When you think of sophisticated spirits, Eau de vie is likely to come to mind. This clear, fruit brandy has been cherished by connoisseurs for centuries, and its rich history is as captivating as its taste.
The Essence of Eau de Vie
The name Eau de vie, which means "water of life" in French, evokes a sense of refinement and sophistication. This clear fruit brandy has a storied past, with legends tracing its origins back to medieval Europe. According to lore, a group of monks, seeking to preserve the bounty of their orchards, discovered that distilling fruit into a potent spirit was a brilliant way to capture its essence. Thus, Eau de vie was born.
Over the centuries, Eau de vie's popularity spread throughout Europe and beyond, with each region adding its own unique touch. Local fruits were distilled to create distinct flavours and aromas, contributing to the spirit's diverse and celebrated legacy.
Feels Botanical: Australia’s Premium Eau de Vie
Utilising Australia’s reputation for producing some of the world's most sought-after grapes, we selected a premium Eau de vie grape as the base spirit for Feels Botanical. Our choice was driven by several key factors:
- Velvety Mouthfeel and Complex Flavour Profile: The Eau de vie grape provides a rich, velvety mouthfeel and a complex flavour profile that delivers an unrivalled sensory experience.
- Enhancing Unique Botanical Notes: Its ability to accentuate the unique notes and tones of the native botanicals we distil into the grape spirit is unparalleled.
- Australia’s Viticulture Excellence: The incredible quality of Australia’s viticulture industry further enhances the overall quality of Feels Botanical.
A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition
Blake and Steve, the founders of Feels are two passionate individuals with a dream of creating their own Eau de vie, travelled extensively to sample various varieties and learn from master craftsmen. After years of research and experimentation, they unveiled Feels Botanical—a line of Eau de vie featuring four distinct products, each infused with a unique blend of botanicals:
- Bask: Hemp, Quandong and Kakadu Plum.
- Vivify: Coconut, Turmeric and Ginger.
- Revel: Coffee, Ginseng and Illawarra Plum.
- Rouse: Rose, Davidson Plum, Horny Goat Weed.
Blake and Steve’s dedication to their craft is evident in every sip of Feels Botanical. Their approach honours the rich history of Eau de vie while adding a modern twist. So, the next time you enjoy a glass of this delightful spirit, remember the monks who started it all and the visionaries who continue to push the boundaries of what Eau de vie can be.
