Whisky enthusiasts are invited to share exceptional moments during the events offered at the Distillerie des Bughes in Espaly. There, Marion and Bérenger Mayoux invite them to taste their own whisky, as well as other rare spirits, including some from Scotland. This initiative will undoubtedly attract tourists visiting the Velay region this summer, showcasing their expertise and the quality of the products they have been selling under the Home Distillers brand since 2017.
What inspired you to offer these exceptional moments?
Bérenger Mayoux: My wife and I decided to create these exceptional moments to rediscover, or simply inspire people to see whisky in a different light than just as an alcoholic beverage, by emphasizing the tasting experience. In other words, you can enjoy drinking just one or two centiliters of whisky, and we believe the building we're in lends itself perfectly to discovery and tasting.
What is the concept?
Bérenger Mayoux: The goal is really to offer a different experience each time. One focuses on French whisky, and another on rarer whiskies, which, for now, are 100% Scottish. We'll see later if we can expand the range. In France, there are hidden gems that aren't well-known, and there are some very rare whiskies that we've managed to acquire, with bottles costing around 600 or 700 euros.
And for what purpose?
Bérenger Mayoux: The goal is to be able to truly spend a quiet moment with two, three, or four friends, taking the time to appreciate the length on the palate of a whisky, its complexity, and the interesting effect it can have. The core of what we offer at the distillery remains the tour and tasting.
With occasional entertainment to enhance the tastings?
Bérenger Mayoux: Absolutely! From time to time, we add a concert or other event. For example, it might be a piano and whisky concert in the shop, so in a rather intimate setting. Last year, we offered a concert among the stills with an Irish band. And then, we had the opportunity to organize a tasting of infused rum or even an activity among the whisky casks, with a pipette in hand.
Are these moments appreciated by those who come here?
Béranger Mayoux: There are people who tell us, "I'm not necessarily a whisky enthusiast; on the contrary, I only drink this or that brand." So, I think that the fact that what we offer is artisanal and local allows them to have a different perspective on the product. Participating in a tasting at the distillery helps to open one's mind, because indeed, the whiskies we offer are nothing like what you can usually find in supermarkets, or even among the best Scottish brands.
Any particular highlight this summer?
Bérenger Mayoux: So, this summer, of course, we'll be offering tours and tastings from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 19 p.m. On Saturday, July 11, starting at 19 p.m., and by reservation only, Jean-François and Valérie Vassal, who are based in Le Puy-en-Velay, will be giving a historical talk on the pilgrimage. The idea is to have a potluck meal, and everyone brings a terrine, a sausage, a salad, something like that… We'll also be offering tastings of spirits and introducing some whiskies.
Who are you targeting?
Bérenger Mayoux: Well, first and foremost, the locals, I'd say. Because even though I think many people have heard of Puy-en-Velay whisky, there are still many who are unfamiliar with our work. And that's precisely the audience we're targeting, because we want to introduce them to what we do. And then, of course, there are the tourists this summer.
Practical information
📍 Bughes Distillery, 2 route des Estreys
43000 Espaly-Saint-Marcel
📞 06 42 05 90 91
🌐 www.homedistillers.fr
📲 Facebook homedistillers
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