Alexandre Gabriel

Entrepreneur and Master Distiller Alexandre Gabriel discusses his journey from a farming family in Burgundy to creating acclaimed artisan spirits like Pierre Ferrand Cognac and Citadel gin. He delves into the unique processes of creating spirits, blending tradition with modern techniques, highlighting the importance of quality ingredients and terroir. The conversation celebrates innovation in the spirits industry and the passion for preserving family legacy.

In this lively conversation, Alexandre Gabriel, master distiller at Maison Ferrand, and Matt Pietrek, a spirits author and publisher, delve into the fascinating world of naval rum. They share Alexandre's unique journey from cognac to rum blending and explore the rich history behind their book, "The Rum Never Sets." The duo discusses the vital role of rum in sailors' lives, debunking myths along the way, and reflects on rum's legacy in naval history, including amusing anecdotes and the evolution of rum recipes. It's a spirited dive into history and culture!

Alexandre Gabriel, Owner and Master Blender of Maison Ferrand, shares his journey in transforming a dormant cognac house into a leading artisanal spirits brand. He discusses the importance of balancing creativity with financial strategy and adapting to early missteps. Gabriel highlights the evolution of the spirits industry, emphasizing partnerships with farmers and distributors as vital to success. Listeners will also gain insights on maintaining authenticity while innovating, and how passion fuels brand creation in this competitive landscape.