NINALYS TEAM
At Ninalys, whisky is teamwork. Everyone’s talent, ideas and personal experience help to create whiskies recognized for their character and story. Find out who is behind them !
alban perret
Master distiller
A little bit of Scotland has stayed always with Alban Perret since he studied at the Institute of Brewing & Distilling. He has always known that whisky was his calling. Originally a winemaker, he embraces travelling through the most remarkable French wine regions to choose the barrels in which to age newly distilled whisky. An accomplished brewer, he shapes Ninalys Whisky from a wash made in his own brewery. A French spirit enthusiast, he has mastered how to draw finesse from a Charentais pot still, and is passionate about the aging process. This specialty is what gives his whiskies their signature taste. Alban rejoices everyday in taking risks and meeting challenges. In 2023, he proudly presented the first cuvée of Ninalys to the press. It is the start of a long and thrilling story.
Born in 1974
Started at Ninalys in 2013
Favorite whisky : Armorik 10 years
“Not innocent, never guilty.”
Amaury freyssenet
Production director
An engineer by training, Amaury moved to Scotland in 2014 to work in the brewing industry. In the Wee country, he learned everything he could about water, malt, hops, and yeast; discovered the amazing variety of whisky and soon became passionated about it all. Back in France, always looking for new skills, he specialized in vegetable production and learned to listen to nature while working as an organic market gardener for few years. For him, nature is at the core of all things, and he is determined to understand everything about it; its language, behavior, and habits. Now, when he is not in the brewery doing a wash transfer, in the distillery making whisky or in the warehouse moving barrels, you’ll surely find him sharing his passion through tasting events and conferences.
Born in 1991
Started at Ninalys in 2016
Favorite whisky : Highland Park 18 years old
“Alban is the artist. My work is to manage everything around him so that he focuses on creating.”
Ghislain fleury
Brewer distiller
Ghislain followed his love of spirits along an unusual path: first a waiter, he then became a brewer and finally a distiller. It all started when he was working in the Ninalys brewery and distillery bar. Impressed by his desire to learn, the brewers invited him to discover their world in more detail, and learn more about producing beer. Ghislain was then drawn to whisky. With Alban Perret, he has perfected his skills and refined his knowledge to become a talented distiller. As the new distillery opens its doors, Ghislain represents perfectly the passion that without a doubt is key to creating truly unique whisky.
Born in 1991
Started at Ninalys in 2018
Favorite whisky : Yamazaki 12 years old
“I’m a passionate person, I love good products for making perfect little treasures.”
Lilya Sekkal
Brand manager
Passion for whisky actually has a name: it’s Lilya Sekkal. She has worked in and highlighted different spirits for a number of years, especially whisky. In addition to her expertise in mixology, Lilya has also made contributions to the world of French whisky, writing articles on French whisky producers. She joined the Ninalys adventure in 2021, as our spirit specialist. Her mission is to introduce Ninalys’ products to the best wine shops, chefs and bar staff in the world. Just as comfortable behind a cocktail bar as in front of a camera for her “Lilya in the Sky” series, she is always ready to share her emotion for spirits. She is a true spirit artist!
Born in 1991
Started at Ninalys in 2021
Favorite whisky : Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1991
“The nose of a whisky is so rich and complex, that if you close your eyes it will take you on a journey to unexplored worlds !”
Matthieu mahe
France & export sales manager
Matthieu has been playing a key role in developing the renown of French whisky for close to ten years. Today he dedicates himself to growing appreciation for Ninalys. Perhaps you’ve already met him at a trade fair or in a meeting room, leading a masterclass or a tasting? The time he spent in Mexico – and his taste for hot sauce, which he brought back with him – have only enriched his palate. Above all, this world traveler loves meeting new people and telling them all about the history of the craft movement in France.
Born in 1984
Started at Ninalys in 2011
Favorite whisky : Stauning Bastard
“When you meet someone who is passionate, you become passionate. It’s passing on the enthusiasm that launches a story and a whisky.”
Antoine Mattos
Brand ambassador
The youngest in the Ninalys family arrived in 2023. Next to his mentor, Mathieu Mahé, he visits wine shops to present Ninalys whisky ranges. After studying agricultural engineering, he started working in the wine world and quickly became fascinated about wine itself and the unmatched expertise to be found in the French agricultural sector. At trade fairs and during tastings, he proudly shares his enthusiasm and love for getting out and meeting people. His ambassador status for French whisky emanates from deep inside him, and he is always ready to discover other spirits, wherever they’re from, as long as passion and excellence are among the main ingredients.
Born in 1999
Started at Ninalys in 2023
Favorite whisky : Fettercairn Warehouse 14
“When I meet wine shop owners, we develop a real relationship. We talk about whisky and what is going on, our story and the people who make it.”