Rétha Spiritueux
Rétha Spiritueux is a unique micro-distillery located on the Île de Ré, off the coast of the Cognac region. The name Retha is derived from word for "inhabitant" in the patois of the island. The island is nicknamed "Ré la blanche," or White Re, in reference to the white color of its houses painted with lime and the clarity of the sunlight, which is echoed in the name of their La Blanche Vodka.
Rétha Spiritueux pays homage to its terroir, its oceanic environment, and the artisanal knowledge of Charentais distillation. Their approach is based on the desire to use the local, natural resources to create authentic spirits.
Rétha spirits are hand-distilled to keep the strength and essence of the raw materials in a micro-distillery, borrowing from the expertise of traditional Charentais distillers.
A water bath is used to allow a slower distillation and better quality. Depending on the needs and specifications of the products to be distilled, it makes it possible to pass from a double-pass distillation or a column distillation .
Rétha Oceanic Gin is a "distilled gin" resulting from a maceration and then a distillation. Filtration is done at room temperature to preserve the aromas and smooth texture that refer to the ocean sweetness. The ingredients of Gin by Rétha have been carefully selected to convey the sensations of a stroll on the coast.
The recipe of Rétha Oceanic Gin uses the fucus variety algae freshly harvested by hand on the Rétais coastline.
Highly loaded with iodine, they are recognized for their therapeutic virtues. In some Asian countries, they are part of the food consumed regularly.
They are greenish brown in color and have clear gaseous vesicles that allow them to float while attaching themselves to the rock with a disc - shaped crampon.
Rétha Oceanic Gin
Highlights
Rétha Oceanic Gin is a distilled gin inspired by the riches of the sea. Its innovative recipe uses the fucus algae hand-harvested on the Île de Ré to produce a well-tempered gin that pays homage to its maritime identity.
Its oceanic flavors, invigorating, iodized, and its freshness transport you to the edges of the Atlantic Ocean. An adaptable gin, it works well consumed neat, on the rocks, as an aperitif or digestive, and brings an oceanic touch to the classic Gin and Tonic.
Juniper berry, the foundation of all gins, brings freshness and the invigorating side of the Atlantic. The latter is reinforced by a note of ginger that supports this feeling.
The palate opens and finishes on the iodine, salty and maritime touch of the Fucus algae, complemented by an astonishing citrus note that is enhanced by a hint of lemon. Finally pepper brings strength and ocean power.
Reviews
Gold Medal (Bartender Spirits Awards, 2021)
94 points
"Crisp and slightly vegetal, this nuanced gin opens with bright fennel and citrus then rounds into mouthwatering white pepper, anise and coriander. It's made with seaweed harvested on the beaches of Île de Ré, off the coast of France's Cognac region." (Wine Enthusiast 2021)
Press
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How many French-made spirits are behind your bar? If you don’t have a collection of French gin and vodka, it’s time to add a few.
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Check Out The 2022 Chilled 100 Spirits Awards Winners
The results are in! Here are the Chilled 100-Point scores awarded to brands entering The Chilled 100 Spirits Awards 2022.
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Sip or Mix: 12 Favorite Gins For Every Budget
Gin is the key ingredient to some of the most iconic, classic cocktails, from the Negroni and French 75 to James Bond’s martini.
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A New Gin Style Highlights Innovation Over Tradition
While London Dry gins get most of the attention, so-called New Western gins have grown quickly in recent years.
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A DISTILLER FROM NIEUIL CREATES A VODKA MADE FROM POTATOES FROM THE ÎLE DE RÉ
Laurent Picard is a distiller in Nieuil. It was he who developed the recipe for Rétha la Blanche, a vodka made from potatoes from the Ile de Ré.
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Inside the New Wave of Sea-Centric Gin
This is just one of a growing number of gins featuring oceanic botanicals designed to add subtle salinity and seaside breeziness to martinis and other drinks.
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Get to Know Jules Theuriet Pamplemousse Liqueur from France
Best known for its portfolio of artisanal French spirits, distributed in 38 states, Heavenly Spirits has long provided a range of unique products that have become backbar mainstays.
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2 Must Try French Cocktails For Bastille Day By Bartender Rory Caviness
As part of our countdown to Bastille Day with importer and distributor Heavenly Spirits, Bartender Rory Caviness created two cocktails using French spirits. Caviness was sent bottles of Rétha Oceanic Gin and Armorik Single Malt Whisky Classic, which he used to create Nectar D’Or and the Grande Avion.
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These Cocktails Need To Be On Your Special Menu This Bastille Day
Bartender Zev Glesta of New York created his Martin By The Sea using Rétha Oceanic Gin and Guerin Blanc Vermouth.
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Tasting Rétha Oceanic Gin
A gin out of the ordinary whose aromatic part is controlled and contained.
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The interview with Retha Spiritueux, our Gin of the month for March
We wanted to highlight the terroir of the Île de Ré. Our approach is based on the desire to use the natural resources around us to create authentic spirits. Their character and typicality are a guarantee of quality.
