Introducing a gifted French Master Distiller
We have the pleasure to present you in this post one of the great names in French liqueur distillers in the person of Franck Choisne, owner of the distillery COMBIER. And new partner producer of our company.
The distillery is located in the Loire Valley, known as the “Garden of France”.
What distinguishes the Combier distillery since its acquisition in 2000 by this outstanding Master Distiller is its creative energy, its keen sense of mixology, the originality and quality of its creations, real liquid jewels. Over 20 new recipes for the last ten years.
But also two others essential points: a unique expertise in the art of distillation and maceration – fruits and herbs macerate in alcohol from 1 to 3 months – and a rigorous selection of raw materials.
UNIQUE EXPERTISE IN ART OF DISTILLATION & MACERATION
Indeed, the distillery still uses the same Ergot stills from the 19th century, with their long swan necks which brings a particular richness to fragrance extraction.
A RIGOROUS SELECTION OF RAW MATERIALS
Lover of fruit, spices and plants, Master Distiller Franck Choisne is committed to rigorous selection. He pays particular attention to the choice of raw materials: wild elderflower picked on the edge of the Loire River, petals of local roses, but also local cultivation of fruits and plants essential to its flagship productions, like Absinthes, Guignes, Vine Peaches, Elderberries, Apricots, Saumur roses…. And also fennel from Provence, green anise from Spain, bitter oranges from Haiti.
“I want to highlight the deep link between French agriculture and our industry. We cannot do without the cultivation of local fruits and cereals, essential raw materials for our production of quality liqueurs,” he says.
In spring, the whole team takes part in picking of elderflowers and, in summer, of rose petals. This precision craftsmanship has enabled Distillery Combier to become the treasure chest of the bartending and barista world and to cultivate a strong affinity with gastronomy.
A benchmark, recognised since 2016 by the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label, which continues to win over connoisseurs and to convert the curious from all over the world.
Traits of character that quickly made him noticed by his peers, greeted by the world of mixology, bars tenders and Grands Hotels & Restaurants, and co-opted by professionals from all over the world – 75% export to over 25 countries -.
It didn’t take long for the Distillery to win awards from leading international titles.
Since its creation, MERIDOR Gin has won prestigious awards: Gold Medal at the IWSC 2017, Gold Medal at the “Spirit Competition” 2018, and Gold Medal from the famous Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, “Spirits Selection”, which has become THE international event rewarding spirits from across the globe in 2019.
And the latest: a Gold Medal at the IWSC 2025, score: 98 points, for MERIDOR Gin. And another Gold Medal at IWSC 2025, score 95 points, for Elderflower Liqueur. A crowning achievement for effort, ingenuity and creativity.
We are fortunate, not to say privileged, to accompany this nascent adventure and to bring you its creations as they appear.
From the end of July, we will be able to offer you seven of its emblematic products.
Two historical ones:
- ORIGINAL, the first “Triple Sec” created in the world in 1834
- ELIXIR, an after-dinner drink, served chilled at 12°-13° or on the rocks.
And five creations:
- MERIDOR Dry London Gin, the first London Dry Gin to be created in the Loire Valley.
- PURE FOLIE LIQUEUR, an ode to strawberries; a juicy, fragrant little fruit typical of the Loire Valley. A perfect partner for cocktails and desserts alike.
- PURE FOLIE GIN, distilled in the original distillery’s stills, aged in Small Batches.
- MARIE ANTOINETTE Vodka, a Vodka made with old varieties of wheat harvested on the estate of the Château de Versailles. A fine, generous and subtly floral vodka.
- L’ENTETE Absinthe Traditional. A green, subtle absinthe naturally colored with chlorophyll.
We’ll be introducing you to these liquid gems in future posts. Dr FX.