Moonshiners (French edition) By Bernard Rio | Ouest-France

Dive into the history of distillation with Bouilleurs de cru

The distillation of brandy has spanned the centuries, marking the history of many cultures and traditions. In Bouilleurs de cru, Bernard Rio traces this epic journey, from Antiquity to the present day, through regulations and know-how passed down from generation to generation.

This book offers you a complete immersion into the world of artisan distillation, highlighting the bouilleurs de cru, those enthusiasts who perpetuate ancestral know-how. It also discusses the role of traveling distillers, true iconic figures of the rural world, and the evolution of the laws governing this activity.

An overview of French eaux-de-vie

France has a rich heritage of distilled spirits, each rooted in its terroir and history. This book provides a panoramic view of French eaux-de-vie, highlighting their specificities and cultural importance:

• Absinthe: The "green fairy," long banned, makes its grand return.
• Armagnac: The oldest of the French eaux-de-vie, a symbol of the Sud-Ouest.
• Calvados: The quintessence of Normandy made from apples.
• Cognac: An exceptional spirit, recognized internationally.
• Gentiane: A bitter liqueur from the French mountains.
• Gin: A French production experiencing a revival.
• Kirsch and Poire: Iconic fruit eaux-de-vie.
• Rhum: Distilled in the French Antilles, with a unique character.

This work offers an expert perspective on these spirits, their production methods, and their importance in French gastronomic heritage.

Understanding distillation techniques

How is a eau-de-vie made? What are the secrets of a good distillate? Bouilleurs de cru sheds light on the distillation processes, from the oldest to the most modern. It details in particular:

• The principle of fermentation and its impact on aromas.
• The use of stills, both fixed and mobile.
• The different methods of heating and cooling.
• The influence of the terroir and raw materials (fruits, cereals, plants...).

A section is also devoted to French and European regulations, explaining the evolution of laws governing distillation, the rights of small-scale distillers, and fiscal aspects.

Fraud, Smuggling, and Legends Surrounding Distillation

The history of distillation is filled with anecdotes and clandestine practices. The author devotes a fascinating chapter to the strategies devised by small-scale distillers to bypass prohibitions, especially during periods of prohibition or under stricter legislation.

Stories of smuggling, tricks to conceal the stills, and the ambiguous relationship between the State and the producers of brandy are described in detail.

A Book for History and Alcohol Enthusiasts

Whether you are a fan of spirits, curious to learn more about local traditions, or simply passionate about history, Bouilleurs de cru is an essential read. Illustrated and documented, this book will transport you through time and terroirs, discovering the secrets of distillation and its iconic figures.

Features of the Book

• Title: Bouilleurs de cru
• Author: Bernard Rio
• Publisher: Éditions Ouest-France
• Collection: Memoirs
• Format: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128
• Dimensions: 24 x 16.7 x 1.1 cm
• Weight: 400 g
• Language: French
• EAN13: 9782737377211
• ISBN: 978-2-7373-7721-1
• Publication Date: February 1, 2019