The story of Rue Pinard begins with an extraordinary journey, one that started when Bart Laming, the founder and owner, embarked on a life-changing trip to Cognac at the age of 18. Accompanied by his then-girlfriend and now wife of 29 years, Bart traveled from his native Netherlands to the heart of French cognac country. It was there, in the dimly lit cellars of Hennessy, that Bart tasted his first expressions of this storied spirit. That moment ignited a spark—a passion that would shape the rest of his life.

While Bart went on to complete his business studies, building the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures, his love for Cognac, Armagnac, and French spirits never waned. Over time, this passion evolved, expanding to include the exceptional wines of both France and the United States, particularly from Napa Valley’s Rutherford and Oakville AVAs, where Bart discovered wines of remarkable complexity.

It wasn’t until later in his career, however, that Bart truly immersed himself in the pleasures of Scotch whisky and Bourbon. As *Rue Pinard* began sourcing exclusive bottles from iconic distilleries like The Macallan and Bowmore, Bart found himself increasingly captivated by the intricate world of these revered spirits. The allure of rare Scotch and limited-edition Bourbon “unicorns” sparked a new focus for him. Since then, Bart has become an expert in helping collectors acquire and sell these sought-after bottles, guiding them through the world of rare whiskies with the same expertise and care that defined his work with fine wines.

Hakan Karaca, Bart’s business partner and a key figure in shaping Rue Pinard, shares an equally compelling journey. Raised in the Netherlands and pursuing a law degree at Rotterdam’s prestigious Erasmus University, Hakan was introduced to the world of Scotch whisky during his student years. The diversity of flavors and the richness of history behind every bottle captivated him from the start. Even today, as Hakan oversees the precise logistics of preparing shipments for collectors across the globe, he often finds himself reflecting on his love for Scotch, its complexity still enchanting him after all these years.

Together, Bart and Hakan have built Rue Pinard into a global destination for collectors and connoisseurs, offering not just extraordinary wines and spirits, but a bespoke experience that speaks to their shared commitment to authenticity, quality, and passion. Their deep-rooted connections with winemakers, distillers, and fellow collectors around the world open the doors to some of the rarest bottles available—from limited-edition Armagnacs to exclusive barrel-aged whiskies and the finest wines from both sides of the Atlantic.

At Rue Pinard, every bottle tells a story. Whether it's a vintage Bordeaux or a rare Napa Valley cabernet, the journey of the bottle—much like Bart and Hakan’s own journeys—carries with it a legacy of craft, provenance, and the enduring allure of a truly remarkable pour.