La Débauche Brewery Expands into Whiskey Sector with New Industrial Tool
Angoulême, France – La Débauche, an artisanal brewery known for its wide range of beer recipes, has recently ventured into the whiskey sector in Charente. Founded ten years ago, La Débauche has gained a national reputation for its beers, which are enjoyed at bistros, on tap, and in bottles. The brewery has developed over 300 recipes since 2013 and its beer brand is even distributed at Monoprix.
In 2020-2021, several distillers in Charente approached La Débauche founders, Eglantine and Aurélien Camandone, seeking a “wash” – whiskey beer or fermented must – for their stills. However, the brewery was not equipped for this specific preparation, which requires equipment similar to that used in winemaking.
To meet the demand, the brewers decided to invest 1.8 million euros in a second industrial tool dedicated to the whiskey sector. This new facility includes its own silos, tanks, and fermenters, designed to ensure that the liquid does not foam during the whiskey production process.
“The market for whiskeys is becoming very competitive, and you have to stand out,” said Eglantine Camandone, co-founder of La Débauche.
The Salem Brewing Company, a subsidiary of La Débauche, began its operations in June 2022 and has already reached its maximum capacity of 60,000 hectoliters. This is six times the volume of La Débauche and equivalent to 1.7 million bottles of spirits. The company primarily serves around fifteen clients from the region, with intense production from September to April when the Cognac stills are busy.
Looking ahead, the two entrepreneurs are already considering doubling the brewery’s capacity to meet the growing demand.
In addition to expanding into the whiskey sector, La Débauche has also embraced a “local and circular” approach. The agricultural cooperative Océalia, a satellite of the giant InVivo in Poitou-Charentes and Limousin, has acquired a 49% stake in the brewery. Océalia transforms the spent grains from the brewing process into animal feed used in short circuits. Charentais members have cultivated 130 hectares of Lauréate barley, a variety highly regarded for whiskey production, to meet the needs of Salem.
“We appreciate having access to rare cereals and building a local and circular economy plan beyond the banking facilities of the partnership,” emphasized Eglantine Camandone.
La Débauche distills part of its production from malted barley, as well as other grains such as triticale, ancient Khorasan wheat, rice, rye, corn, and buckwheat. These unique brews provide a range of eaux-de-vie samples that can be used as improving agents or for producing limited series.
“The market for whiskeys is becoming very competitive, and you have to stand out,” underlined Eglantine Camandone. She aims to showcase the whole range of possibilities to customers and highlight the benefits of working with a real brewer.
With its expansion into the whiskey sector and commitment to local and circular practices, La Débauche Brewery continues to make its mark in the beverage industry.
How does La Débauche’s expansion into whiskey align with its commitment to quality and craftsmanship
Craft brewery in Oregon, has seen success in expanding into the whiskey sector, and La Débauche hopes to experience a similar trajectory. The new industrial tool will allow the brewery to produce whiskey on a larger scale and meet the growing demand in the Charente region.
La Débauche is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, and this expansion into whiskey reflects that philosophy. The brewery plans to produce a range of whiskey varieties, including single malt, bourbon, and rye, each with their own unique flavor profiles.
The decision to venture into whiskey was not taken lightly by the founders, as they were aware of the challenges and potential risks involved. However, they saw it as an opportunity to further showcase their expertise and creativity in the realm of craft beverages.
The investment in the new facility has already paid off, as the brewery has received positive feedback from both distillers and consumers. The whiskey produced by La Débauche has been praised for its smoothness and complex flavors, drawing inspiration from the brewery’s diverse beer recipes.
In addition to expanding into whiskey, La Débauche has plans to further grow its beer brand. The brewery aims to increase its distribution in France and expand into international markets, leveraging its reputation and success in the industry.
With its expansion into the whiskey sector, La Débauche is proving that artisanal breweries can successfully enter new markets and diversify their product offerings. The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation sets it apart, and it is poised to make its mark in the whiskey world as it has in the beer industry.
It’s fascinating to see how La Débauche brewery in Charente has reinvented itself as a whiskey distillery. This transition showcases their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to craftsmanship. I’m excited to taste their new offerings and see how they flourish in the world of spirits.
“La Débauche’s transformation from an artisanal brewery to a whiskey distillery in Charente is both exciting and innovative. It showcases their commitment to diversification and pushing boundaries within the craft beverage industry. Looking forward to exploring their unique whiskey creations!”