Distillerie Les Fils d'Émile Pernot

History

• The distillery was founded in Pontarlier in 1889 by Émile-Ferdinand Pernot in collaboration with the Parrot brothers. The first absinthe label 'Absinthe Pernot' appeared on 12 October 1889, and later marks such as «Émile Pernot» were registered. This marked the start of a generations-long family business.

• In 1905, the centenarian alambics were designed by the Parisian producer Egrot and Grangé, and these distillation apparatuses are still in operation and bear witness to the craft tradition.

• 1908: Émile-Joseph Pernot becomes chairman and leads the technical operations of the distillery.

• 1915: The absinthe prohibition in France significantly changed the industry's conditions; absinthe production halted, and the Pontarlier area experienced major economic and cultural consequences.

• 1919: After the death of Émile-Ferdinand Pernot, the heritage was taken over by Émile-Joseph Pernot, whose children later founded the house 'Les Fils d’Émile Pernot'.

• 1979: The 4th generation, Émile-Gérard Pernot, takes the lead until 2005, after which activity gradually shifts more to Pierre Beuchet.

• 2006: The Pernot group buys Deniset-Klainguer, a distillery in Pontarlier, expanding the range to include, among other things, liqueur de sapin.

• 2009: Acquisition of the Marcel Michel company, which specialized in fruit brandies and especially gentiane, expanding the product range and preserving the tradition.

• 2009: Expansion and move to La Cluse-et-Mijoux, Le Frambourg, in the historic building of the former Cousin Jeune distillery, near Château de Joux — the place where the young Émile-Joseph Pernot previously rose.

• Today the distillery continues its activity with the same standards of quality and craftsmanship, while the team works to preserve the heritage and at the same time evolve in the present.

Production / Manufacturing

• The distillery uses centenarian alambics, installed in 1905 and still fully functional, bearing witness to the enduring tradition and craft in production.

• Production is based on traditional methods and constant quality requirements, with a focus on preserving terroir and original methods.

• The production includes absinthes, aperitifs, liqueurs and eaux-de-vie based on inherited house brands and collaborations among historic names such as Émile Pernot, Marcel Michel and Deniset-Klainguer.

Products / Whisky Series

• Absinthe and anise-based traditions: the producer offers absinthes and anise-based products in their range, including classic variants and regional themes.

• Aperitifs: La Clusienne, La Gentiana and La Pontiane are examples of house-made aperitifs based on local plants and wine/alcohol-based components.

• Eaux-de-vie: selected fruit-based drinks such as Poire Williams, Mirabelle, Kirsch and Framboise, as well as Gentiane Supérieure (gentiane-eau-de-vie) as a special signature.

• Liqueurs: a wide range including génépi, sapin, framboise and an absinthe-chocolate liqueur; combining tradition and innovation with a focus on natural ingredients and craftsmanship.

• Brand names and history: relate to the region's absinthe history and regional plants, including Deniset-Klainguer liqueur and old brands such as Bourgeois and Vieux Pontarlier.

Visits / Experiences

• Visitors can participate in guided tours (visites guidées) and tastings of their spirits in the historic setting.

• Tours typically last between 45 minutes and an hour and can be tailored to different levels of interest.

• The distillery can accommodate up to 100 people at a time and offers both walk-in guided visits without prior reservation and fixed times for guided tours on weekdays and Saturdays.

• There is access to the shop during visits, and you can taste and buy products during the visit. An online calendar allows planning visits and participating in tastings and special workshops.

• Reservations and payment can be made online at the time of booking or on-site during the visit.

Philosophy

• The distillery describes itself as living and connected to heritage and renewal. Emphasis is placed on preserving a unique craft and a deep respect for the traditions as well as the terroir of Haut-Doubs.

• The core of the company is a concentration of craftsmanship and quality, where traditional distillation methods, selected plants and a historical narrative go hand in hand with an innovative approach and ongoing development.