Patrick Allemand perpetuates the know-how of the elders at the cooperative distillery in the village of Saint-Igest. Attendance is not decreasing. It is favored by the exemption from taxes.
Bitter cold outside and smoky heat inside. It was the other week – a winter week – at the Saint-Igest distillery. Patrick Allemand, for whom this is his 14th campaign, had lit the cooperative's three stills. The boiler was busy, going from one device to another, for a day such as will be rare this season. “Last year, because of the spring frosts, the fruits were rare”explains Patrick Allemand. Only trees located on higher ground were spared.
Fruits were scarce in 2024 due to frost
The distillation campaign will end at the end of February, but it will be possible to continue it on request (make an appointment at 06 04 45 11 93). Today, Patrick Allemand practically only distills fruit, mainly plums and pears. With the disappearance of the family vines, the harvest is to be put away in the souvenir aisle.
Cédric, a resident of Marin, brought quinces. “My grandparents, my parents distilled their harvest. I am happy to be able to preserve this tradition which is part of our rural culture”he emphasizes. The alcohol obtained will be used to make liqueurs.
“Attendance is not decreasing”
“Like Cédric, I have a lot of young customers who come to make a little eau-de-vie. They had this education from their grandfathers. I also see young retirees and people close to nature,” confirms Patrick Allemand. This clientele, coming from all over West Aveyron and neighboring departments, replaces that of the former farmers. With priority given to quality and not, as before, to quantity. “We are losing volumes but attendance is not decreasing”summarizes the boiler. The activity of the distillery is also favored by a new law. Since January 1, 2024, people who distill their fruit harvest or grape harvest are exempt from tax (excise duty), up to 50 liters of pure alcohol. The harvester only pays for the process (the work), which at the Saint-Igest distillery remains at a relatively modest price.
-As a result, the privilege (tax exemption on the first 10 liters of pure alcohol) that the elders possessed and which naturally expired as its holders disappeared, was abolished.
The ancestral know-how of distillers, like Patrick Allemand in Saint-Igest, is preserved.
