MEZENK

The distillery, located in the Auvergne mountains at an altitude of 900 metres, takes its name from its proximity to the iconic Mont Mézenc. At 1753 metres high, the highest point in the Haute Loire, it lies at the heart of a geologically preserved area containing hundreds of volcanoes, making it an exceptional area, unique in the world and classified as a Geopark by UNESCO. It is housed in an old farmhouse that will be renovated for the purpose in 2021. In the family for several generations, the eighteenth-century building provides a suitable and pleasant environment to house the equipment, while retaining the character of the local stone.

Over and above the choice of name for the distillery, MEZENK's philosophy is to be firmly rooted in the region and to produce genuine local spirits, while setting itself apart from fashionable, opportunistic productions that can be duplicated anywhere and everywhere.

"To achieve this, I mainly use botanicals that are endemic to the region, with no rare or endangered species. I take care of part of the production and collection of these plants, particularly the cistre, and work with local and regional pickers, either independent or organised into cooperatives. The cereals come from local micro-mal mills in Auvergne and Ardèche. The few plants that do not grow in the region or in the immediate geographical vicinity are sourced from suppliers with a virtuous CSR, sustainability or environmental approach. Drawing on my experience as an oenologist, I offer spirits produced in small, numbered batches, in the spirit of 'craft' through high-quality artisanal production."