Long considered a global benchmark, Scotch whisky reigns supreme among spirits... but in recent years, French whisky has emerged as a credible, innovative, and artisanal alternative. So, should you choose French or Scotch whisky? It all depends on your tastes, your values, and the experience you're looking for.
🥃 Scotch whisky: the century-old tradition
Origin: Scotland (Highlands, Islay, Speyside, etc.)
Cereals: malted barley (single malt) or blend (mixture of malt and grain)
Aging: generally in ex-bourbon or sherry casks
Taste profile:
Speyside: elegant, fruity
Islay: very peaty, smoky
Highlands: powerful, complex
👉 Scotch whisky stands out for its historical mastery and immense aromatic palette. But some profiles are widely standardized.
🇫🇷 French whisky: the emergence of a free and committed style
Origin: varied terroirs (Alps, Brittany, Alsace, Gascony, etc.)
Cereals: often grown locally, sometimes organic or biodynamic
Original barrels: cognac, armagnac, French wines, French oak
Artisanal distilleries: Domaines des Hautes Glaces, Rozelieures, Warenghem...
👉 French whisky offers a more terroir-based, more experimental, and often more responsible approach: raw bottlings, without filtration, without coloring.
History :
Scotch whisky benefits from a centuries-old tradition and codified expertise, recognized worldwide. Conversely, French whisky is a more recent but rapidly expanding production, driven by innovative, artisanal distilleries.
Taste :
Scotch whisky offers classic, controlled, and recognizable profiles depending on the region (fruity in Speyside, peaty in Islay, complex in the Highlands). French whisky, on the other hand, is distinguished by its free, often more surprising approach, with expressions strongly influenced by the terroir and the casks.
Presence of peat:
Peat is a hallmark of some Scotch whiskies, particularly Islay whiskies. French whisky is generally unpeated, but some distilleries are experimenting sparingly with lightly smoky versions.
Origin of cereals:
In Scotland, grains are sometimes imported. In France, distilleries promote local grains, often grown organically or biodynamically, with full traceability.
Type of barrels used:
Scotch whisky is aged primarily in bourbon or sherry casks. French whisky is more daring: cognac, red wine, pineau, or even new French oak casks, all of which bring unique signatures.
General style:
Scotch whiskies offer a consistent and controlled style. French whiskies boast a unique identity, often unfiltered, cask strength, with a strong aromatic personality.