Distillerie Ouche Nanon

History

Ouche Nanon is a Danish-French inspired producer of organic beers and whiskies, based in the Berry region of France. According to the site, the company began in 2010 as an organic brewery in Berry, where all raw materials—especially grain—come from the local area, and where whiskey production began later as an expansion of the brewery.

In 2016 they moved on to establish a distillery with an older Guillaume still from 1938, and in 2018 the first whiskey product was released. Since then they have invested in a more modern Charentaise still of 1600 liters. The production of spirits continues with a musical approach between tradition and innovation: cultivation of organic oats and barley from Berry, aging in different types of casks, and a special heat designation called 'chauffe Salamandre' developed in collaboration with a local cooper.

There are two aging locations for whiskey—a humid old cellar and a dry cellar/chais—and all whiskies are single malts, with a few border projects in the single grain line. The company focuses on using local, organic ingredients and has AB certification for their spirits.

Production / Manufacturing

Ingredients and Raw Materials

• The material is based on grain from Berry (about 98%), where the remaining shares consist of specially Belgian malt in some brewing recipes. Organic barley is purchased annually from local farmers within about 40 km; the malt is processed by regional maltings. Organic raw materials and local production are central to the entire process.

Distillation and Aging Process

• Two Charentaise-type alambics are used: one 400 L (from 1932) and a newer 1400 L. The latter has an olive-shaped chapiteau, which enables distillation of malted malt products.

• All whiskies are double distillation under indirect heat (fire on) – a traditional approach, drawing on Scottish and Charentaise methods.

• The aging stocks consist of ex-bourbon casks, wine-based casks (e.g., Sancerre, Burgundy, Loire) and new French oak casks, which mark particularly warm moments through a co-developed heating process called Salamandre.

• There are two aging locations: a humid aging in an 'à l’ancienne' cellar and a dry modern cellar.

• The entire range of whiskies is single malts; there are also a few single grains under aging.

Organic and Quality Control

• The company describes a clear focus on ecology and local farming as well as AB certification for the products.

Products and Whisky Series

Berry Single Malt (Organic Single Malt)

• Alcohol: 40.5% vol

• Grains: Organic barley from the Centre region

• Aging: 3–4 years in bourbon casks and new French oak casks, without cold filtration and natural color

• Notes: Vanilla, cake-like notes, honey, citrus; full, vanilla-rich mouthfeel with a light piney nuance

• Description: Whisky that highlights the grain's terroir and a combination of bourbon casks and French casks for a spicy and woody profile.

Salamandre

• Alcohol: 42% vol

• Aging: Blends of wine (red wine) casks and new French casks (various Salamandres), plus finish in Pinot Noir casks

• Notes: Fruity red fruits, charred wood, chocolate and roasted vanilla; lightly vinous with tobacco-like notes

• Description: An original single malt with a strong burnt-wood and vinous balance, where Salamandre heat adds toasted and smoky elements.

Chardon

• Alcohol: 42.5% vol

• Aging: 5 years in bourbon casks, followed by a finish in Chardonnay grand cru casks in Burgundy for about 6 months

• Notes: Floral and fruity notes, vanilla and pear/lychee fruit; contemporary, lightly fruity and cereal-like

• Description: An older whisky with pronounced bourbon notes, followed by a vinous Chardonnay finishing that gives complexity and elegance.

Peaty Frog

• Alcohol: 42% vol

• Aging: A blend of bourbon casks, new casks, and casks that previously held beer; aged in a damp cellar to give roundness

• Notes: Earthy notes, fruity notes, vanilla; light smoke and earthy peat notes

• Description: A Gordon-style approach to peated whiskies, balancing fruit with earthy peat and a touch of sweetness.

General Notes

• All whisky variants are single malts and reflect Ouche Nanon’s organic, local approach. Some products are described as part of the 'Organic Spirit' or special editions such as Berry New Malt and other spirit offerings, but the whiskies listed here are single malts.

Visits and Experiences

• The distillery opens for visits, where guests are guided through the entire process from brewing to aging, and finally a tasting in the shop.

• The visits last about 2 hours, and the experience includes access to the tour route from the brewery to the cellar and a tasting in the shop.

• Ticket sales are online; price for adults around €6 and children free. Cancellations may occur if bookings are fewer than 8 people.

Philosophy and Values

• Organic focus and use of local ingredients — barley and grain sourced from local organic farmers within roughly 40 km.

• AB certification and a belief in natural processes: no cold filtration or additives in the whiskies mentioned; the color is natural.

• Combines traditional distillation methods (double distillation, direct heat) with innovative cask finishes and heating treatments (Salamandre) to achieve complex profile notes.

• Values terroir and regionality: Berry as the base for raw materials and the umbrella for the entire production philosophy.