Founded by Jean-Philippe Ballanger and Lucien Vanel, Moon Harbour is named after the crescent-shaped Port de la Lune in Bordeaux. The distillery embraces the cityâs wine legacy by aging its whiskies in Sauternes, red wine, and Bordeaux Grand Cru casks, creating a unique fusion of whisky and wine terroir.
đ Distillery Highlights
- Location: Bordeaux, France
- Founded: Early 2010s
- Maturation site: WWII-era bunker with stable humidity and temperature
- Grain sourcing: Local French grains
- Climate influence: Humid maritime air and seasonal temperature shifts enhance maturation
đ„ Key Whiskies
| Whisky | Style | Cask Finish | Tasting Notes |
| Pier 1 | Blended Whisky | Sauternes oak barrels | Elegant, fruity, with honey and spice |
| Dock 1 | Single Malt | Bordeaux wine casks | Rich, tannic, with red fruit and oak |
| Moon Harbour Peated | Peated Single Malt | Wine cask finish | Smoky, maritime, with herbal depth |
| Experimental Series | Limited Editions | Rum, Cognac, Grand Cru | Innovative, bold, wine-forward profiles |
đ What Makes Moon Harbour Unique
- Wine cask maturation: Deeply influenced by Bordeauxâs wine culture
- Historic bunker aging: Offers consistent conditions for slow, complex development
- Local terroir: French grains and maritime climate shape flavor
- Design & branding: Nautical themes with elegant packaging
- Innovation: Constant experimentation with cask types and blends
Moon Harbour is a rising star in French whisky, merging Bordeauxâs wine heritage with bold distillation techniques. Itâs ideal for whisky lovers seeking something distinctly French, expressive, and terroir-driven.