When you first think of France you probably think Champagne, Armagnac, Calvados, Cognac and Eau de Vie rather than whisky. 30% of all spirits sold in France is whisky and the French are the largest Scotch export market in the world. More recently they’ve even begun making their own.

Brenne, Amorik and Kornog are the best well known examples, though a range of other smaller distillery offerings are also being produced. Brenne is lighter, sweeter and more akin to brandy, Amorik runs the gauntlet from Sherry to smoke and is well worth exploring. Outwith these three distilleries quality can be somewhat lacking.