Santé! A Tasting of French Spirits with Maison Baron François

About this event

The event will be in English and will last about 2 hours.

This event will include a master class & 3 different spirits, each in 3 different declensions and with nibbles pairing.

Doors will open at 6:30pm.

There will be a Special 10% Sale Discount on all orders on the day of the event for all attendees.

Bacchus Wine Cellar (located at 1635 Wisconsin Avenue NW) will also offer an additional 10% discount on all its wines when you come retrieve the spirits that your odered at the event.

All proceeds will go to the Alliance Française of Washington, DC to support its cultural programs.

ABOUT MAISON BARON FRANCOIS:

Baron Francois is a premier wine and spirits importer and distributor based in New York City, New York, and servicing bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across the East Coast.

They specialize in partnering with sustainable and family-owned producers to share only the finest wines and spirits from around the world.

Baron Francois partners with some of the oldest multigenerational wineries and distilleries in France and around the globe. As such, they value the techniques they have been practicing in harmony with nature for centuries. Their wines are true to tradition and grown primarily on single-vineyard estates. Their people-driven approach emphasizes the terroirs of their producers and the relationship between the growing region and the growers, and they partner with only a select number of vineyards in each appellation to ensure close relationships. Working directly with producers gives them an intimate understanding of their processes, and their 40 years of expertise selling to the East Coast market ensures lasting relationships from vineyard to table.

ABOUT THE SPIRIT SELECTION :

1. CHÂTEAU DE LAUBADE

Founded in 1870, Château de Laubade stands as a prestigious estate nestled in the heart of the Bas-Armagnac region in southwestern France. For generations, the estate has been entrusted to the Lesgourgues family, who uphold a legacy of excellence by combining traditional Armagnac production methods with modern innovations.

Renowned for its commitment to quality, Château de Laubade offers a diverse selection of Armagnacs. Each expression is celebrated for its complexity, balance, and distinctive character.

Join us on a journey through Gascony’s rich terroir and experience the timeless elegance of Château de Laubade Armagnac.

- Château de Laubade – Blanche

This eau-de-vie, blended exclusively from the Folle Blanche grape variety, is intensely aromatic, fresh, and fruity. On the palate, Château de Laubade Blanche Armagnac is round and well-balanced, with a soft aftertaste. Blanche Armagnac over ice reveals its wonderful aromatic palette and also makes an excellent premium base for revisiting classic cocktails and creating new ones.

- Château de Laubade – 12 Years

The Intemporel 12 Years Old blend is a distinguished classic from Château de Laubade, crafted from over 30 eaux-de-vie primarily made from Baco grapes. It boasts a deep-amber hue and offers a complex bouquet of candied fruit, spice, and vanilla aromas. On the palate, it is robust and rich, with a pronounced, enduring characteristic, typical of aged Bas Armagnacs.

- Château de Laubade – 18 Years

Château de Laubade 18 Years Old is a unique elixir, showcasing a brilliant deep-amber color. Its intense bouquet of prunes, vanilla, cinnamon and toast, with hints of orange peel and dried apricot, leads to a soft, velvety mouthfeel and complexity. Smooth aromas and subtle flavors elegantly evolve on the palate, culminating in a remarkably long aftertaste.

2. CHÂTEAU MONTIFAUD

Since 1837, Château Montifaud has been a cornerstone of the Vallet family legacy, spanning six generations of Cognac producers. Nestled in the heart of the Cognac region in France, Montifaud estate is renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.

At Château Montifaud, eaux-de-vie are unparalleled purity and expressive flavors. These qualities are fundamental to crafting exceptional Cognac that embodies the essence of the rich terroir and heritage.

Join us on a journey through centuries of tradition and taste the excellence of Château Montifaud Cognac.

- VS

Exceeding the minimum aging requirement stipulated by regulations, this VS exemplifies the essence of our range: a light yellow hue, delicate floral notes reminiscent of vine flowers, and a fruity palate with hints of pear and apple. It boasts light and delicate tannins, striking a perfect balance.

- VSOP

Surpassing the minimum aging requirements, this VSOP stands as Château Montifaud's best-selling expression. Its golden hue strikes a perfect balance, offering a structured and impressively long palate. Delicate finesse abounds, with initial notes of vineyard flowers evolving into dried blooms. Subtle fruit undertones of pear and apricot enrich its rounded, mellow, and refined character.

- XO

Exceeding the regulations, our Extra Old Cognac invites you into our 'paradise cellar,' home to our oldest treasures. With a rich copper hue, this XO reveals complex aromas of dried flowers and fruits, complemented by hints of nuts and spices. Its soft tannins deliver an incredibly smooth and lingering palate, showcasing a gentle yet powerful balance.

3. HSE – HABITATION SAINT ETIENNE

Habitation Saint Etienne, located on the Caribbean Island of Martinique, is renowned for its production of high-quality rum. Established as a sugar plantation in 1830, it has evolved into a distillery, leading producer, blending traditional methods with modern techniques.

Nestled in Martinique's fertile lands, Habitation Saint Etienne benefits from volcanic soil and a tropical climate ideal for cultivating sugar cane. This unique terroir contributes to the distinctive flavors of their rums.

The rums of Habitation Saint Etienne have received international acclaim, earning numerous awards for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Join us in exploring the rich history and exquisite rums of Habitation Saint Etienne.

- HSE - Rhum Agricole Blanc

This white rhum has established HSE Saint-Etienne’s reputation. It is distilled within the year and recognised for its fresh and typical nature. It provides an astonishing lasting taste where the nose aromas are enhanced with notes of sugarcane in full ripeness. It will add harmony to your delightful cocktails and planter’s punches.

- HSE - VSOP

This exceptional rum, aged in Bourbon and French oak casks offers rich aromas of candied apricot, peach, complemented by grilled almonds, caramel coffee, and clove. The taste is superb, with a broad, warm attack that envelops the palate, and a mellow texture that enhances the enduring finish.

- HSE - XO

This rum is a selection of our oldest vintages dating back to 1960. With a remarkable amber hue, it embodies meticulous craftsmanship, offering a mild, velvety texture. It presents rich aromas of cocoa, mocha, blond tobacco, and a touch of spice like black pepper and nutmeg.

ABOUT THE GUIDE:

My name is Mahé and I grew up in Bordeaux (France). Although this area is more well known for some of the best wines of the world, I'm a spirits enthusiast and have always been interested in smaller distilleries who are respectful of their environment and who strive to produce fabulous products. I graduated with a degree in Wines and Spirits, studied and worked in New-York, and only recently moved to Washington DC (August 2024) to pursue my dream : represent family-owned wineries and meet new people. I'm really enjoying my time in Washington DC, meeting retailers and restaurants who are welcoming, curious and passionate. I'll see you in October for a colorful tasting at Alliance Francaise! Cognac, Armagnac, Rhum.... come by for a French spirits tour.

TICKETS

AFDC Member: $65 + Processing Fees. General Admission: $75 + Processing Fees

ENTRANCE POLICY

Be ready to show your ID. Noone under 21 will be admitted.

Host or Publisher Alliance Française de Washington, DC (AFDC)