Whisky Heritage Gift Box - Alfred Giraud

Alfred Giraud

French Malt Whisky, for more than a century

Located in Saint-Palais-de-Négrignac, in the Charente-Maritime department, the Maison Alfred Giraud perpetuates a savoir-faire initiated by the Giraud family since the beginning of the 20th century. The story began in 1910, when Louis Giraud left his job as a cooper for the Drouet company to join the famous cognac house Rémy Martin (future Rémy Cointreau Group), where he supervised the aging of the eaux-de-vie. He was joined by his son Alfred Giraud the same year, who took over his father's position, and later by his grandson André Giraud in 1940. At just 20 years old, the latter was spotted by the cellar master, André Renaud (also the company's president since 1924). He saw an exceptional potential in this young man and thus decided to train him himself. In 1960, André became the new official in charge of the eaux-de-vie production.

Thanks to the teachings of his mentor, André Giraud helped develop the Maison Rémy Martin, both technologically by improving the entire production process and qualitatively thanks to his work on the cognac blends. Over the years, André gained the admiration of his peers as well as the reputation of being one of the finest cellar masters in the entire Cognac region.

Jean-Pierre Giraud, a member of the fourth generation, joined the now Rémy Cointreau Group in 1971. He even rose through the ranks and became its CEO in 1988. Four years later, he was also elected as the new president of the group's champagne branch and was put in charge of some major champagne brands, such as Piper & Charles Heidsieck, and even Krug (which would later be acquired by LVMH, in 1999). Now that he is retired, Jean-Pierre spends his time assisting his son Philippe Giraud, in his new journey through the world of whisky.

Indeed, after collaborating with the Rémy Cointreau Group for a few years, from 1991 to 1995, Philippe left the cognac industry to venture into whisky. He spent 9 years in Scotland at William Grant & Sons. This experience convinced him to establish a company in the USA in 2004, specializing in the distribution of spirits. Then, following his father's advice, he returned to France and decided to combine the various talents of the Giraud family in cooperage and cognac production by founding the Maison Alfred Giraud, in homage to his great-grandfather. Thanks to his family's forestry operation in Limousin, his grandfather André Giraud now supplies the wood for the creation of cognac aging barrels. Because yes, Alfred Giraud whiskies are aged in barrels that previously held cognac eaux-de-vie!

Philippe can also rely on the precious expertise of Georges Clot, former cellar master for Rémy Martin and now co-master blender for the Giraud family. He is supported by Gaëtan Mariolle, who also worked for Rémy Martin. Today, a member of the French Whisky Federation, the Maison Alfred Giraud defines its quality through a meticulous selection of barrels, benefiting from the combined expertise of André, Jean-Pierre, and Philippe. With a commitment to maintaining a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, the distillery continues to honor its heritage by now producing exceptional French whiskies. Philippe's goal? To create a whisky that can truly showcase French savoir-faire throughout the world!

Discover the whisky made by the Maison Giraud.