We Ask BCI’s Jean-Francois Bonneté about Maison Gabriel Boudier, Celebrating 150 Years of Excellence and Savoir Faire. Jean-Francois is the founder and president of BCI Bonnete Inc., who, along with his spouse and enterprise companion, Nathalie, is understood for main the trade in terroir-driven manufacturers.
Discuss to us in regards to the historical past and heritage of the model.
The story of the Home of Gabriel Boudier is primarily one among ardour since 1874. Their motto for 150 years has been “high quality with out compromise”. The Maison was acquired by the Piffaut household in 2022, making it the third household on the helm since 1874.
Additionally it is a narrative of a spot, Dijon (in Burgundy, France) which gave its title to the “Crème de Cassis de Dijon” a protected geographical indication which is at first and soul of the Maison.
Gabriel Boudier dedication is mastering the artwork of maceration and distillation to supply a most of aromas for every of their creations.
The historical past of the Maison, from 1874, has recognized some attention-grabbing moments and landmarks.
They as an illustration had been chosen by the American Military to be their producer of Gin throughout World Battle II in Burgundy (which is why and once they created their London Dry Gin, which is now out there within the US). The story says the Basic overseeing the tender was additionally distilling Gin again dwelling in his state of Texas. He began to work hand in hand with the Gabriel Boudier household to finalize the recipe. This may also lead Gabriel Boudier to create their distinctive Saffron Gin 60 years later.
The Maison Gabriel Boudier was additionally awarded by France the celebrated label of “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” in 2017 (interprets as “Residing Heritage Firm”). The “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (EPV) label is a mark of recognition from France, set as much as distinguish an artisanal know-how of excellence. It highlights distinctive corporations that know how one can reconcile innovation and custom, know-how and creation, work and keenness, heritage, and the long run, regionally and internationally. The true essence of Maison Gabriel Boudier, with their pursuit of excellence for the final 150 years.
Discuss to us in regards to the latest launches.
We’re going to launch six new liqueurs this primary a part of 2024 in the USA market.
The Nori Seaweed, Lime Leaf and Crème de Violette are already getting rolled out proper now in main states. The Mango, Inexperienced Melon and Elderflower will comply with by way of the second quarter of this yr.
A cool facet in regards to the Lime Leaf and Nori Seaweed is that they had been initially created by two bartenders who competed and gained the annual Gabriel Boudier Cocktail competitors within the UK (Wizard Awards). Samuel Boulton (of “Suds n Duds” in Birmingham) created the Lime Leaf and gained in 2016. Matthew Cusworth (of “Hoot and the Redeemer” in Edinburgh) created the Nori Seaweed and gained in 2020. A part of them successful this nice competitors is that they see their creation come to life and being proposed as a part of the Gabriel Boudier assortment.
We’re additionally excited in regards to the Crème de Violette as it is a liqueur relationship again to the early nineteenth century which affords a number of artistic and pairing alternatives: from the classics just like the Aviation or Blue Moon to mixing with Glowing wine or Champagne. Some Bartenders even like to make use of them for a novel twist on Previous-Fashioneds or Manhattans. The probabilities are countless.
What ought to bartenders know in regards to the Home of Boudier and mixing with the flavour profiles?
First that they’re being proposed a group of the upmost high quality made with a “savoir faire” relationship again 150 years.
The bartenders we work with internationally discover within the liqueurs of Gabriel Boudier to be an ingredient which is able to improve any cocktail recipe they select to make use of them in.
As well as, due to their focus of each aromas and style, most bartenders inform us they use much less of Gabriel Boudier than they might of every other Liqueur and nonetheless get a greater and extra advanced cocktail.
Along with the six new liqueurs talked about above, our assortment encompasses our unique Crème de Cassis de Dijon IGP, Crème de Pamplemousse, Crème de Peche, Crème de Framboise, Hibiscus, Ginger, Darjeeling Tea in addition to a Curacao Triple Sec and Maraschino.
We additionally talk lots with bartenders on the significance of utilizing a real “Crème de Cassis de Dijon” IGP in cocktails which name for a “Crème de Cassis” as an ingredient. It is extremely essential. “Crème de Cassis” isn’t a protected appellation of Origin (when “Crème de Cassis de Dijon” is) and you’ll subsequently discover, like on the planet of liqueurs normally, an enormous array of decisions from poor high quality to nice merchandise. In relation to liqueurs, we imagine it is very important all the time go along with high quality because it utterly modifications the dynamic and depth of your cocktail and therefor its remaining enjoyment by the buyer.
What are you able to inform us in regards to the new packaging?
We’re excited that the brand new household possession, Aurelien Piffaut and his staff, have determined to make use of the unique iconic sq. bottle used for our Gabriel Boudier Crème de Cassis de Dijon IGP for your entire assortment.
First, this bottle dates again 150 years and has by no means been modified for our Crème de Cassis de Dijon. It brings a number of historical past and attraction. Bartenders adore it. It should additionally carry a way of unity, a typical visible identification and can in all probability make it simpler for professionals and customers alike to determine our assortment.
What’s up subsequent for the model? Any new flavors to search for?
We have already got lots to do in 2024 (and the years to return) to current and share this wonderful, enriched assortment we are actually proposing within the U.S. market from Maison Gabriel Boudier.
As for the remainder of our assortment of Terroir manufacturers at BCI, we spend a number of our time participating with bartenders to make them uncover the gems we now have the privilege to signify. So, we stay up for connecting with bartenders throughout the US market within the months to return and share with them this glorious assortment from Maison Gabriel Boudier.
