Distillery
Institutional distiller, alchemist of flavours, revelator of spiritual substances...
In Brive la Gaillarde, we are fortunate to have two typically local distilleries that perpetuate the ancestral production of local liqueurs and aperitifs: The Denoix distillery and the Bellet distillery.
These two distilleries don't roam the countryside, nor do they set up their stills as they wander from village to hamlet in the undergrowth... You don't bring your tubs of fermented fruit into which you've carelessly added sugar to increase the alcohol content of your moonshine... No, our distillers are artists, they work and adjust liqueurs and beverages by revealing and mixing a thousand flavours... Obviously, they work with local products such as walnuts for example, but they are also inspired by plants from elsewhere... a world to discover in short!
The Denoix Distillery
Founded in 1839 in Brive-la-Gaillarde by Pierre Lacoste, then Louis Denoix. The family business has been passed down through five generations to the duo of Marie and Paul, who joined in 2019.
The distillery has always carried on the ancestral tradition of making local liqueurs and aperitifs. The products on offer are based on walnuts and other fruits.
By working under the same conditions as in the 19th century, the Denoix distillery is preserving a precious heritage and know-how. In fact, it has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label.
The distillery offers a wide range of classic and original liqueurs, such as the 25° chocolate liqueur, not forgetting their 'star' liqueur: Suprême Denoix 30°, which won an award at the Concours Général d'Agriculture in 2011. It was awarded the silver medal.
A range of aperitifs are also available, including QuinquiNoix 17°, which also won a silver medal at the Concours Général d'Agriculture in 2011.
Alongside their alcohol production, they also specialise in violet mustard (made from grape must).
Distillerie Denoix
9, Boulevard du Maréchal Lyautey
19100 BRIVE LA GAILLARDE
05 55 74 34 27
The Bellet Distillery
A member of our local distillery duo, the Bellet distillery is a local business like we love them.
Since its creation in 1922 by Henri Bellet, the shop has reinvented itself to stay on course. It's still at the same address: avenue du Maréchal-Bugeaud in Brive la Gaillarde.
Henri's grandson, Bernard Chastanet, took over the business several years ago.
Many of their products are best-sellers, such as their very first liqueur made from cherry and Morello cherry infusions: guignolet. For lovers of aniseed, you'll find a range of pastis, including France's first pastis vert, a blend of aniseed and verbena. You can also try their famous chestnut liqueur, which is typically local, as well as their gentian drinks.
Other drinks on offer include fruit liqueurs, fruit creams and other white waters.
You're sure to find what you're looking for... Come and visit him, he will be able to advise you and tell you all about his history.
Bellet distillery
3, avenue Maréchal Bugeaud
19100 Brive-la-Gaillarde
05 55 24 18 07
The Louis Roque Distillery:
In Souillac, in the Lot department, let yourself be tempted by the discovery of the Louis Roque Distillery Museum, with its warm colours where the copper of the stills rubs shoulders with presses, conges, filters and cauldrons.
This visit to the distillery will immerse you in the purest respect for the traditions that make our region such a rich place.
You'll experience the serene silence of the cellars, where the eaux-de-vie are slowly matured in old oak casks. You'll see the staff filling, waxing and labelling the bottles by hand in the purest respect for tradition.
Louis Roque Distillery
41, Avenue Jean Jaurès
46200 SOUILLAC
05 65 32 78 16
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