Artisan-distiller, Gérard Richalet has been perpetuating a family tradition for nineteen years. Meeting around an age-old activity, distillation.
A farmer by trade, Gérard Richalet is also an artisan distiller, continuing the activity led by his grandfather. Since January 6, Humbécourtois has launched the distillation campaign. The local distillers come every day to bring their fruit which has macerated in barrels for several months. And when you enter his workshop, you are immediately intoxicated by the fruity smell that emanates from the copper stills.
“A less favorable campaign than in 2024”
Gérard Richalet mainly distills stone fruits such as mirabelle plum and damson but also pear, apple and quince. “Last year, it was 80% Mirabelle plums. It is the most popular fruit“, confides the distiller. This year, he announces that it will be “more heterogeneous with mainly pear, cider and mirabelle plum“. Gérard Richalet, however, expects a campaign.”less favorable than in 2024, due to spring frosts and lack of sunshine throughout the year“.
Real know-how
In terms of practice, real know-how, everything is carefully ordered. Gérard Richalet places the contents of the barrel in a copper still, heated with gas. A first operation consists of cooking the fruits until “white water” is obtained, a liquid collected after the first distillation. Then these “white waters” pass into a second still which produces eau-de-vie at the desired alcohol level, most frequently at 48°.
-A passionate craftsman but gradually getting closer to retirement, Gérard Richalet will soon be able to count on his son to take up the torch and thus continue this family activity. The opening period of the distillation campaign should last until April. Those interested can contact Gérard Richalet.
To know Gérard Richalet's workshop is located rue de la Fontaine in Humbécourt. Information possible on 06 10 20 34 72 The tax on distilled alcohol has disappeared since January 1, 2024.
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