The Ardéche region in Eastern Alpine France is famed for its sweet chestnuts, producing more than half the national harvest and warranting protected AOP/PDO status. Harsh winters and intense summer heat imbue distinct character into the over 60 distinct local cultivars grown across steep mountain terraces of schist and granite. Renowned locally as the “bread tree” due to its myriad of culinary applications (including flour for bread and crêpes), the chestnut is a celebrated staple, having helped the region weather famine and war. Autumn chestnut harvest festivals are a cultural hallmark of the area, showcasing a dazzling array of inventive uses for the fruit of the chestnut tree—including artisanal and traditional liqueurs.
Jacoulot’s Châtaigne Liqueur is a rare indulgence, the output of grower expertise and Maison Jacoulot’s commitment to quality. Crafting a flavorful liqueur from nuts requires a highly precise production process compared with that used for other fruit-based spirits. Unlike red berries, for instance, chestnuts have a more delicate aromatic profile and a low intensity on the palate (plus many different fats and proteins). Thus, in order to maximize flavor, the chestnuts are harvested only once they fall naturally from the tree—usually between late September and November—and then lightly roasted before a weeks-long maceration in neutral spirit to extract flavor, sugar, oils, and color. After maceration, the contents are strained so the solids may be pressed separately to ensure the fullest expression of the fruit. This is followed by a proprietary blending process to achieve the delicate balance between flavor, alcohol, and sweetness.
Tasting Notes
A decadent, rich liqueur with precise levels of intensity and sweetness layered with the smooth buttery taste of marron glacé (candied chestnut).
Usage Notes
Unique and versatile, it can be blended into a variety of cocktails or simply mixed with white crémant, as in a Kir Royale. Jacoulot also recommends Châtaigne in the kitchen: use it to deglaze the pan drippings and enhance your chicken, turkey, or pork dishes.
Region
Burgundy
Village
Romanèche-Thorins
Source
Chestnuts grown in Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Production
Chestnuts are harvested only after falling naturally from the tree, then partially roasted before maceration in neutral spirit. After maceration, the contents are strained and the solids pressed separately to ensure the fullest expression of the fruit.
Sweetener
Natural beet sugar
ABV
18%
Pack Size
6x700mL