A traditional Breton drink, chouchen is a syrupy alcohol obtained after fermentation of honey in apple juice. A close neighbour of mead, it has been made in Brittany since the time of the Celts. Today, it is drunk chilled, plain, as an aperitif or digestive. A look back at the history and production of this emblematic drink.
Although the drink is very old, the term "chouchen" did not appear until 1895 in Rosporden. Thanks to the large production that developed in this commune of Finistère during the 20th century, the name quickly became popular. As the only alcoholic drink entirely originating from Brittany, chouchen became a real identity drink. It was particularly consumed in the 1970s, a period when the Celtic world was extremely popular.
Today, chouchen is consumed fresh. Even if it goes very well with certain dishes such as melon, salmon or foie gras, it is often served as an aperitif, alone or in cocktails. Celtic kir, for example, is a must! A blend of fruit cream, chouchen and farm cider, it is on the menu of all good crêperies.
Obtained from a mixture of water and honey to which apple juice and yeast are added, chouchen is a drink with a complex manufacturing process. The most important ingredient is obviously honey, which will have a considerable influence on the taste and colour of the final drink. Each producer also adds spices of their choice to give a particular flavour to their drink.
Fermentation, the stage during which the sugars are transformed into alcohol, can last between ten and twenty days; the chouchen is then placed in wooden barrels in which it ages slowly for several months before bottling.
An emblematic product of the Brittany region, the chouchen has long suffered from a bad reputation due to the possible presence of bee venom... This was supposed to anaesthetise part of the brain of the drinker who would then fall over!
Today, it is established that its consumption does not involve any particular danger and this nice honey drink is still the joy of Breton tables and lovers of Celtic traditions! Don't wait any longer to taste (in moderation) this liqueur with a fruity taste!
To find out the secrets of chouchen, it's here.
Berengère for Comme des Français
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Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation.
