La Débauche

In Angoulême, La Débauche has become a key player in the revival of French craft beer. Founded in July 2013 by a couple of beer enthusiasts, the brewery has, from the very beginning, been driven by a single ambition: to break the mould, experiment and offer beers that are out of the ordinary.

Based on Rue des Lignes since 2018, it now houses the production facility, shop and taproom under one roof. It is a place where people come as much to discover new beers as to experience a particularly creative world of brewing.

History and origins

La Débauche was founded in Angoulême in July 2013 by Aurélien and Églantine Clément-Camandone, who are passionate about both beer and graphic design. The brewery has grown over the years with the aim of revitalising styles and the ways in which craft beer is experienced.

In January 2018, it moved from its first premises on Boulevard Besson Bey to 13 Rue des Lignes, where the production facilities and taproom are now located.

The brewery now boasts a portfolio of over 350 recipes, reflecting a constant desire to experiment.

Expertise

What sets La Débauche apart is, first and foremost, its constant search for new recipes and new flavour profiles. The brewery works with a wide range of styles, from non-alcoholic beer to Imperial Stout, including IPAs and numerous limited-edition creations.

Its brewing equipment is another distinctive feature: its copper vats are directly gas-fired, a setup that is uncommon in France on this scale and which requires specialised technical expertise.

The brewery also specialises in barrel ageing and develops beers using a variety of ingredients and techniques. It is also committed to using local hops and to developing the malting barley sector, in partnership with the Océalia cooperative.

La Débauche’s identity is also reflected in its graphic design: its labels form an integral part of its brand world and contribute to the highly recognisable identity of its beers.

The range

The permanent range comprises around fifteen recipes, covering a wide variety of styles. It is complemented by a limited-edition collection, consisting of one-off batches and experimental creations.

Among the styles on offer:

• IPAs and hoppy beers: recipes where hops take centre stage;
• Stouts and Imperial Stouts: more robust, rich and indulgent beers;
• Barrel-aged beers: creations refined through ageing and interaction with the wood;
• Eisbocks: Bavarian-inspired beers that are partially frozen to concentrate their alcohol content and flavours;
• Non-alcoholic beers and Spunky drinks: a sparkling alternative featuring fruit and original flavours;
• Spirits: the brewery also develops creations such as Hécate, produced in particular by distilling a beer aged in Cognac casks.

The signature product

It’s hard to boil La Débauche down to a single beer: its true signature product is its creative brewing.

For first-time visitors, the appeal lies precisely in comparing several styles from the range. The regular beers allow you to discover the brewery’s signature style, whilst the limited-edition brews offer the chance to sample recipes that may not return.

Fans of beers meant for ageing may also be interested in the Eisbocks, which are served at room temperature and can be kept for several months, or even longer depending on the vintage.

The visitor’s experience

The Taproom is situated right at the heart of the brewery. Here, you can sample the beers brewed on site, buy products to take away and share a cheese or charcuterie platter. Concerts, tastings, quizzes, shows and other events are regularly organised here.

Brewery tours are available on Saturdays at 4 pm. They last around 1 hour 30 minutes and include a tasting of three beers. The current price is €8 per person, subject to booking.

Where can you find the products?

The best place to discover the beers is La Débauche’s Taproom, located right at the brewery at 13 Rue des Lignes in Angoulême. The shop also sells products to take away.

The brewery also has an online shop where you can order its beers and other products.

Key points

La Débauche offers a different way to experience beer in Angoulême. Since 2013, the brewery has combined brewing expertise, experimentation and graphic design to create beers that defy categorisation.

To discover its world, the best place to start is the Taproom on Rue des Lignes: here you can sample the beers, chat about brewing, tour the brewery and enjoy a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Angoulême.