Maison Daucourt (Bastille 1789)

French whisky house founded in 1996 in the heart of the Cognac vineyards (Spirits Valley) by the Daucourt family, who are hereditary cognac distillers from Angouleme. Inspired by their Irish mother, Jean-Marc and Edouard Daucourt created Bastille 1789 French whisky, launched commercially in 2010. Uses the family's traditional gooseneck Charentais copper alembic pot stills (originally used for cognac distillation). Selects highest-quality malted barley and wheat from northeast France. Ferments using a 120-year-old yeast strain. Double-distills and ages in barrels containing prestigious eaux-de-vie and appellation wines (Cognac, Sauternes, Burgundy). The Bastille 1789 Blend won Gold Medal and 94/100 from Beverage Testing Institute Chicago with 'Whiskey of the Year' 2013. Also produces single malt expression finished in Limousin oak. Located at 24 rue des Bosquets, Angouleme.