Grandes Distilleries Peureux - Un Peureux - Absinthe - 48%
Grandes Distilleries Peureux are located in the heart of the commune of Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert in Haute-Saône, a region renowned for its exceptional terroir. Specializing in the artisanal production of Fougerolles kirsch, an exceptional cherry brandy, as well as Griottines, they embody French know-how since 1864. Founded by Auguste Peureux, this family distillery distinguished itself by the remarkable quality of its products, including brandies, absinthes, and anise-based spirits, notably at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, a landmark event showcasing French excellence. At that time, between 1870 and 1915, absinthe represented more than 90% of aperitifs consumed in France, highlighting the cultural and gustatory importance of this drink.
With the prohibition of absinthe in France in 1915, the cherry became the star of local spirits, notably through guignolet, a sweet drink obtained by macerating cherries and morello cherries in a fine kirsch-based liqueur. In 1948, Claude Peureux succeeded his grandfather at the age of 18, giving new momentum to the company by developing exports. The collaboration with an Australian distillery, still associated with Grandes Distilleries Peureux, illustrates this international orientation.
With engineer Pierre Baud recruited in 1968, Claude Peureux embarked on an innovative strategy to promote the cherry as a flagship fruit. Together, they developed the famous Griottines – a trademark registered in 1980 – cherries macerated in a 15% kirsch liqueur, from the Balkan Oblachinska variety, cultivated in Serbia. This morello cherry, both firm and juicy, has no equivalent in French terroirs. That is why the leaders decided to acquire their own orchards in Serbia to ensure impeccable quality and consistency.
After Claude Peureux's death in 1992, Pierre Baud took over the company, soon followed by his son Bernard Baud who modernized the distillery's laboratory. In the 2000s, the distillery diversified with the creation of Louis Blanzey whisky, the revival of absinthe production, and a luxury vodka. In parallel, the acquisition of the Alsatian distillery Massenez in 2011 strengthened its position in the premium spirits market.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the house proudly relaunched the absinthe "Un Peureux," a symbol of heritage and artisanal excellence. Today, Grandes Distilleries Peureux are recognized as the world's leading producer of fruit brandies and the undisputed leader in the world of fruit maceration, showcasing unique know-how and an exceptional terroir.
