One hour of French Whisky and Food

If you’re curious about the idea of French whisky—yes, it’s a thing—and want to experience it paired with some of France’s best cheeses and cured meats, this tour might be a good fit. We’ve come across this one-hour tasting in the heart of Paris that promises a blend of expert guidance, delicious pairings, and a peek into a lesser-known side of French gastronomy. It’s a quick experience, but one that feels thoughtfully curated.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines education with tasting. You’re not just sipping whisky; you’re learning how French whisky fits into the country’s culinary culture, which is a neat twist. Plus, the fact that it’s held in a hidden showroom close to the Musée d’Orsay adds a sense of exclusivity and intimacy—something you don’t get in larger, busier tasting rooms.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the duration—just an hour. If you’re looking for a deep dive into whisky or a more extensive tasting experience, this might feel a little too brief. However, if timing is tight or you want a quick but quality taste of French whisky, it works well. This experience seems best suited for foodies, whisky lovers, or anyone wanting a unique Parisian souvenir without a long commitment.

This experience is a charming, insider-style way to explore French whisky in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal if you’re nearby, enjoy learning about food and drink, and appreciate the idea of bringing home a special gift from your trip.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: The one-hour format makes it easy to squeeze into a busy Paris itinerary.
• Expert guidance: The owner and master distiller, Benjamin Due Kuentz, adds genuine credibility.
• Premium pairings: French whiskies are paired with artisanal cheeses and smoked ham, highlighting local flavors.
• Exclusive setting: Held in a cozy, secret showroom near Musée d’Orsay, offering an intimate atmosphere.
• Value for money: At just over $100, you get a curated experience with a takeaway gift.
• Limited group size: A maximum of 10 travelers, which suggests personalized attention.

What to Expect from the French Whisky and Food Tour

This experience isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding the French approach to whisky, which is still emerging but gaining recognition among top chefs. The tour begins at 27 Rue de Bellechasse, a stone’s throw from the Musée d’Orsay, placing you in central Paris. The location is convenient and private, perfect for a cozy, focused tasting.

The tasting itself lasts about an hour, during which you’ll sample a selection of premium French whiskies. These are not mass-market brands but carefully curated spirits appreciated by acclaimed chefs like Alain Passard and Anne-Sophie Pic. The guide will walk you through what makes each one special, including the nuances that make French whisky unique—something you might not find in typical whisky tastings.

Food pairings come into play with artisanal cheeses and smoked ham. These choices aren’t random; they’re selected to complement the spirits, allowing you to experience how flavor profiles interact. Expect to learn about the art of pairing and how French gastronomy elevates the tasting experience.

One of the highlights, according to reviews, is the opportunity to meet Benjamin Due Kuentz, the owner and master distiller, whose personal involvement lends authenticity and insight. As one reviewer notes, “We were fortunate enough to meet the one and only owner and the Master distiller, Benjamin Due Kuentz. He was very engaging and passionate.”

The takeaway gift adds a nice touch—something to remind you of your Parisian adventure and your journey into French whisky.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

While the tour is only about an hour, it packs a lot into that limited time. Here’s a rough idea of what you might encounter:

Meeting at the showroom: The experience begins at 27 Rue de Bellechasse, a discreet location in the 7th district of Paris. It’s close to public transport and easy to access, making it a convenient starting point.

Introduction and overview: The guide introduces you to French whisky—an emerging but promising spirit. You learn about what sets French whisky apart from more traditional Scotch or bourbon.

Tasting session: Over the course of approximately 60 minutes, you’ll sample a few selected French whiskies, each paired with complementary foods. The guide explains the reasoning behind each pairing, highlighting how certain cheeses or smoked ham enhance specific whisky notes.

Learning about the spirits: The focus is on French craftsmanship and flavor profiles. Since the whiskies are well-regarded by top chefs, expect insights into how they can be used in fine dining.

Meet the expert: If lucky, you’ll converse directly with Benjamin Due Kuentz, gaining a deeper understanding of the process, history, and philosophy behind French whisky production.

Wrap-up and gift: The experience concludes with a small gift—perhaps a bottle or related item—to take home and remember your tasting.

Authentic Perspectives from Past Guests

A reviewer named Linda_J sums up the experience quite well: “Wow!! What a treat! We were fortunate enough to meet the owner and master distiller, Benjamin Due Kuentz. He was very engaging and passionate about French whisky.” Her enthusiasm reflects what many others seem to appreciate—the personal touch and expert knowledge.

Although only one review is available, the high rating suggests that most visitors find the experience worthwhile. The fact that it’s rated a perfect 5.0/5 indicates genuine satisfaction, especially when combined with the exclusivity of the location and the quality of the tastings.

Pricing and Value

At $101.77 per person, this experience sits in a fairly premium range for a one-hour tasting. But given the curated nature, the small group size, and the involvement of an expert, it’s a fair price. Plus, the take-home gift adds extra value, as it offers a tangible memory of your Paris visit.

If you’re someone who appreciates unique, high-quality food and drink experiences, this tasting offers more than just a sip; it’s an educational opportunity that might change how you see French spirits. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want a quick, intimate, and authentic taste of French craftsmanship.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re a whisky enthusiast looking to discover French varieties, or if you’re a gastronomy lover interested in pairing flavors. It’s also a good choice if you’re after a private, small-group experience with a knowledgeable guide. Given its central location, it’s especially convenient if you’re exploring Paris’s art and museum district.

However, if you’re seeking a longer, more in-depth exploration of spirits or are traveling with children, you might need to look for other options. This experience is adult-focused, with a clear emphasis on tasting and learning, not necessarily suitable for kids.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for all ages?
This tasting is designed for adults, given the nature of alcohol consumption. It’s best suited for those 18 and over.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick yet engaging addition to your day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your itinerary shifts.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided tasting of French whisky, curated food pairings (cheeses and smoked ham), and a special gift to take home.

Where does the tour take place?
In a cozy, private showroom located at 27 Rue de Bellechasse, near Musée d’Orsay, in central Paris.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation isn’t included, but the location is near public transit and easy to access.

Can I bring a friend or make it a group?
Yes, the experience is capped at 10 travelers, making it intimate and suitable for small groups or couples.

What is the price point for this experience?
At just over $101 per person, it’s a reasonably priced experience considering the expert guidance and curated nature.

Final Thoughts

If you’re into food and drink and want a quick but memorable Parisian experience, this French whisky and food tasting ticks many boxes. Its intimate setting, the expertise of the owner, and the focus on pairing elevate it beyond just a basic tasting. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for French spirits—an often overlooked aspect of France’s culinary scene—and a gift to remind you of your time in Paris.

While it doesn’t offer a lengthy exploration or a broad menu, what it does provide is quality, knowledge, and a touch of exclusivity. Perfect for those wanting a taste of the local craftsmanship without commitment, especially if you’re nearby or have a limited timeframe.

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky lover or just curious about what French distillers are up to, this experience offers a neat slice of Paris’s gourmet culture. It’s a small, refined adventure that adds a special flavor to your trip.

Happy tasting!