L'histoire
de
Combier

The Birth of
Triple Sec

Jean-Baptiste Combier opened the Combier-Destre confectionery in Saumur, in the heart of the Loire Valley. In a still installed at the back of the shop, he created the famous “Triple Sec,” a crystalline orange liqueur now known as L’Original Combier, which he used to fill his candies and chocolates. He later devoted himself entirely to Distillerie Combier, which he established in 1848 right next to the Saumur Cavalry School.

Entrepreneur
and Citizen

During the reign of Napoleon III, Jean-Baptiste Combier became deeply involved in political life, but his republican ideas were not well received by the emperor, who had him imprisoned. It was during this time that he met Dr. François-Vincent Raspail and developed the recipe for Élixir Combier, an exceptional digestive liqueur that would leave its mark on the century and secure the distillery’s renown.

The Birth of Combier
Father and Son

James Combier was only 24 years old when he joined his father. He would later become, in 1879, the first elected mayor of Saumur, leaving a strong mark on local life. After serious training and numerous journeys in search of the finest ingredients, it was under his leadership that Combier truly flourished: sales expanded significantly in France and abroad, he established a facility in Marseille, and strengthened both his networks for sourcing spices and exotic fruits and his distribution channels.

Le mariage de
l'orange et les épices

Naissance du Royal Combier, savant mélange des esprits d’Original Combier Triple Sec, de l’Élixir Combier et de cognac d’exception. L’infusion d’épices, préparée avec soin permet une persistance aromatique incroyable en bouche.
Liqueur étonnement moderne, la préférée des officiers du ‘Cadre Noir’ de l’École de Cavalerie toute proche, elle annonce les années folles  assurant la renommée de la Distillerie Combier au 20ème siècle.

Franck Choisne takes over
the Distillery

It developed harmoniously around a small, close-knit team, guardians of a rich history and rare expertise. From the early 2000s onward, Combier Triple Sec began exporting to the United States, soon followed by Elixir Combier and Royal Combier. Their success in this demanding market greatly contributed to the distillery’s growth.

Combier makes its mark on the
history of absinthe

The Distillerie Combier was already producing absinthe in 1899, until it was banned in 1915. In 2004, an extraordinary new chapter began when Franck Choisne decided to revive its production. After significant dedication and effort, he succeeded in having the 1988 decree amended. The term “absinthe” was once again authorized on bottles, and fennel was permitted once more in the recipe.

Now regarded as a benchmark of authenticity among connoisseurs, Combier absinthes are crafted in strict accordance with traditional methods.