Celebrating 25 Years Of Grey Goose With Master Distiller Francois Thibault

It was 25 years ago that François Thibault left the world of cognac production and crafted his recipe for a French vodka made from wheat from Picardy with local spring water from Gensac. Now one of the most popular vodka brands in the world, it was fitting to discuss Grey Goose’s quarter century mark over dinner at New York’s Michelin-starred SAGA restaurant with stunning views of the city Thibault credits with much of brand’s success.

Who’s one of your favorite people you’ve gotten to share a Grey Goose drink with?

Grey Goose does a lot of partnerships. Cars, gastronomy and we’ve always been involved with cinema. During the Cannes Film Festival in 2018 I got to meet with Jessica Chastain and we had a martini together. And it was great to have that moment with her because we were able to do it in Cannes, in France, and represent our country. She said I was a very good actor.

When did she see you act?

I was part of a short film we did as a commercial for Grey Goose. She thought it was unique to see someone who crafted the spirit play a part and said I did very well as a first time actor playing myself. Coming from one of the most amazing actresses that was quite a compliment.

Did she offer you a role in her next film?

Unfortunately not.

What was your first drink?

The wine my father was making. There were moments with friends to have a little something here and there, but the first glass of any importance was after I started studying winemaking. I turned 18 and my father gave me a glass of wine and then the keys to our cellar where the wine was made. That was a special moment, the wine and then the keys.

What was the wine?

It was a mix of merlot and cabernet. I grew up in Cognac where we mostly grow the ugni blanc grape to make cognac, but we do have some red wine grapes that people make for their own consumption. It’s not for sale, we don’t even talk about it. It’s just for family.

How did you fare taking over the winemaking?

There was mutual agreement in the town that the wines I made were way better than the previous ones. My father also agreed.

What did you do differently?

Everything I was learning at school. Hygiene, new technology. I embraced anything I could to make the wine better.

What was your first cocktail?

I didn’t really drink cocktails until I started making Grey Goose. The first memorable one was here in New York. I was told I had to try a martini. So first, this was before Grey Goose so it was not a Grey Goose martini. And second, it was a heavily shaken martini. I can’t deal with that. I spent months crafting my vodka and I wanted to make something very elegant and you don’t want to think of it being bruised. The natural texture of Grey Goose has silkiness, creaminess. It doesn’t need to be shaken, just chilled and mixed gently to be enjoyed the best way.

In your personal life when is the time for wine and when is the time for Grey Goose?

It’s French culture to enjoy wine during dinner. But throughout my professional life and experience I knew Grey Goose was good for an aperitif but then also discovered it’s the perfect thing to pair with dinner and has now actually overtake wine for me. You can craft cocktails to the type of dishes you’re having. They just have to be on the spot.

Did you think 25 years ago that Grey Goose would have the success it has?

So to be very humble, I never conceived Grey Goose with the idea that it could be as popular as it is. Even if the creator takes pride and pleasure in crafting the spirit at the end of the day the judge is the consumer. And because people have accepted and enjoyed it I’m very proud. It’s a real pleasure having developed this vodka and then being able to share it with people around the world. The person who doesn’t share his passion is very selfish.

What’s your proudest moment in the last 25 years of making Grey Goose?

It’s that before my father passed away he saw that I crafted something that has had a global impact. He was very proud. Everything he taught me about nature, about being humble, about the type of man I should be, I’ve been able to take it in, digest it and adapt it into what I’ve been doing.

When people enjoy Grey Goose it’s like I’m sharing my family values with them. You have to have a strong personality to craft something. If you don’t have the personality or the dedication you’re just going to copy.