French Spirits

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Bright, fresh and delicate, this Williams pear eau-de-vie offers plenty of fresh-cut pear essence on the nose and palate, finishing long and lightly sweet, with a flicker of alcohol heat. The pear flavor is pure and beautifully expressed, making this ideal as an after-dinner palate cleanser. 

Producer Description 

Born in a family of distillers, G. E. Massenez continues the traditional art of distilling eaux de vie (fruit brandies) which is still particularly alive in the Villé region on Alsace. Since the distillation of high quality eaux de vie is not really consistent with today's industrialized practices, G. E. Massenez has chosen to retain traditional methods and to combine them with the requirements of modern production. Only the best fruit is selected and stored in large fermentation vats prior to distillation according to the rules of this age old art.

Producer Description 

Laurent Cazottes is considered the king of artisan distillation in France when it comes to eau de vie and liqueurs. Every part of the production process is focused on quality. His fruits are grown biodynamically, they're all hand-picked, they only use the finest parts of the fruit, and their products maintain more freshness and purity than perhaps any other producer in the business.

For this reason they are not inexpensive. They are proudly displayed on the menus of the finest restaurants in France and have become almost mythical in their status. When our pal Nicolas Palazzi decided to be the American importer for Cazottes, he was in a bit of a pickle.

On one hand he had the chance to represent one of his true heroes for artisan spirits. On the other hand, the Cazottes products are nearly triple the price of their American counterparts. Always up for a challenge, Nicolas decided to make it his duty to spread the word. 

For over 170 years, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif de France has been celebrated around the world as an authority on the aperitif tradition. Crafted from a proprietary blend of red wine, herbs and spices.

Producer Description 

The revelation of this recipe with powerful harmony and subtle balance, combines 26 plants, roots, and spices meticulously selected for a memorable tasting experience

Producer Description 

Yes, this black raspberry liqueur is crafted in the province of Chambord, at the site of a real French château, with the finest ingredients. And some do say that it was inspired by King Louis XIV’s chosen tipple.

Everything about Chambord is sensational. The intrigue begins with its opaque appearance and extremely deep, purple colour. The liqueur has a luxuriously textured, medium-weight body and a wafting herbal and fruit bouquet. Black raspberries, vanilla acacia honey, and fragrant herbs steeped in cognac. The semi-sweet palate is a lavish affair featuring raspberries, spice, herbs and a taste of honey. The flavours persist on the palate for a remarkably long finish.

Expert Review

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Made with vanilla and a Cognac base, this liqueur has a muted plum hue and a rich, black cherry scent. The palate is lightly sweet and easy-sipping, with a warming, candied berry-cherry flavor. Sip or mix.

Producer Description 

This extraordinary vodka is made from the best ingredients from France, soft winter wheat and Gensac spring water.

Delicate & Floral palate. Sweet & Round finish. Bold & Toffee.

Producer Description

Tesseron Lot 76 Tradition XO Cognac is an exceptional blend of reserve stocks of Grande Champagne Cognac, matured to perfection in old casks. Very clear and bright in the glass with alluring aromas that present a sensation of fruit compote layered with hints of honey and leather, all lifted by floral tones – very elegant. On the palate it is generous on attack, and presents a wonderful, spicy vitality, complementing a harmonious, rounded style.

Expert Review

Producer Description

Made solely with the two best 'cru' of Cognac, Grande and Petite Champagne, 'Composition' reveals a truly magnificent terroir driven taste profile. Fresh, elegant, suave and aromatic. 'Composition' is an artistic visionary work with a natural balance of strength, smoothness and all the attributes you can expect from a Cognac carefully crafted by the Tesseron family house.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Big, sweet and boozy, this VSOP offers rich caramel aromas and flavors alongside lots of spice and a mouthwatering saline tang on the finish.

Expert Review

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Made with vanilla and a Cognac base, this liqueur has a muted plum hue and a rich, black cherry scent. The palate is lightly sweet and easy-sipping, with a warming, candied berry-cherry flavor. Sip or mix.

Producer Description 

Massenez Crème de Cassis de Dijon stands as a quintessential representation of the classic French liqueur, distinguished by its rich, velvety texture and deep, almost opulent berry flavor. Originating from the Burgundy region, which is renowned for its exceptional produce, this liqueur harnesses the full potential of the blackcurrant berries. The Massenez family has honed their craft over generations, meticulously selecting only the finest quality fruits.

The process begins with an infusion of these handpicked blackcurrants in alcohol, a step that extracts the vibrant color and intense flavors characteristic of this drink. What follows is a careful balance between sweetness and acidity achieved through expert blending—a hallmark that Massenez has consistently delivered since its inception in 1870.

On the palate, one can discern not just a simple berry note but layers that unfold revealing hints of forest floor and floral undertones—subtleties that speak to its artisanal production methods. The finish is long and luscious without being cloying; it’s this finesse that makes it versatile for sipping neat or as an enhancer in cocktails where it imparts complexity and depth.

Nestled in the heart of France, Distillerie Massenez stands as a beacon of traditional craftsmanship and innovation. Originating from the Alsace region, this distillery has carved out a reputation for creating exceptional spirits that resonate with connoisseurs worldwide.

One cannot speak of Massenez without mentioning their renowned Eaux-de-vie, a clear fruit brandy that captures the essence of its primary ingredient, whether it be pear, apple, or cherry. These Eaux-de-vie are not just drinks; they are an aromatic journey through orchards and traditions.

Another feather in their cap is the creation of Crème de Cassis de Dijon, a sweet blackcurrant liqueur with deep berry flavors that has become synonymous with quality. It’s often used to craft the famous Kir cocktail when mixed with white wine or adds a fruity zest to various culinary delights.

One of the most classic French aperitifs is a pour of gentiane liqueur on the rocks with a squeeze of lemon. Salers is the oldest gentian liqueur of the Massif Central, birthplace to this style of product. It distinguishes itself with a pure, firm, rustic earthy profile. Unlike its larger rivals, Salers is less sweet and does not add artificial yellow color, revealing a beautiful natural straw color.

Enjoy with ice and lemon, lemonade, in the Blond Negroni with gin and Dolin blanc, or as an earthy base note in a variety of cocktails. 

The finesse of the liqueur comes from the meticulous distillation of cocoa beans from Venezuela or Ivory Coast and a vanilla infusion. A final touch to add originality to this recipe by the Marie Brizard Liqueur Master: a touch of spice. Enjoy neat on the rocks or in cocktails. Producer Description. 

De Ville Brandy is recognized for its great flavor, quality, variety and mixability. This spirit exhibits an array of satisfying flavors, while its nose delivers hints of delightful aromas. This delicious product is enjoyed by all palates and is incredibly versatile, easily mixed in a wide variety of recipes to appeal to all.

This versatile spirit is easily poured out in celebration for a special occasion or De Ville Brandy can be simply sipped as an everyday cocktail. Explore all the ways to enjoy this spirit type and let us know your favorite recipe! When enjoying this product. Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

Crafted with flavor in mind, CÎROC Passion is distilled from fine French grapes and masterfully infused with an exotic blend inspired by the tropics. Featuring notes of pineapple, mango, citrus, hibiscus, and other natural flavors, it offers a taste experience that's both lusciously unique and elegantly smooth.

As a finishing touch, the vodka is encased in a bottle with a distinctive ombre colorway of purple and orange resembling the bright tones of sunset with sleek gold lettering that's sure to stand out on any table. 

Producer Description 

Created in 1880 by founder Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is a premium blend of cognacs with wild tropical oranges from the Caribbean. 

Producer Description 

Exoticism that flatters your senses … incomparable intensity in MASSENEZ’s Ginger Cream. Strength and elegance characterize this Liquor… A nod to new trends, but above all, surprising flavor and strength. 

In the Creme de Cassis de Dijon tradition, the Creme de fruits range is dedicated to lovers of variety and different flavours. They are all produced using the same methods as the original creme, a guarantee of quality and the commitment of Maison Boudier. This raspberry liqueur adds subtle embellishments to your aperitifs, wines and Champagnes, and a more colorful taste. Producer Description.

The Wine Enthusiast writes: Made with a harmonious blend of Scottish and Burgundy raspberries, this liqueur sports a deep, vivid dark-cherry hue and a mouth-filling cherry-berry preserves flavor.

Producer Description 

Deep ruby color, slightly bluish and dense due to its sugar content. Frank and typical of blackcurrant, without any foreign note. This intense nose marks the quality of the selection of the original fruits. Very fruity and persistent fragrance that is a real invitation to tasting. A creaminess that feels immediately. 

Fruity flavors that explode in the mouth and bring a fragile sweetness that leaves room for a final touch of acidity for a perfect balance of flavors. Harmony and sweetness for this exceptional crème. 

Producer Description 

Deep purple color. Frank and powerful olfactory attack. Impressions of puree of fresh fruit and jam. Round and pleasant mouth bring by the freshness of the fruit.Aromatic power of the blackberry. Bitterness of seeds at the end. 

Producer Description

Raspberry, feminine by excellence is delicately revealed in MASSENEZ’s raspberry Cream. A fragile fruit, which is so intense on the nose and the palate, that this Cream surprises the senses. An explosion of flavors!

Producer Description 

B&B By Bénédictine is one of the oldest premixed cocktails. In the 1930s, during Prohibition in the United States, a barman at Club 21 in Manhattan came up with the idea of mixing brandy with Bénédictine. 

In 1937, Le Palais Bénédictine decided to produce this by blending 60% Bénédictine with 40% fine French Brandy, allowing the flavors to rest and harmonize in small, vintage French oak barrels that have previously been used to age only the finest cognacs. 

COLOR
Coppery with golden highlights 

NOSE
Light herbal and spicy fragrance with pleasant aromas of dried fruits 

TASTE
Drier palate with soft woody notes with a mild finish of honey 

Producer Description 

The blackberry infusion comes from the maceration of wild fruit. Marie Brizard's master liqueur-maker refines this by adding blackberry juice. This exclusive recipe makes for a blackberry liqueur that is balanced and full of imagination. 

The single distillation source used to produce Martell VS fine cognac means that it has a clean, rich flavor that cannot be matched by other brands. Martell VS is a high-end cognac, produced in the town of Cognac — the only place true cognac is made — in the department of Charente in France.

The smooth and flavorful cognac's luscious and fruity notes and flavors of vanilla and citrus are paired with a slightly bitter undertone for a well-balanced drinking experience. With both woody and spicy notes, as well as the fresh flavor of pear, Martell VS tastes great on its own but also pairs well with popular mixers such as orange juice and triple sec.

The hints of candied almonds and spices are reminiscent of your favorite baked goods, making for a well-balanced and delicious drink. With over 200 years of history at the Martell distillery in France, Martell VS is the perfect high-quality cognac to add to your favorite cocktail. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

Water, alcohol, sugar, raspberries and burnt sugar are blended together in refrigerated vats. When the alcohol content reaches a desirable level, the mixture is then filtered and bottled. Color Deep ruby, viscous Bouquet Intense raspberry fruit, nearly a sweet syrup, with oriental spice tones Taste Lush and intensely sweet but just tart enough from the raspberry fruits.

Producer Description 

Pinnacle Vodka starts with the finest wheat grain from the Brie region of France crushed up and heated to convert the starches into fermentable sugars. Next, the mixture is five times distilled producing a high-proof spirit. Distillation is the process of obtaining a high-alcohol mixture from the wash; rectification is the process of removing undesirable components such as methanol from this distillate.

This is done with a simple pot still by discarding the first and last parts of the distillate produced. This complex process ensures the highest quality and purity.The distillate is then filtered through charcoal, which is far superior than other methods used.

The spirit, after purification, is at 190 proof. It is then diluted to 80 proof by adding exceptionally clean, naturally filtered water from the soil of the Northern region of France.