The real story behind La Chaufferie
It was not long before the distillery established itself in Bryan’s old barn, who had long cherished the idea to create an authentic gin in the pure English tradition. But his friend Jean Nicolas (also a psychologist) pointed out that the place was far from ideal, and for different reasons. At first, he had to save his marriage. It was obvious that all the animation generated by a distillery in the family haven certainly displeased his wife, who had already suffered a great deal from the hordes of friends who were breaking in the spring to come and lend a helping hand to the sugar shack.
The project pleased Jean Nicolas, who, by one of these chances, had just met Vincent Van Horn, a distiller barely landing off a boat from the Cayman Islands, where he distilled, it seemed, the best rum of the islands.
Twenty-four hours later, the three men were dining at the Archibald restaurant, which is located in one of the old buildings of Imperial Tobacco. No doubt inspired by the atmosphere, Jean Nicolas proposed the old building of La Chaufferie to house their distillery. Through the window, they could see the building that was in disrepair, forgotten for almost half a century, waiting for a new vocation.
A few months later, work began …
The rumor of a gin distillery has spread like wildfire. Given the scale of the project, it became clear that they needed associates to take the business to the doorstep. And, as long as you get partners, as well as friends who like spirits!
La chaufferie is located on the banks of the Yamaska River in the former industrial district occupied by the Esmond Mill and the Miner Rubber Company factories, La Chauferie was built in the late 1800s to supply heat to Imperial Tobacco.
The Tobacco Empire, founded in 1864 in Halifax by John Archibald, settled in Montreal in 1887. Eight years later, a fire destroyed all its facilities. Stephan Miner, then Mayor of Granby, convinced Mr. Archibald to rebuild his new plant in Granby.
Very recently, Distillerie de la Chaufferie has been recognized and awarded Two Gold Medal and Silver Medal by Asia Import News Awards 2020.
Sugar Shack
Lemay Vodka
Awarded Gold by Asia Import News
Furlong Gin
Awarded Silver by Asia Import News
The exploration begins from the first sip, which will reveal all the richness of the ingredients. Behind this tasting hides hours of research, hard work, passion and the obstinacy of a distiller. All, to offer you products that will take you on a taste journey that will accompany your evenings with friends and that will be accomplices of your best moments.
The Distillery la Chaufferie offers you a behind-the-scenes visit where our distiller will reveal his secrets to you. The special atmosphere of the place, in the middle of our copper stills, and where the scent of herbs, grains and herbs floats will transport you to another era.
You can extend the experience at the bar of the Chaufferie where they offer you their gin and vodka declined in refined cocktails and inspired by the recipes of the greatest mixologists.
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