Aurélie Panhelleux, co-founder and bartender of the CopperBay bar in Paris, met Benjamin Kuentz 10 years ago during a cocktail competition organized by the brand for which Benjamin Kuentz was then working. She gives her view of the young House and its whiskies. Free confessions of a Single Malt enthusiast.
What appeals to you about the Maison Benjamin Kuentz approach?
It is, to my knowledge, quite rare to consult barmen or barmaids before creating a whisky brand. Benjamin Kuentz listened and discussed a lot with us, professionals in contact with consumers, also because he was keen to propose a more accessible approach and vision of this spirit. Listening is essential in our business. When we create a cocktail, we try to respond to a desire, a mood, a moment. I think Benjamin’s whiskies are like him, he likes to meet people and share beautiful stories. Each of his whiskies bears witness to an adventure and a human heart.
What does this whisky publishing house bring to the world?
In addition to this method of conception and elaboration of the whiskies, which are always co-creations, the packaging and the very name of the House’s whiskies are very pictorial, giving a very clear foretaste of the promise of each juice. The French market is very strong for Blends, less so for Single Malts. But with the rise of cocktail bars in recent years, consumers have developed a real curiosity about spirits. They need to hold on to things they understand, hence the need for whiskies that tell a story, like those of the House of Kuentz. And I would add that it also corresponds to a current desire to consume locally and to direct one’s choices towards small players, in a search for novelty and quality.
What are your impressions of the first whiskies released?
First of all, they have very distinct and marked personalities. If (D’) Un Verre Printanier is obviously light and vegetal, and can be an initiation whisky, it is also perfect at midday or to drink in the afternoon. Fin de Partie has a great whisky character. Very straight and woody, it is best enjoyed at the end of the evening, it is a relaxing whisky. As for the next whisky to be born, Le Guip, a Breton whisky, like me, it allows us to discover a new terroir. It is less round and has a real minerality. The company’s offer is wide and invites discovery, there is something for everyone!
What if you were to create a whisky with Benjamin Kuentz that reflected your encounter?
Ah, then let’s say it would be a juice full of temperament. When I eat, when I drink and in my relationships, I like character, what is marked. But this whisky would also be a spirit to be drunk with friends, in a spirit of fun, because this is also what links me to Benjamin. Fun and full of temperament!
