been able to purchase the land adjacent to the building and plan to set up their own structure in the course of 2025. “This will be more practical, in particular, for visits, tastings and sales.”

Prices

Gin : 52 €, Vermouth : 28 €, whisky : 59 et 65 €.

Visits, tastings, information, purchases by appointment: 06 87 97 39 46. Email: [email protected]. There are also workshops organized, lasting 1 hour or 1 hour 30 minutes, by the tourist office: 04 71 20 09 47. Info here and here. The products can also be found in around ten wine merchants in Cantal.

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