If you thought one whisky shop near the Place de la Madeleine wasn’t enough then you’re in luck. Clearly not intimidated by the competition, The Whisky Shop opened its doors in April 2016 just a few streets away from the already well-established Maison du Whisky. Although the boutique interior is appropriately chic and boasts a pretty impressive selection of bottles, it’s not as outwardly refined as its rival. But tant pis.
Among the 300 or so labels here, particular attention is paid to the French whisky industry (think brands like Glann Ar Mor, Domaine des Hautes Glaces and Rozelieures), which has really taken off in recent years. But what really sets The Whisky Shop apart from its rival is in The Angel Room, a reference to ‘The Angel’s Share’, the amount of whisky that evaporates from the casks during its maturing period.
In this room, regular free tastings and workshops are organised to sample the various whiskies they offer (check their Facebook for the events timetable). Upstairs, meanwhile, there’s another beautiful tasting room, done out in an elegant baroque style and sponsored by Johnny Walker House, which offers a fantastic view onto the Madeleine church. To top it all off, the prices aren’t stratospheric, starting from €40 for a good quality bottle.
TRANSLATION: FLORA HUDSON