Whisky Facettes d'Or Benjamin Kuentz

The Whisky Facettes d'Or from Benjamin Kuentz is this French whisky editor's most precious and ambitious creation, born from an extraordinary meeting between Benjamin Kuentz and Lorenz Bäumer, the iconic jeweller of Place Vendôme. Facettes d'Or is their first collaboration, opening an annual collection of seven editions that explores the correspondences between jewellery and whisky across successive vintages: light, rarity, material, cut, emotion. Like a jewel shaped by light, its colour reflects the patience of time, its aromas reveal its brilliance. An organic single malt with multiple facets, conceived and sculpted like a precious stone. Alcohol content: 68.65% vol.

Production and ageing

Facettes d'Or is an organic single malt, single cask, distilled in the Vercors by Distillerie du Vercors. The choice of this Alpine terroir, its pure waters, organic barley and artisanal expertise is deliberate: Benjamin Kuentz sought for this haute couture cuvée a raw material of absolute purity and precision, capable of sustaining an architectural ageing of more than six years. The production followed a precise, meticulous protocol in two distinct stages. In 2017, the spirit enters a first new oak cask for two years of initial ageing, building foundational tannin structure and early woody and vanilla notes. In 2019, a first blending combines a second distillate from the same cask but aged in ex-Cognac cask, followed by six additional years in French oak ex-Cognac cask, from 2019 to 2025. This dialogue between new oak and ex-Cognac cask is precisely the source of this cuvée's architectural complexity and woody, fruity depth. Cask strength, uncut, bottled at 68.65% vol. Limited edition of 290 bottles. Lorenz Bäumer designed the label, and the white facetted canister conceals, on a purple background, the Vendôme Column cherished by the jeweller.

Tasting profile

The colour is a rich, deep amber reflecting eight years of patient ageing in two complementary cask types. The nose shows immediate complexity and originality, blending woody depth with vetiver notes and luminous fruits. Fruity, bright and opulent, this bouquet displays a precision and coherence that directly echo a jeweller's work faceting precious stone. The power of 68.65% is present yet remarkably integrated, testament to a spirit of absolute quality and purity. On the palate, the texture is rich and enveloping, with natural amplitude carried by fine, well-controlled acidity. The woody depth inherited from new oak dialogues with the fruity sweetness of ex-Cognac cask in a harmony and precision absolutely remarkable for a French whisky. The finish is long, spiced and persistent, with a nobility and complexity confirming the grandeur of this first collection edition.

The house

Born from a passion developed in Montreal, Benjamin Kuentz redefines French whisky from Île-de-France. Benjamin Kuentz positions himself as a whisky editor, collaborating with French distillers to assemble resolutely modern, sincere and creative cuvées. Facettes d'Or marks a turn towards haute couture French spirits, in direct dialogue with Place Vendôme jewellery. Benjamin Kuentz's signature pairing for this cuvée: an intense 75% dark chocolate square by Alain Ducasse.

Tasting and pairings

Facettes d'Or is best enjoyed neat, at room temperature, in a quality tulip glass that concentrates and gradually reveals the complexity of its aromatic facets. Two or three drops of water can open the bouquet further without compromising cask strength precision. The signature pairing is an intense 75% dark chocolate square by Alain Ducasse, whose tannins and natural bitterness dialogue with the whisky's woody depth and fruity richness in striking harmony. A whisky for contemplative tasting and after-dinner moments, to share on the most precious occasions with those who understand that French whisky can reach haute joaillerie.