Listen to the story of home distillers among copper potbellied boilers. The Alembic Museum was founded in 1991 by the son of the founder of the Gauthier distillery and current owner of the family business. Its mission claims to be to protect the passion of this dying profession.

The tools, furniture, utensils, and some 30 alembics give you an understanding of the different steps used to make brandy. The museum displays about thirty scenes with characters dressed in costumes of the period, and a few are even automated. These scenes change according to the season and relate, for example, to either Christmas or Halloween. Discover the treasures of regional fruit – Mirabelle plums, raspberries, cherries, apricots and delicious chestnuts – all of which are enjoyed in brandy or liqueurs. Among the weaknesses recently concocted by the Ardèche home distillers, a few deserve a little sampling: «Manzana» (apple liqueur), «Triple Sec» (orange liqueur), and «Kianco» (coconut, pineapple and kirsch!).

Information and contact:

Musée de l’Alambic
7340 St Désirat (locate)
Tél: +33 (0)475 342 881
www.jeangauthier.com
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Photo: Musée de l'Alambic