In the heart of Provence, a tradition has been enchanting the senses for nearly two centuries. The Frigolet distillery, situated between two mountain ranges-the Montagnette and the Alpilles, with their typically Mediterranean vegetation-guards an age-old expertise. The liqueur of Père Gaucher tells the story and passion of the distilling monks of Châteaurenard, who carry on an art that dates back to 1860.
Frigolet, named after wild thyme, or «ferigoulo» in Provençal, is much more than just a drink. A near-alchemical blend, its recipe is religiously kept secret by the monks and includes nearly thirty plants and spices, carefully selected from the local plant reservoirs. Lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, and cinnamon merge in a symphony of flavors, enriched with honey, to create this golden elixir. Shaped by heat and water scarcity, this flora concentrates unique essential oils. The liqueur, drawing its aromatic strength from the rocky soil of the region, is a true ode to Provence, evoking the scents of the scrubland and the mysteries of the mountains.
A treasure to be savored slowly, revealing the mystery in each bottle marked with its unusual cross.
Over time, the production has remained unchanged in the same location: the same scales, the same vats, with precise gestures passed down through generations. To preserve its historic flavor, David Inisan, heir to this craft, meticulously follows each step: traditional distillation in antique stills, aging in oak barrels, and infusion with Provençal honey.
Certified as a Living Heritage Company (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, EPV), the Frigolet distillery is an invitation to journey-a concentrate of Provençal terroir, blending mineral, plant, and sun. A visit offers a chance to discover this unique liqueur of contrasts.
