Donner-Peltier Distillers – Thibodaux Rotary Club
January 8, 2013
By: Luci Sposito
Dr. Henry Peltier and John Couchot presented at the January 10th Rotary Meeting. They discussed the inception and processes of the Donner-Peltier Distillers (DPD), located on St. Patrick Hwy. in Thibodaux.
Dr. Peltier explained that DPD began as the dream of four friends. About three years ago, Dr. Henry and Jennifer Peltier and Dr. Tom and Beth Donner began researching the industry, attending conferences, and visiting distilleries all over the country. When they had acquired sufficient knowledge, the foursome got serious about the facility and finding the right person to oversee daily operations.
John Couchot, a Master Distiller, also called the mad scientist, was recruited by the Peltiers and Donners. Mr. Couchot has extensive experience in the industry and was willing to leave his Oregon job and home and start a new life in Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Couchot along with two others are full time employees at the facility making distilled spirits. Rum and vodka are currently produced, but more products, including gin and absinthe, are on the horizon.
Dr. Peltier explained, “Initially, the idea was to make rum simply because we live in the heart of sugar cane country and yet nobody in the immediate area was making rum.” Many rum types have to age, so in order to generate more immediate revenue; the idea of producing vodka was entertained. The foursome wanted to continue with the local theme so they decided to make vodka by utilizing Louisiana long grain rice.
Producing vodka from rice is not very common in the United States, but they were able to perfect the process. The rice is milled to the consistency of grits, cooked, and enzymes, yeast, and nutrients are added. In about four days the vodka is ready to be distilled many times until it reaches federal law guidelines of no less than 190 proof. DPD is able to achieve 193 proof.
To produce rum, DP Distillery uses blackstrap molasses and raw sugar. The rum is pasteurized to kill any foreign yeast, cooled; yeast is added, and fermented. In about three days, the product is distilled off to about 170 proof. If it is going to be the white rum, called sugar shine, it is watered down to 101 proof and bottled. If it is going to be dark rum, the product will be aged to give color and flavor, watered down to 80 proof and bottled.
“From cane to cocktail,” DPD makes everything from beginning raw products to the final bottled liquor. Everything is done by hand in the facility which contains a tasting room and bar. DPD hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 12PM – 7PM and 12PM – 4PM on Sunday. Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday at 4PM and at 2PM on Sunday. You can purchase the products, Rougaroux Sugarshine, Rougaroux Full Moon Dark Rum, and Oryza Vodka at the facility for $28.95 a bottle or product can also be purchased at many other locations including Rouse’s, Go-Bears, and the “Chackbay gas station.”
