Distillerie Ninkasi

History

From start to distillery

Ninkasi began as a brewery in Lyon in 1997 and has since developed into a family of craft activities around beer, spirits and music. In Tarare, in the heart of Monts du Beaujolais, the distillery has established itself as part of the Ninkasi family. Water from the Turdine River, one of the purest in France, runs beside the distillery, providing a natural foundation for whiskey beyond brewing. The master distiller is Alban Perret, whose work binds brewing and distillation together in the French sangria of identity and passion. Since 2015, Ninkasi has had an official whiskey line, and 15 years of know-how are pooled into four primary single malts, combining brewing heritage with innovative thinking in distillation and maturation.

Expansion and renewal

In 2023, a larger, more modern and environmentally friendly facility was brought into use to support a more sustainable production and a larger whiskey range. This renewal underscores Ninkasi's approach: to continually develop and write its own story within French whiskey – 100% Ninkasi.

Logo and identity

Throughout history, Ninkasi has worked with a strong interplay between beer, spirits and music, and this is reflected in the whiskies, which stand as expressions of freedom, creativity and a modern French approach.

Production

Distillation

Ninkasi uses two Charentais traditional alambics and two Honoré stills, the latter of which are equipped with sous vide distillation (under vacuum). This provides lower energy costs and preserves more delicate aromas at higher temperatures. The system consists of two Honoré 50 hL- and 100 hL-stills together with the classic Charentais stills. Thereafter the distillation takes place, designed to highlight the barley's character and fruity notes in the final whiskies.

Water and terroir

The distillery's water comes directly from the Turdine River, one of the region's purest sources, contributing a clean base for the distillation and subsequent maturation.

Sourcing and sustainability

Throughout production, emphasis is placed on short supply chains and use of local raw materials, while the casks come from regional wine regions to obtain unique flavor profiles. In the production of whiskies, emphasis is on 100% French integration and an approach to sustainability, including packaging and reduced material in bottles and accessories.

Products / Whisky Series

Ninkasi Whisky New Code

Gourmand and fruity, where fève tonka and apricot confit surprise with every sip. This is a modern interpretation of the whisky side, designed for those who love a fresh, playful approach to whisky.

Ninkasi Whisky Manifesto

Rich and expressive, with character that comes through from the first sniff. Notes of walnut, candied orange and dates dominate, spiced with hints of fruitcake. For flavor-experience lovers seeking a bold, personal whisky.

Ninkasi Whisky The Flow

Fresh and floral, balanced with honeysuckle, white grape and apricot. A fiery and playful single malt, suited to those who love a lighter, more vibrant style.

Ninkasi Whisky Inspiration

Subtle and spicy. Rich, ripe fruits such as dried stone fruits and cherries explode on the nose and palate, giving a balanced combination of gentle sweetness and fruity notes such as almond and pear.

Ninkasi Whisky Vendanges / LAB (Gamme LAB)

Vendanges is an annually released single malt, aged in old wine foudre-style barrels from wine regions; 100% whisky, aged in wine casks and produced in small batches. LAB is an experimental line of single-cask whiskies, where each cask gives a unique sensory expression. LAB 008: a single cask, 5 years of maturation in a cognac cask, which gives an intense balance between vinous nuances and the malted base. LAB 008 is a release of 378 bottles and reaches 59% ABV.

Tasting notes and special notes

• Vendanges de Tinta Negra: aged in Madeira casks (Madeira wine), 49% ABV. Colorful and complex, with prunes, walnuts and dried plums; on the palate, flan-pâtissier and caramel melt, with a long, spicy finish and notes of vanilla and honey.

• LAB 008: the notes begin with a delicate impression of fruity florals and white fruit, followed by spices, licorice and fresh wood; the finish is lightly salted and matured with vanilla and honey.

Design and packaging (new aesthetics for the whiskies)

Ninkasi has redesigned the whiskies with four bold colors that reflect the profile of each whisky. The bottle is more compact and striking in appearance; the label and paper are made from 100% recycled paper and a PET cork is used to reduce environmental impact. Outer boxes have also been scaled back and are only supplied on request. This approach combines aesthetics and responsibility without compromising quality and identity.

Availability and purchase

Ninkasi states “Acheter les Ninkasi Whiskies” as an option to buy the whiskies directly via their channel, thus underscoring the possibility of direct sales without intermediaries.

Visits / Experiences

The Distillery and Ninkasi Experience

The Tarare distillery provides a deeper connection between brewing and distillation and emphasizes the French approach to craftsmanship and innovation. Through LAB and Vendanges, along with the new design philosophy, Ninkasi offers a holistic view of whisky as an art form: a gastronomic experience to be enjoyed as part of the experience in Ninkasi bars and at special events.

Philosophy

Focus on French craftsmanship and sustainability

Ninkasi emphasizes “la French savoir-faire” and the freedom to create. The whisky portfolio shows a willingness to break with traditional customs and explore new combinations – all developed in Tarare, where water and terroir meet innovation. Packaging and production have become more sustainable, and work with local and regional partners to support a responsible and transparent supply chain.

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