Process
Discover the meticulous process behind Maison Utopard's exceptional spirits, where tradition meets innovation to create a taste of perfection.
1Selected Barley
To create their first French whisky, the UTOPARD team spared no effort. They chose two-row spring barley from carefully selected plots in central France, meeting strict traceability standards.
2Malt Treatment
During mashing, the brewers opted for two temperature stages to achieve optimal extraction. They refined techniques at the TSD distillery. Their technical choices, including temperature and fermentation time, significantly influence the quality of the final product.
3Fermentation
Throughout the fermentation process, the master brewer conducts regular checks. Using all their expertise, they ensure the production of high-quality wort, which will influence the aroma of the future single malt whisky. This wort destined for distillation is called Utopard wash, with an alcohol content of around 9%. Thanks to these choices, the master brewer prepares the groundwork for seamless handover to the distiller. It's this wash that will be distilled to ultimately obtain malt alcohol.
4Distillation
For the Utopard range, the single malt whisky undergoes two distillations in Charentais copper stills. Copper stills are chosen for their efficient thermal conductivity and excellent malleability. Our equipment features all-copper, very long condensers (60 meters long, suitable for 25-hectoliter stills), ensuring prolonged contact and gradual condensation, guaranteeing a delicate and elegant distillate. The first distillation takes place in a 100-hectoliter still, followed by rectification in a 25-hectoliter still.
5Aging
Aging occurs in cognac cellars near the Charente River, which are relatively humid, imparting a round and smooth mouthfeel to the eaux-de-vie. However, the summer temperatures in the region also contribute to developing spicy characteristics. Aging in oak barrels enhances the whisky's personality and imparts a deeper color.
6Blending
When the spirit reaches optimal maturity, it's time for blending. The Utopard range is the result of expert blending of single malt whiskies aged in different oak barrels in our cellar. Achieving the ideal blend requires the talent of both the master blender and the cellar master. We regularly inspect all spirits aging in the cellar. The cellar master selects different oak barrels, tastes each batch, and blends them to get as close as possible to the original recipe. Once blending is complete, we gradually reduce the alcohol content to fully reveal the aroma of each Utopard whisky. Finally, it is bottled, allowing consumers to discover its delicacy and finesse.