The French spirits group Maison Ferrand is developing what would be the first floating cellar called Barge 166.
It is a revolutionary and innovative project that Maison Ferrand claims to be the first of its kind. The barge for aging rum and cognac, is a restored barge dating from 1948, known as Freycinet. It has been fitted out to store 1,500 30-litre barrels as part of a research project on dynamic ageing. In this type of aging the spirits mature at sea and the final result is influenced by movement.
Maison Ferrand was inspired by this very common process in the 18th century when barrels of Caribbean rum were sent to wineries in Europe. Without a doubt, the rum had a different taste profile than the rum aged on land. As a result, a smoother rum should be obtained with a strong influence from the oak barrel.
Called Barge 166, it will be anchored in the Seine in Issy-les-Moulineaux, in the Ile-de-France region of France in spring 2021. Its use, under the best conditions, will allow to study the dynamic aging for its brands Maison Ferrand Cognac and Plantation Rum. In addition, a special guest, the Swedish whisky Mackmyra, will be able to age some barrels on the barge.
And for cognac and rum lovers, the Maison Ferrand barge will have a space reserved for visitors to learn more about the company’s brands. It will also be possible to purchase personalized versions of the desired drink.
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