We're not talking about an Olympic discipline but rather a whisky, a French one at that!
In Gisors (Eure), the Société des alcools à papa, an offshoot of the brewery run by brothers Antoine and Frédéric de Sutter, has just been awarded a second medal, silver this time, for its “original Grandchamp » at the World whiskeys awards.
The beverage had already been awarded a bronze medal in 2023 in this world ranking which is a reference in the world of whisky.
This blend, concocted from two whiskeys selected by them, constitutes their first creation.
Before, next year, they will be able to work their own juices, distilled from French barley in 2022, and which must wait at least three years to be marketed.
“It will be another step.
And it’s true that we can’t wait.
But this new distinction shows that we are on the right track, in terms of taste and quality of the product,” rejoices Antoine de Sutter who can count on his cellar master of Scottish origin, Liam Hope, to maintain this course.
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For him, receiving a medal two years in a row from this prestigious jury, among hundreds of bottles from all over the world, allows in a certain way “to reassure the consumer about our way of working since we are a young house , even if the reputation of our beers works in our favor.”
Among the characteristics that caught the attention of specialists in 2023: “on the nose, some lively notes of fruit and corn with biscuity nuances, a creamy texture which reveals aromas of coffee and raisins on the palate and a finish where winter spices emerge.
Enough to make fans' mouths water.
However, it is difficult for Antoine de Sutter to know the impact of these rewards on sales.
“But when it comes to making your choice, it can make the difference, especially since France is starting to have a wide range of excellent producers.
".
However, there is no question of playing on this card to increase the price of the bottle which remains below €40.
“Some people tell me, we buy it now, because afterwards it will be too expensive!
But we prefer to stay in an affordable price range.”
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The only certainty is that the curiosity and interest of professionals in the work of the Société des alcools à papa have been reinforced by this international reputation.
“A few barrels have already been reserved.
Even if we won't reveal our range of products until next year.
".
No further indication, just to maintain a certain element of surprise, even if we already know that, in love with local terroirs, the two brothers went looking for oak barrels from different French regions to age their whiskey in order to give them different characteristics... Verdict in April 2025.