Journal of a whisky enthusiast 2025 - Episode 5
Whisky enthusiast and advisor at Le Comptoir Irlandais, join me at the beginning of each month for a deep dive into the world of spirits. Through my posts, I’ll share my impressions, favourites, and all the knowledge I’ve gained about these exceptional beverages. I’ll also take you on visits to fascinating distilleries and reveal the secrets of their craft. A must-read for whisky lovers and the curious alike!
Episode 5 : Armorik, the Breton whisky that speaks of the sea, turf…and the heart
As a proud Breton and lover of fine spirits, certain places resonate particularly with me. The Warenghem distillery, nestled in my beloved region, is one such place. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit twice, and each visit was a true immersion into a world of passion, innovation and tradition. Join me as we uncover this treasure of Breton whisky.
A distillery where Celtic land meets the Breton sea
In Lannion, in the Côtes-d’Armor, Warenghem stands as a true pioneer of French whisky. Established in 1900, it remains one of the few distilleries to produce a fully Breton single malt: local barley, pure water from the black mountains, carefully selected casks—and artisanal know-how.
From Élixir d’Armorique to single malt: a family saga
It all began in 1900 in Lannion, when Léon Warenghem, a Flemish herbalist passionate about plants, created the botanical liqueur Élixir d’Armorique, soon famous throughout Brittany. In 1987, the Leizour family took over and, drawn to their heritage, created a whisky blend, WB. Then, in 1998, Armorik was born—the first Breton single malt. Today, this pioneering distillery continues to lead the way for French whisky, staying true to its roots and gaining international acclaim.
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A terroir whisky shaped by the elements
What truly sets Armorik apart is its deep connection to Brittany. The malted barley is now entirely French, and the water is drawn from Rest Avel spring, located directly on-site. The whisky ages in local warehouses, where the Breton climate—with its salty humidity and oceanic temperature shifts—creates truly unique conditions, shaping a “tropical” ageing environment…
The atmosphere here always feels magical, echoing the distinct tone of Yeun Elez, the mythical site deeper in the Monts d’Arrée—often called the “gateway to Hell” in Breton legend. This local folklore is woven into Armorik’s soul and inspires their celebrated peated whisky, giving it a depth as profound as the region’s mysteries.
Their casks are chosen with great care: new French oak, former sherry barriques, and toast-reworked bourbon casks all bring unique aromatic layers to the whisky. Visiting the aging cellars is always enriching—even after two visits, I’m still fascinated by the layers of history in each barrel.
Warenghem stands out for its near-total autonomy: everything is done on-site, a rarity in the spirits world. They even have their own cooperage, located in Lannion’s former municipal slaughterhouses, where they craft barrels from scratch. It’s an impressive example of preserving nearly extinct artisanal skills, reflecting their commitment to mastering every stage of whisky production.
At the heart of the process are two copper pot stills, with one remarkable feature: cooling via a coil condenser. While many distilleries have shifted to tubular condensers, Warenghem retains this slower method, which greatly enhances flavour retention. In every corner, you sense their respect for old techniques, adapted and modernised without compromise.
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The unsung heroes
The defining transformation of Armorik began in 2012, with the arrival of Jim Swan—yes, that same whisky guru who featured in last month’s article on Penderyn as well as for Kavalan, Clydeside, and Milk & Honey. He brought fresh energy to Lannion, prompting cask refinements, enhanced aromatic profiles, and bolder aging profiles. The results were immediate: more structured, expressive whiskies and rising international attention.
Although Warenghem began as a male-led affair, its spirit would be incomplete without the dedicated women at its core, who remain largely behind the scenes. Many collaborators now guide every stage, from barley to bottle, with meticulous focus on aroma and blend precision. Delphine Le Baillif, for example, is the distillery’s renowned oenologist and cellar manager; her technical rigour ensures each edition’s sensory balance.
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A bond with Le Comptoir Irlandais
Any discussion of Armorik must also mention its special relationship with Le Comptoir Irlandais. As nearby neighbours and partners, we were among the first to believe in this remarkable local distillery. Our trust has manifested in exclusive releases created solely for our boutiques—unique barrel bottlings, cask-strength editions, at the exact selection of our team. These bottles capture both our standards and their craft.
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But that’s not all: Armorik has also produced stunning limited editions inspired by Breton heritage, such as Les Chants du Marin de Paimpol, and special releases for the Fêtes Maritimes de Brest. These whiskies stand out not only for their liquid content, but also for their exquisite labels, illustrated by the official painter to the French Navy. An artistic tribute to the sea, Brittany, and those who live it.
Why I (and we) love it
Armorik isn’t just a whisky—it’s a love letter to Brittany. The spring water bubbles just metres from the mash tuns, the sea is always within earshot, and the storms leave their mark on the walls and barrels. Every sip speaks of heritage, passion, and perseverance.
If you ever visit, you’ll understand the enchantment: the scent of warm grains, the rows of oak barrels standing like sentinels, and the welcoming, watchful team ready to share their craft—this is truly a land of whisky.
Rédigé par Philomène B.
