Turnover: 4.6 million EUR (2023)

Country: France

Distillerie des Menhirs, located in Plomelin, Brittany, has been producing a range of single malt whiskies called Eddu and a range of blends called Grey Rock since 1998. They are the first to produce a buckwheat-based whisky, a distinctive feature that sets them apart from other whisky producers. The company is run by Guy Le Lay, great-great-grandson of Francès Le Lay, who began the distillery's history by buying a travelling cider still in 1821.

News

Buckwheat makes Eddu shine. 29/01/2023

  • Launch of first Eddu whisky: 2002
  • Production of buckwheat whisky: 5 to 6 times more expensive than with barley
  • Distillerie des Menhirs sales in 2022: 4.3 million euros
  • Share of whisky in sales: 70%
  • Buckwheat price in 2023: 1,250 euros per tonne (versus 850 euros the previous year)
  • Annual buckwheat order: 200 tons
  • Buckwheat yield: 1.5 t/ha (compared with 5-6 t/ha for barley)
  • Annual production of IGP buckwheat in Brittany: 5,000 tonnes
  • Breakdown of distillery sales: 40% supermarkets, 35% wine merchants, 10% cafés-hotels-restaurants and 15% its own boutique in Plomelin

Studies mentioning this company

The whisky market - France

Other companies mentioned:

  • William Grant and Sons
  • Bacardi
  • La Martiniquaise Bardinet
  • William Peel (Groupe Marie Brizard)
  • Brown Forman
  • Pernod Ricard Groupe
  • Marie Brizard Wine And Spirit
  • Rémy Cointreau
  • Maison Benjamin Kuentz
  • Beam Suntory
  • Bellevoye
  • Armorik Distillerie Warenghem
  • Distillerie des Menhirs
  • Maison du Whisky
  • Celtic Whisky Distillerie - Glann ar Mor
  • Distillerie Domaine des Hautes Glaces