In 1747 Antoine Maille, a vinegar distiller, opened a store in Paris to sell vinegar and a mustard of his own creation.
In 1845 the company opened a store in Dijon.
Only in Paris and Dijon, at Maille's stores in those cities, can one purchase Maille's unique, freshly-prepared and preservative-free mustards.
Three house blends are available for tasting (and purchase): Chablis, grape juice and honey, and white wine.
Jars of pretzels for sampling line the long oak bar.
Marie Hélène Greczka, the manager of the Paris store, said, "These mustards are very special because they're very potent. They are never more than 10 days old when we sell them, and they only maintain their strength for two or three months."
After you've made your selection, it's on to the packaging: a 3.5, 7- or 18-ounce ceramic jar that will be filled, corked and wrapped in tissue.
A 3.5-ounce jar of Chablis mustard costs $12.25.
The version of Maille mustard sold in the U.S. - which consistently takes "best" in comparative tastings in various American food magazines - is a milder version of what's available in France.
The website's got lots more to tell you about their products.
In keeping with the company's ethos, seeking not to make the product wildly popular but, rather, choosing a quiet, understated boutique image, the website's not been translated into English.
Refreshing.
The Paris store is at 6, place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris; Tel: 01 40 15 06 00; Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Dijon store is at 32, rue de la Liberté, 21000 Dijon; Tel: 03 80 30 41 02; Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
[via Danielle Pergament and the New York Times]
Article comments
1 - Tom
Their famous mustard available on-tap in the Maille boutiques is by itself worth a trip to Paris. Wonderful! It is not available any other way except by a personal visit. I poll my friends regularly, asking them when they are going to Paris or Dijon so they might pick-up a fresh supply for me. If you like mustard, don't pass up a chance to sample this delectable condiment - "makes" a sandwich.
2 - Debra
I too bring back Maille 1747 mustard after every trip to Paris. I just can't match it in the US!
3 - Rosalie
I actually found the website to be quite non-informative.
4 - Peggy Green
I went to their website and could not get any information that I was seeking. Maille used to put out a green mustard that I used all the time when living in Paris. It was sold here in the states years and years ago. Now I can't find it anymore. I don't like mustard. But this green Maille was perfect for my French oil and mustard vinagrette. Can anyone help?
5 - spinedr
You can buy the green mustard in Safeways in Edmonton Alberta.
6 - roger nowosielski
The beginning of your tale reminds of a book by Patrick Süskind, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, also a movie starring Dustin Hoffman.
7 - roger nowosielski
And of course, it happens in France.