The greatest failing with the cognac market is that it has become too big. Indeed the industry is dominated by four big names who supply more than 80% of all cognacs made. As the market has increased in size and the big houses or negoçiant's have grown, so too has the need for more and more cognac become necessary. The problem is that only so much can be made on the available land and that which has been made takes many years to mature in oak barrels. There are around 5000 cognac producers most of whom sell their wines or eaux de vie to the big negoçiant's who blend thousands of young brandies together into generic groups which we recognise in our shops as VS, VSOP or XO, sometimes we may also see names such as Napoleon, Tres Vieille, or Hors d'Age. None of these descriptions need legally to be more than 6 ½ years old, providing something of a paradox for fine cognacs which when ageing naturally may take as long as fifty or more years to reach their optimum condition in oak casks.
As the demand for more and older cognacs has increased so has the stocks of naturally aged and pure cognac dwindled over the years. This has created a need to dilute the young, strong recently distilled brandies, by adding sugar syrups and caramel to both soften and colour the young fiery spirit. The cognac industry is old and proud of its history. Many old houses have been around for generations and the families that own them are expert in their skills with vast experience in making and ageing their cognacs. Many of these small producers have hundreds of barrels in their damp cellars which have aged naturally and are still waiting for the optimum time to bottle them and effectively stop the ageing process. It is some of these carefully chosen cognacs that are found in Hermitage bottles. We know the producers, the stills they were made on and the cellars they were aged in, we know the care and love that has gone into their making. We know when they were made, how they were made, the shape of the stills and the size of the barrels they were aged in. We know where they come from and above all, we know what they taste like and believe that you will get as much enjoyment from them as we do. That is why we say "that of yesterday is here today".
Tremendous complexity and flavour
| | Producer: | Hermitage Chez Richon | | Product: | Hermitage 5 y.o. Chez Richon | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £23.99 (£28.19 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H01.A.A0005.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Our entry level cognac with toffee and vanilla tones. Good balance and great value. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Chez Richon | | Product: | Hermitage 1975 Chez Richon | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £96.25 (£113.09 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H01.A.V1975.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | This cognac was specially prepared by the company's owner and is regarded as one of the finest from this small producer. There is a distinctive pineapple aroma and a richer pineapple, walnut and medlar fruit complexity on the palate. Its intense flavour is enhanced by the slightly higher strength. Very long on the palate. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Chez Richon | | Product: | Hermitage 1979 Chez Richon | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £75.74 (£88.99 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H01.A.V1979.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | A delicate but complex cognac with many exceedingly fine qualities. It has a nose of mangosteen and mown grass, whilst on the palate the grapefruit develops into marmalade and toast with thyme and brioche.The finish of dry grapefruit is long and appealing consistent with the best cognacs from this cru. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Chez Richon | | Product: | Hermitage 1988 Chez Richon | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £54.39 (£63.91 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H01.A.V1988.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | The predominant house style of Chez Richon shows through in this cognac although it is rather sweeter and spicier than others from this house |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Chez Richon | | Product: | Hermitage 1989 Chez Richon | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £55.83 (£65.60 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H01.A.V1989.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | This cognac was produced on a small still on this highly regarded estate that grows
not just Ugni Blanc but also Folle Blanche grapes. It has a youthful aroma displaying
pineapple and grapefruit aromas and drier citrus and herb flavours which are
enhanced by the slightly higher strength of this cognac. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Chez Richon | | Product: | Hermitage 2000 Chez Richon | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £27.34 (£32.12 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H01.A.V2000.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Making cognacs suitable for drinking young is exceptionally difficult without the use of caramel and sugar syrup. The 2000 has succeeded where others have failed. Its style is consistent with others from Chez Richon with some pineapple, burnt almonds and mocha, a delight for such youthfulness. |
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Wonderfully aged, rich and round cognacs
| | Producer: | Hermitage La Tonnelle | | Product: | Hermitage 30 y.o. La Tonnelle | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £108.63 (£127.64 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H11.A.A0030.1.6d | | | | | Description: | | Made on a 50 Hectare estate in St-Même-les-Carrière by an old family firm. The Ugni Blanc vines are grown on chalk slopes where their roots extend more than 20 metres to reach the underground streams. The wines are distilled with great skill and kept in new oak for nearly 2 years before being aged in old Limoursin barrels. Rich mocha and coffee tastes with nutmeg and vanilla. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage La Tonnelle | | Product: | Hermitage 50 y.o. La Tonnelle | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £315.70 (£370.95 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H11.A.A0050.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Made in St Même-les-Carrières by an old family firm, this cognac is regarded by many as at its peak of perfection. It has an intense rancio, a form of maderisation only found in cognacs that have been aged for a very long time. This has a hugely complex range of flavours including roasted walnut, mocha, coffee, and toasted brioche. Bottled excellence. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage La Tonnelle | | Product: | Hermitage 1947 La Tonnelle | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £355.30 (£417.48 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H11.A.V1947.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | This is made on a 50 hectare estate owned by a Cognac family since 1850. The Ugni Blanc vines are grown on chalk slopes where their roots extend more than 25 metres into the ground to reach the water. The wines are distilled with exceptional skill and the newly distilled spirit is kept in new oak barrels for nearly two years before long ageing in old Limoursin barrels. This has produced an intense richness reminiscent of coffee, mocha and roasted walnuts. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage La Tonnelle | | Product: | Hermitage 1960 La Tonnelle | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £254.10 (£298.57 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H11.A.V1960.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | A younger and stronger version of the 1947 from the same distiller. This has some of the more fiery qualities expected from its long introduction to new oak which is enhanced by its stronger qualities. Only small quantities of this cognac are available with its unique qualities of roasted walnut, burnt toast and coffee, a credit to its master distiller and cellar master. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage La Tonnelle | | Product: | Hermitage 1962 La Tonnelle | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £214.50 (£252.04 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H11.A.V1962.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | The relationship between a cognac’s strength and its flavour can in some cases be enhanced by reducing the strength to enhance the flavour. This is a good example where the mocha and chocolate flavours have developed well in a cognac with a slightly lower cask strength. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage La Tonnelle | | Product: | Hermitage 1970 La Tonnelle | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £108.54 (£127.53 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H11.A.V1970.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | From a family cellar just outside Saint-Même-les-Carrières in Grande Champagne. It is kept in 350 litre Limoursin casks in damp cellars. The cognac comes at slightly more than 40 degrees to enhance its fine qualities. This has a fine orange peel aroma with a delicate spice and vanilla taste. The finish is long and well balanced. |
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Vintage cognacs from small producers in top crus
| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quartiers | | Product: | Hermitage 1900 | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £918.50 (£1,079.24 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H21.A.V1900.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Hugely complex cognacs which came from one of the finest cellars in Cognac, sadly it has now been sold to one of the big negoçiant's This is a superb cognac. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quartiers | | Product: | Hermitage 1906 | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £786.50 (£924.14 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H21.A.V1906.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Magnificent and complex cognac with many delicate fruit flavours and more robust walnut and peeled citrus qualities. This is a real masterpiece. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quartiers | | Product: | Hermitage 1914 | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £628.10 (£738.02 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H21.A.V1914.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Lovely blend of flavour bursting on the palate. Huge complexity and big long finish, the cognac has aged in cellars for over eighty years. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quartiers | | Product: | Hermitage 1928 | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £575.30 (£675.98 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H21.A.V1928.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Found in a large cellar in Cognac who specialised in old cognacs. The range has now been sold and no more are available after this. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quartiers | | Product: | Hermitage 1968 Petite Champagne | | Cru: | Petite Champagne | | Price: | £123.97 (£145.66 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H21.B.V1968.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | This cognac comes from one of the oldest cellars in Cognac. This cognac is often regarded as an in-between style of modern and early vintage cognacs, which exhibited many characteristics of the Folle Blanche grape with its dry hazelnut aroma and taste. As with all from this source, it is perfectly balanced with many dry tasting qualities. |
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Strong and spicey cognacs
| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quai | | Product: | Hermitage 1935 Brie sans sur Archiac | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £418.00 (£491.15 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H51.A.V1935.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | The cognac is produced from grapes from the Grande Champagne but the cellars are in Brie in Petite Champagne. This very small distiller has aged this delightful cognac in barrels for more than 70 years. This has an aroma of straw and meadow flowers. The taste is a pleasing complexity of thyme, brioche, pecan nuts and mushrooms. There is a rich rancio that enhances this unique cognac. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quai | | Product: | Hermitage 1937 Malaville | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £306.90 (£360.61 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H51.A.V1937.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Made in the south east corner of Grande Champagne south of Chateauneuf and aged in dry cellars. The initial nose of this fine cognac is that of arrowroot, walnuts and cooked cabbage. After standing in the glass there is also a pleasant aroma of sweet biscuits. The taste of dried citrus peel followed by bitter almonds and biscuit stays long on the palate. Despite its strength the cognac has good balance and firmness. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quai | | Product: | Hermitage 1940 St Fort | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £247.50 (£290.81 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H51.A.V1940.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | This cognac has aged in cellars that are of medium dampness for more than 60 years in the south west corner of the top cru near the River Né. The initial aroma of lemon oil turning more to pine is accompanied with a hemp background. The palate is that of lemon tea with a buttery taste and feel. The length and balance is good. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quai | | Product: | Hermitage 1945 Angeac | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £217.80 (£255.92 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H51.A.V1945.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | This cognac comes from the west side of Grande Champagne and from a relatively flat area. A light cognac with an aroma of fresh spring flowers in a field accompanied by lemon and cucumber. The palate has an initial taste of light cork, followed by sweet corn with a dry citrus and short finish. |
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From the centre of the top cru
| | Producer: | Hermitage Ambleville | | Product: | Hermitage 1990 Ambleville | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £58.96 (£69.28 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H31.A.V1990.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Pale and delicate in colour and taste. It is made by a highly respected old family in Ambleville near Segonzac in Grande Champagne. The aroma of fresh straw and citrus peel is complimented by a flavour of agave, aloe (gripe water) and almonds. |
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Nutty cognacs from the borders of Fins Bois and Grande Champagne
| | Producer: | Hermitage Chez Maillard | | Product: | Hermitage 1971 Chez Maillard | | Cru: | Fins Bois | | Price: | £92.90 (£109.16 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H41.E.V1971.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | From the plains around Chateauneuf, this cognac is produced under the skilled management of one of the best known cognac estate managers. The cognac has a mown grass and linden aroma with a vanilla development. On the palate there is an initial taste of burnt hazelnuts with a hint of lemon and a buttery pine. |
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Strong and spicey cognacs
| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quai | | Product: | Hermitage 1950 Segonzac | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £201.30 (£236.53 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H51.A.V1950.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Segonzac is claimed to be the very centre of the top cru, Grande Champagne and is home to some very fine cognac producers. This cognac has been kept in Limoursin casks in the area for more than 55 years and has developed a nutty richness accented by its burnt walnut and spice aroma. On the palate it exhibits balanced qualities of roasted walnut and tobacco leaf style. |
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| | Producer: | Hermitage Vieux Quai | | Product: | Hermitage 1947 Sigogne | | Cru: | Fins Bois | | Price: | £207.90 (£244.28 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H51.E.V1947.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Sigogne is in the region just to the north of the town of Cognac and is bordered by Grand Champagne to the south and Borderies to the east, which probably accounts for its rich nuttiness, so often found in the Borderies. This cognac has a mocha aroma with a roasted almond and pear flavoured dryness on the finish. |
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Soft fruity, well balanced cognacs
| | Producer: | Hermitage Jarnac Champagne | | Product: | Hermitage 10 y.o. Jarnac | | Cru: | Grande Champagne | | Price: | £40.56 (£47.66 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H61.A.A0010.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | Made on a 58 hectare estate in Jarnac Champagne owned by the Vallet Family for generations. The grapes are mainly Ugni Blanc but unusually it also has some Folle Blanche and Colombard. Aged for 10 years in oak barrels the aroma is predominantly apricots which comes out in the flavour along with vanilla, toffee and a little citrus. |
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Produced from the highest yielding region of Petite Champagne between Pons and Réaux, an area that manages to produce particularly good cognacs
| | Producer: | Hermitage Réaux | | Product: | Hermitage Réaux 30 y.o. | | Cru: | Petite Champagne | | Price: | £108.63 (£127.64 incl. VAT) | | Code: | H.H71.B.A0030.1.6b | | | | | Description: | | This is one of life's little finds. A beautifully smooth cognac that oozes toffee and chocolate flavours all wrapped up with a hint of roasted walnuts. This is a cognac that will be impossible to put down and the only problem is making the bottle last. |
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