La Roche Sauvage

La Roche Sauvage is produced by Distillerie Ar Roc'h in La Roche-Jaudy, in the Tregor area of Brittany, France. This London Dry Gin draws its inspiration directly from the surrounding natural landscape, which is shaped by rugged coastline, granite soils, maritime air and a rich diversity of wild and cultivated plants. The name itself refers to the rocky Breton land that characterises the region and provides the identity of this spirit.

The base of the recipe is built on juniper berries, in accordance with the London Dry Gin tradition, providing the classic resinous and slightly pine-like backbone. Around this foundation, a selection of botanicals closely linked to the local environment is added: borage, geranium, buckwheat and sage. These ingredients were chosen to express both the freshness and the more rustic, earthy tones of Brittany. Buckwheat, long cultivated in the region, introduces a subtle cereal and nutty dimension that evokes the local agricultural heritage.

The botanicals are carefully infused and distilled in copper stills, following methods that respect the London Dry style, without the addition of sugar or artificial flavouring after distillation. This process allows for a clear, precise expression of each ingredient while maintaining overall balance and structure. The resulting gin remains dry, aromatic and defined by its plant-driven identity.

On the nose, La Roche Sauvage presents a clean and natural profile. Juniper is immediately perceptible, followed by fresh green and slightly floral impressions from geranium and borage. A faint herbal edge appears, reminiscent of wild plants and coastal meadows, accompanied by a soft, dry cereal note from the buckwheat. The aromatic profile evokes both sea spray and sun-warmed vegetation.

On the palate, the gin is structured and dry. Juniper opens the tasting, quickly joined by gentle herbal tones from sage and the soft vegetal nuance of borage. Geranium adds a delicate floral layer, while buckwheat brings a subtle roundness and a lightly toasted impression. The texture is firm and crisp, with a clear progression from freshness to more earthy and grounded notes.

The finish is persistent, marked by lingering herbal and mineral sensations, with a clean, dry and slightly peppery edge. A faint nuttiness remains in the background, echoing the presence of buckwheat and reinforcing the link to the Breton terroir.

La Roche Sauvage is particularly well suited to a classic gin and tonic served with a neutral tonic water and a simple garnish such as a sprig of herbs or a thin slice of green apple. It also performs well in classic cocktails like the Martini or the Gimlet, where its herbal and earthy character can fully express itself without being masked by excessive sweetness or heavy flavourings.