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Everything you need to know about Bastille Distillery
A brief History
Bastille, France. Founded in 2010
Bastille Whisky: A French Twist on Tradition
If you’ve always thought good whisky could only come from Scotland, Bastille is here to challenge that idea—with a cheeky French accent. Born in the heart of Cognac country, Bastille Whisky is France’s elegant answer to Scotch, blending innovation with old-world winemaking finesse. It’s crafted by Jean-Marc Daucourt, a maverick distiller who’s taken traditional whisky techniques and filtered them through French wine, oak, and style.
Launched in 2010, Bastille doesn’t pretend to be Scotch. Instead, it leans into what makes France different. The spirit is made from a blend of malted barley and wheat grown in northern France, distilled using water from the Gensac spring, and aged in a mix of French Limousin oak and ex-Burgundy or Sauternes wine casks. That means you're in for a flavour profile that's soft, slightly fruity, and always a bit luxurious.
So if you like your whisky with a little savoir-faire, Bastille might just be your next favourite bottle.
Flavour Profile:
 |
 |
 |
| Fruity |
Sweet |
Oaky / Woody |
Expect a light body with crisp apple and soft pear notes on the nose, balanced by vanilla sweetness and just a tickle of oak spice. This isn't a heavy-hitter—it’s more of a laid-back, conversation whisky. Ideal for sipping neat or mixing in a high-end cocktail.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
|
Oak / Wood Spice |
 |
Apple / Pear |
 |
Vanilla |
 |
Honey |
Popular Bottles from Bastille Whisky
Here’s a quick rundown of some of Bastille’s most recognised expressions:
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Bastille 1789 Blended Whisky
Light, approachable and slightly sweet with orchard fruit, vanilla and toasty oak. -
Bastille 1789 Single Malt
French single malt aged in a variety of casks, giving it a creamy, layered flavour. -
Limited Editions / Cask Strength Releases
Occasionally released and harder to find – usually bolder in strength and flavour.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Bastille by Maison Daucourt Distillery
Location: Charente, Cognac region, France
 Open in maps |
 bastillewhisky.com |
 +33 5 45 24 04 64 |
Visitor Centre Info
At present, Bastille Whisky does not have a dedicated visitor centre. Since it's produced in a Cognac-region facility, the distillery isn’t open for regular whisky tourism like many Scotch distilleries. That said, keep an eye on collaborations or brand events in the UK or Europe.
Ownership & History
Current Owner:
Jean-Marc Daucourt (Independent / Daucourt family)
Ownership History:
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Bastille Whisky was created and is still owned by Jean-Marc Daucourt and his family.
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It was introduced in 2010 as a French alternative to traditional Scotch and American whiskies, and quickly gained attention for its quality and elegance.
The brand's inspiration is deeply tied to Jean-Marc’s background in Cognac and wine, which is reflected in every part of Bastille’s production—from grain selection to barrel choice.
Distillery Facts
Overview & Background
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Launched by the Daucourt family in France, this whisky is part of the emerging French whisky scene.
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The name “1789” refers to the French Revolution, giving the brand a strong French identity and story.
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While France is more known for cognac and brandy, Bastille 1789 aims to bring French whisky into the spotlight.
Production & Ingredients
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Made from 100% malted barley (in the single malt version) grown in northeastern France, a region with whisky‑suitable grain.
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Distilled twice in Charentais copper stills (traditional cognac style) for the single malt expression.
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Aged in a combination of French oak casks, including those previously used for Sauternes wine, Burgundy wine, and sherry — resulting in a rich wood influence.
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The blend version combines malt and grain whiskies (malted barley + raw grain) matured in Limousin oak barrels that held wine or cognac, giving a distinct French oak and wine‑cask character.
Style & Flavour Profile
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Nose: Rich orchard fruit, candied citrus peel (such as orange marmalade), honeyed malt, dried apricot, light spice and undergrowth.
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Palate: Smooth texture, flavours of dried fruit (apricot, orange peel), soft vanilla, almonds or marzipan, light wood spice, and a subtle hint of peat or smoke on some versions.
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Finish: Medium to long; the wood and wine‑cask influence brings tannin, dark fruits and occasionally a faint smoky or leathery edge.
Key Variants
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Blended version (“Bastille 1789 Blended Whisky”): Uses a malt/grain mixture, matured in wine/barrel casks, approachable and fruit‑forward.
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Single Malt version (“Bastille 1789 Single Malt”): Made with 100% malted barley, more premium, with richer wood and wine influence.
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Limited or Single Cask editions: Higher proof or special finish versions exist, also using French wine casks or unusual combinations for enthusiasts.
Position & Significance
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Bastille 1789 represents the "new world" of French whisky, showing how non‑Scottish producers are making high‑quality malt whisky with regional identity.
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It appeals to whisky drinkers curious for something different—less heavily peated, more wood and wine influence, and distinctive French character.
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Also of interest to people who enjoy wine‑cask finished whiskies or delicate fruit‑forward styles rather than heavily smoky or heavily sherried ones.
Bastille Whisky to Buy
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