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Our Story

Our Beliefs
We make whisky for those who challenge convention, refuse to be bound by tradition, and take risks in the pursuit of perfection. Alfred GIRAUD French Malt Whisky is the culmination of over 100 years of our family’s expertise as coopers and cellar masters at a renowned maison de cognac. Four generations of Giraud gentlemen have dedicated their lives to these exquisite spirits: Some crafted the raw material used to age them, some learned the intricacies of blending and aging eaux-de-vie, and others brought these creations to the world. This shared passion for innovation inspires us to craft artfully blended expressions that balance nature and human creativity.
Our uncompromising vision of creating spirits made with the highest levels of craftsmanship is brought to life in Alfred GIRAUD French Malt Whisky, where we use traditional methods to create something different: a French malt whisky. Translating our cognac knowledge, blending expertise, and dedication to craftsmanship into whisky results in a superb spirit that honors our family’s legacy, our patrimony, and French savoir-faire. The Giraud Way encompasses all aspects of whisky creation; we use our blending expertise, the latest technology, and the best raw materials available in France, including wood from our family’s forestry and rare former cognac casks, to create a whisky that is traditionally different.
Our Family
Each member of the Giraud family has a different area of expertise.
Read their unique stories below.
Whisky Maker

Gaetan Mariolle
Our Whisky Maker, Gaétan Mariolle, worked for a cognac house from 1986 to 1999, before joining the Giraud family business in 2003. He trained at Alfred GIRAUD with renowned cellar master Georges Clot for many years, learning the intricacies of tasting, blending and aging spirits in the unique Giraud way. Gaétan contributed to developing Alfred GIRAUD’s signature range with Georges Clot and took over as Whisky Maker in 2020. He works with passion and the highest level of craftmanship to create new Alfred GIRAUD expressions.
Georges Clot
Georges Clot, our first co-master blender, succeeded André Giraud as cellar master at the same maison de cognac, where he held the role for over a decade. Georges, a renowned master blender, brought his decades of expertise to Alfred GIRAUD French Malt Whisky, crafting together with Gaétan Mariolle until 2020 new and unique malts that represent the elegance and finesse of France.
