Journal de bord d'une passionnée de whisky 2025
As a whisky enthusiast and advisor at Comptoir Irlandais, join me every month for a journey into the heart of the world of spirits. Through my publications, I will share with you my impressions, my favorites, and all the knowledge I have acquired about these exceptional beverages. I will also take you on a tour of fascinating distilleries and share the secrets of their expertise. An unmissable event for whisky enthusiasts and the curious!
Episode 9: The incredible story of lost whiskies
This month, we’re not quite setting sail for Scotland... but almost! This time, history brings us closer to another territory, very near: the Breton coast.
Our spirits buyer had the unique chance to live this experience, an ideal opportunity for you, dear readers, to dive into an attentive, human, and inspiring immersion. We thus take you to the heart of the Celtic Whisky Distillerie: its world, its secrets, its range... and especially the unique bond that unites us with Le Comptoir Irlandais in this crazy adventure... in whisky.
Part One: The Small Farm Distillery in Brittany
History & Founding
Before diving into the heart of the matter, a little historical context.
The Celtic Whisky Distillerie was founded in 1997 when Martine and Jean Donnay, charmed by the northern Brittany coast, decided to create an artisanal distillery in Pleubian, nestled between land and sea, in the Côtes-d’Armor region. The choice of this climate is not insignificant: it plays a major role in the aromatic profile of the whiskies.
The distillery is located at 2 allée des Embruns, 22610 Larmor-Pleubian, on the site of a farm dating from 1668, entirely renovated by the founders. The atmosphere, both Celtic and maritime, perfectly blends with the spirit of the address. The surrounding landscape—wind, sea spray, soft light from the open sea, proximity to the Île-de-Bréhat, and a sea stretching out of sight—directly contributes to the whiskies' gustatory identity. The inhabitants of the Trégor peninsula and the nearby coastal path enrich the distillery's human ecosystem.
For Le Comptoir Irlandais, a specialist in spirits, this Breton proximity is a natural resonance: quality neighbours, sharing the same taste for excellence. Behind its appearance as a quiet little farm, the distillery elegantly and discreetly makes its mark. Its whiskies, Kornog and Glann Ar Mor, are now accessible far beyond the Breton coasts.
In 2020, Maison Villevert took over the house to ensure its development and sustainability. The Celtic Whisky Distillerie obtained the geographical indication "Whisky breton" (Breton Whisky), joining Warenghem and its Armorik whiskies, thus confirming its status as a recognized player on the French scene.
Key figures
Beyond the founders, it is essential to highlight the women who contribute, directly or indirectly, to the distilleries' history. Many female talents are involved in marketing, design, communication, and even shop reception.
As a spirits specialist, I emphasize this: valuing these roles in a long-masculine universe is essential, both for the future of the industry and to inspire new generations to explore the world of spirits. Martine Donnay, the passionate co-founder, played a central role in defining the distillery's identity and its Breton roots.
The Celtic Whisky Distillerie team was not assembled by chance: its members share common values, a deep attachment to the Breton land and the Celtic soul that so strongly characterize their whiskies. This trait is found in the "Kornog," a single malt with assertive peat, heir to Scottish traditions. Each team member actively participates in artisanal production, where the human touch remains at the core of the process. These shared values reinforce cohesion and excellence, uniting individuals with remarkable human and professional qualities
Technique & expertise
Technically, the Celtic Whisky Distillerie adheres to a deeply artisanal approach. Its copper pot stills, with an "onion shape," are heated over a naked flame, while fermentation takes place in wooden washbacks, and distillation is slow, with constant attention paid to every detail. Ageing occurs by the sea, in a humid oceanic climate that subtly imprints the whiskies with their characteristic aromatic nuances. Bottlings are done without chill-filtration, preserving the distillate's natural colour and affirming the distillery's commitment to quality and authenticity. The ranges reflect this technical rigour, spanning from unpeated malts, like Glann Ar Mor, to peated whiskies such as Kornog, both protected by the "Whisky breton" geographical indication, which attests to remarkable high standards and consistency in the production approach.
Anecdotes & legends
The names of the whiskies perfectly reflect the distillery's Breton roots: "Kornog," meaning "West Wind" in Breton, directly evokes the geographical location and the sea breeze, while "Glann Ar Mor," literally "Seaside," once again highlights the strong connection with the maritime environment. The packaging, modernized in 2021, pays homage to this Celtic and oceanic universe, with a bottle style described as "revisited Scottish" for the two flagship brands. Upon acquisition by Maison Villevert, the stated goal was clear: to preserve the distillery's soul and maintain this unique Breton and maritime identity.
The distillery offers a solid and accessible classic range. This includes the Glann Ar Mor Bourbon Barrel 46% (70cl), an unpeated single malt, as well as Gwalarn, a premium Celtic blend from the house at 40% ABV (70cl). These references offer the opportunity to discover the distillery's Breton universe without necessarily turning to the rarest and most prestigious editions. Rest assured, we are slowly approaching the heart of the story... patience, the best is yet to come.
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Impact on the world of whiskey
Although young compared to the Scottish giants, the Celtic Whisky Distillerie has quickly established itself as one of the most recognized and decorated French distilleries. Obtaining the "Whisky breton" geographical indication reinforces its influence and grants the house an institutional status within the segment of artisanal French whiskies. Its Celtic and maritime roots give it a distinctive identity, offering a unique flavour signature, on par with the most beautiful distilleries in Scotland.
Our connection with Le Comptoir Irlandais
Le Comptoir Irlandais has always been interested in exploring whisky terroirs beyond Scottish borders. Our connection with the Celtic Whisky Distillerie is based on several solid foundations: a natural geographical affinity with the Brittany we cherish, a shared commitment to quality and a strong identity, and the desire to offer our French and international clientele a unique Breton whisky, capable of distinguishing itself in the spirits world.
Part Two: When Time and Art Meet
The heart of the matter: Les Fûts Oubliés (The Forgotten Casks)
Some stories are born in the silence and gloom of the cellars. The story of The Forgotten Casks begins like this, in the Côtes d’Armor, at the heart of the Celtic Whisky Distillerie, known for Kornog and Glann Ar Mor. It is here that chance and patience met, giving rise to a unique collection, where time itself seems distilled in every cask.
Many years ago, casks from Scotland were stored there. Their initial project was to create independent bottlings shaped by the Breton climate. But over time and with the distillery's many projects, these casks, placed aside, slipped into the shadows, forgotten, as if asleep, waiting for someone to discover their secret.
When we found them, covered in dust and bathed in the dim light of the cellar, the charm immediately took hold. These seasoned woods contained treasures: whiskies from great Scottish distilleries, sometimes closed, like Caperdonich, but also from emblematic names such as Benriach, Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Glen Moray, or even a Linkwood of over 30 years, all matured slowly and patiently.
In total, 17 whiskies make up this collection, aged from 17 to 34 years, which will be progressively unveiled in four series, the first coming out in November 2025.
Three casks – a Craigellachie, a Cragganmore, and an Aberfeldy – had been bottled earlier, deemed already mature. The others waited, silent, for time and curiosity to give them a new life.
To sublimate this encounter between past and present, four Breton street artists were invited to create the labels. Like the whisky, their art is born from time and material, translating into colours and shapes the soul of each cask. Each bottle thus becomes a unique work of art, where memory, the Breton climate, and contemporary expression meet to tell the story of these long-forgotten treasures.
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The Artist
The first series of the collection comes to life under the brushstroke of Erika Raio. An committed and passionate artist, Erika draws inspiration from time, material, and the memory of objects to create her works.
Each cask tells a unique story, a long and patient journey that resonates with her own artistic approach.
For La Révélation (The Revelation), Erika chose to dialogue with the whiskies from Aberfeldy, Benriach, Craigellachie, Caperdonich, and Linkwood. The abstract forms and textures of her creations echo the slow movement and patina of the barrels, capturing the wood's transformation and the depth of the aromas. Every colour, every nuance seems to evoke the layers of time accumulated in the casks, the slow maturation, and the silent rebirth of these exceptional spirits.
Intentions :
"The idea is to start with my favourite materials, colours made from natural pigments on old or textured papers. To play with typographies that I print myself from old wooden printing characters. And maps of Scotland. I want to draw parallels in material. These are forgotten casks, the notion of time is important. I use elements that have retained the trace of time and wear, with all the charm that implies. I will therefore associate materials and textures with certain characteristics of these nectars."
Bottelings
 | Aberfeldy 22 ans : Combining the depth of a long-aged Scotch whisky with the emblematic pastry sweetness of Aberfeldy, this single malt distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2020 reveals a rare charm. It rested patiently in Hogshead casks n°57 and 58, kept in the Breton cellars of the Celtic Whisky Distillerie, in the heart of the Côtes-d’Armor.
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This 27-year-old single malt reveals all the richness and complexity of a controlled long ageing. Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2024, this Benriach rested in Hogshead cask n°183394, where the mild, maritime climate of the Breton cellars favoured a slow and balanced maturation.
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 | An exceptional whisky that marries the finesse of a now-closed Speyside distillery with the singular influence of its ageing in Brittany. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2023, this rare single malt matured in cask n°2165, developing a remarkable depth.
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A powerful and complex single malt that combines the robust character of the distillery with the singular influence of its ageing in Brittany. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2023, it rested in cask n°122, developing an assertive and distinct personality.
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 | The Linkwood embodies the elegance and finesse of an exceptional single malt. Distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2023, it matured in Hogshead cask n°2009, revealing all its subtlety after a long ageing. I had the chance to taste it blind, and I didn't expect to recognize a Linkwood. This whisky surprised me with its maritime dimension, combined with controlled power and remarkable finesse. Its intense complexity fully testifies to the quality and prestige of a great Scotch malt.
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The Breton climate shaped their evolution in a unique way. Softer and more humid than that of Speyside, it amplified the wood's influence, revealing deeper spicy and woody notes. The maritime humidity reduced the alcohol content more quickly, resulting in powerful but surprisingly fine, elegant, and balanced whiskies. All are bottled cask strength, with ABVs often below 50%, offering a rare, rich, and accessible style.
The adventure is just beginning. The secrets of the Celtic Whisky Distillery don't end there, and new discoveries await you in our upcoming series. Stay tuned: the best is yet to come... and it promises to be truly surprising.
For my part, I am and will remain amazed that stories like this still exist. I feel the same excitement I felt when Luca Gargano got his hands on the Caroni casks, or when we unearthed the original Black Tot casks, lost in the depths of the Tower of London!
In short, see you very soon!
Written by Philomène B.
