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Massougnes Bonbonne 150 -200 Years Old

Massougnes Bonbonne

We have had this fabulous 150 -200 year old bonbonne for decades; it was given to us by The Comtesse de Bordelaise.  She is a direct descendant of the last French Royalty, King Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine and has direct links with the British Royal Family.  Although frail, she still lives on the remains of the Massougnes Estate near Aigre.

Once large and famous, the Massougnes estate has diminished considerably in size but over the years we have bought a few bottles of fabulous, historic and rare Massougnes cognacs from the Comtesse.  She shared some of their story with us in a handwritten note, translated and summarised thus:

The Massougnes estate is about 400 years old and descendents of the original owner still live there.  In 1800, it comprised 180 hectares with 40 – 50 members of staff.  All was well until a terrible disease ‘Phylloxera’ destroyed the vines during the 1870s decade and most were never replanted.  Instead, the estate took to raising wheat, barley oats, cows and horses.  The old bottles of cognac were, however, well looked after.  Every ten years the closures (cork & wax) were changed so the cognac remained at its strength of 41% abv.  Thanks to this care the bottles of Massougnes cognac, harvested over 200 years ago, have been preserved in accordance with the family motto ‘All heart. All honour’. 

Truly, history in a bottle, or in this case a Massougnes Bonbonne.

The Reincarnation of Camille Boissier

A Cognac Novel

If you love the Cognac region of France, and are looking for something different to read, then this Cognac novel could be for you:

“In the hear of the Grande Champagne district in France, Chateau Biossier becomes the battleground for a high-stakes game of chess between Gerard Boissier, the desperate owner of the cognac estate, and Carlo Fieschi, a conniving Corsican rogue.

Gerard, drowning in debt, is willing to risk it all on the outcome of a late-night game of chess. As the tension escalates, Fieschi proposes a sinister deal; he offers Gerard a way out of his financial troubles by casting Gerard’s daughter, Jeanne, in a film role. In a moment of weakness, Gerard agrees, unknowingly sealing his daughter’s fate.

The Reincarnation of Camillie Boissier is a gripping tale of deception, desperation and the dark side of ambition, exploring the lengths to which people will go in the pursuit of their desires and the devastating consequences that follow; a poignant tale of love, understanding and connection set against the backdrop of outstanding French countryside.”

Written by prolific author and cognac fan, Robert Wallace, the paperback can be purchased at www.rob-wallace.co.uk.

Hermitage Single Cru Cognacs

Hermitage Single Cru Cognacs

A single cru cognac, like those offered by Hermitage Cognac, elevates the art of cognac making. While many high-end cognacs boast of fancy presentations and limited editions, the focus often shifts away from the liquid within. Hermitage, on the other hand, offers cognacs sourced from single estates in single crus.  While most hail from Grande Champagne, exceptions from Petite Champagne and Borderies offer a diverse range of profiles.  Each has either an age statement describing how many years it has spent in the barrel or is a vintage.  These vintage cognacs are found in one or two barrels, distilled in a specific year, untouched and unblended. Each bottle has unique flavours, akin to the revered concept of ‘Single Cask’ in whisky circles.

Hermitage Cognac, epitomising excellence, carefully selects eaux de vie for their quality and flavour.  The distinction lies not only in the exquisite taste but also in the transparency of the production process. Unlike some competitors, Hermitage Cognac vintages provide details about the year of distillation, ensuring a genuine connection with the history of each bottle. For instance, the Hermitage 1944 Grande Champagne Cognac, priced at just £860, offers a taste of a century-old harvest.

In the realm of premium cognac, where rarity often comes at an astronomical cost, Hermitage Cognac’s focus on single cru cognacs shines as beacons of value.  As Jean Monnet aptly noted, making cognac requires waiting, and Hermitage Cognac exemplifies this virtue. For those seeking the finest and most individual premier cru cognacs, Hermitage stands as a distinguished choice, offering a blend of history, craftsmanship, and unparalleled taste.

The Cognac Show 2024

Prepare your senses for a two day cognac extravaganza as the highly acclaimed Cognac Show makes a grand return on 22 – 23 March 2024, at the exquisite Glaziers Hall on the scenic bank of the Thames. This celebration promises to reignite the passion for Cognac, once the UK’s favourite spirit.

The Cognac Show

History and Rediscovery:

Once the darling of the UK, Cognac aims to reclaim its glory at the Cognac Show. Comparable to whisky in its aged sophistication, Cognac unveils a world of variety and complexity, inviting enthusiasts to appreciate its rich heritage and nuanced flavours. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a novice, the Cognac Show promises to be your gateway to the charm and wonder of cognac.

Indulge in the grandes dames of cognac with special tokens granting access to super premium old and rare bottles. Over 150 Cognacs will be available for tasting across the different stands.

Visit us:

Visit the Hermitage Cognac team at stand one, where our finest releases, including age statements, vintages, and the new Trilogy range, will be available for tasting. Our Dream Pours for this year are the Hermitage 50 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac and the opulent Hermitage Marie Louise Crystal Decanter, showcasing the pinnacle of cognac craftsmanship.

Secure Your Tickets:

Tickets are on sale now on the Cognac Show website. For more information about our products or to plan your visit, email us at cognac@brandyclassics.com. Leave behind your slippers and smoking jacket – step into the new world of Cognac at the Cognac Show 2024!

Mother’s Day 2024

Wondering what to buy for Mother’s Day 2024? We have a unique selection of brandies and dessert wines to suit every Mum ….

Gift Mum the Hermitage 2005 Grande Champagne Cognac which, as with all our cognacs, was created with exceptional skill – no caramel or sugar syrup were added – a considerable achievement with a young cognac. 

If she loves an after dinner drink, then the Grappa Torcolato is a beautiful addition to any drinks cabinet. Perfect as an after dinner ‘digestive’ or add to expresso coffee to create a ‘caffè corretto’.

Dupont Dream Calvados Cream has a deliciously clean apple flavour. If she likes cream liqueurs she will love this!

If Mum loves her dessert wines then the Chateau de Beaulon 2000 Pineau des Charentes is a delicious and rich choice that is perfect on its own or with the sweet course.

The Dupont Pomme Captive Pays d’Auge Calvados is a highly specialised product that contains an attractive apple macerating in calvados and makes for an appealing gift this Mother’s Day.

Valentine’s Gifts

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s gifts that capture the essence of romance.

Valentine's Gifts

This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the ordinary and celebrate the season of love with exquisite spirits from Brandyclassics, where each bottle is a testament to sophistication and indulgence. Whether you’re surprising him or delighting her, our curated selection promises a memorable journey of taste and refinement.

For him, consider the Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac – a pinnacle of luxury blending sophistication and indulgence. Alternatively, opt for the Hermitage 20 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac, boasting a rich and complex flavour profile that unfolds with every sip. These premium cognacs are not just drinks; they’re experiences, encapsulating the essence of timeless romance.

Ladies, indulge in our organic selection of Mosgaard gins, where each bottle is a celebration of botanical wonders meticulously crafted for a sensory adventure. The infusion of premium ingredients creates a symphony of flavours, making each gin a unique and delightful expression of craftsmanship. If you prefer a sweeter note, explore the Nusbaumer Crème de Framboise des Bois – a luscious raspberry liqueur crafted with precision. Its velvety texture and authentic berry flavour make it the perfect choice for a romantic evening.

Order your Valentine’s Gifts now, and with each bottle, raise a toast to the enduring power of love. Our carefully curated selection reflects not just the artistry of fine spirits but also the commitment to creating moments that linger in the heart.

Hermitage 2005 Grande Champagne Cognac – A Vintage Marvel

Hermitage 2005 Grande Champagne Cognac stands as a pinnacle of sophistication, with a commitment to crafting only the finest spirits. The heart of our collection lies in the Grande Champagne region, where the slow ageing process imparts a unique richness. 

Guided by our brand policy, all Hermitage Cognacs age for a minimum of ten years, a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence.

The meticulous aging process defines the Hermitage 2005 as it matures in 350 litre casks, spending six to eight months in new casks, and gracefully ageing further in seasoned Limousin casks. The medium damp cellars, with their natural floors, contribute to the refined character of this limited edition cognac, available in only a few bottles.

2005 Grande Champagne Cognac

The Aroma and Flavour:

The Hermitage 2005 is a sensory delight. Aromas include a blend of chocolatey mocha, fragrant walnuts, and a subtle vanilla undertone. The flavours unfold with toffee, hazelnut, roasted walnut, and spices such as mace, revealing a vibrant zest of tangerine peel on the tail.

From Vineyard to Glass:

Creating the Hermitage 2005 involved a meticulous blend of Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche grapes, capturing the signature essence of the Grande Champagne terroir. The flatter soil, coupled with Coniaçian chalk, imparts a unique character. Consistent, moderate weather ensures optimal grape ripening.

Distinctive Distillation:

The Hermitage 2005 would have been distilled on a small still with a straight-sided head minimising rectification and preserving maximum wine flavours. A fairly heavy lees enriches the cognac, creating a symphony of delicate notes.

Sip and Savour:

In every sip of Hermitage 2005 Grande Champagne Cognac, one embarks on an exclusive journey through time, terroir, and expert craftsmanship. This limited edition masterpiece can be enjoyed on its own, allowing the complexity of flavours to unfold, or paired with a Côte de boeuf, glazed carrots, and Café de Paris Butter sauce.

Indulge in the extraordinary; savour the sophistication that defines Hermitage Cognacs.

Hot Cocktails

This current cold weather is perfect for trying some of our new, Hot Cocktails. All based on summer varieties they introduce some new, warming ideas to keep away the winter chills.

Hot Toddy

Based on the traditional Hot Toddy, often used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, this popular night cap is fruity and spicy.

Ingredients

  • 50ml Mosgaard Single Malt Whisky
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 25ml lemon juice
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 lemon wedge
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Method: Combine boiled water, whisky, honey, lemon juice, and water in a mug. Garnish with a lemon wedge and cinnamon stick.

Hackney Homebrew

A little stronger and sharper but a lovely warm sipper.

Ingredients

  • 40ml Mosgaard Danish Gin
  • 20ml Montanaro Rosso Di Torino Vermouth
  • 10ml sugar syrup
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise
  • Fresh nutmeg
  • Orange zest, to garnish

Method: Combine gin, vermouth and sugar syrup in a pan. Simmer on a low heat. Break the cinnamon and add with 20 grates of fresh nutmeg and the star anise. Pour into a glass and grate over orange zest.

Hot Old Fashioned Gin

Changing the whisky for gin, and serving it warm, creates a perfect spin on the beloved drink, Old Fashioned.

Ingredients

  • 50ml Mosgaard Danish Gin
  • 10ml sugar syrup
  • 3 dashes orange bitters
  • 50ml boiling water
  • Orange twist, to garnish

Method: Gently heat gin, syrup and bitters in a pan and add the boiling water. Serve garnished with an orange twist.

Delord 2006 Bas Armagnac Arrives

As always at this time of year we bring to our shelves a vintage Delord 2006 Bas Armagnac that was harvested 18 years ago. It is the youngest vintage that we stock, and the perfect gift for those turning 18 this year.  Vintage spirits, such as cognac, armagnac and calvados, will always increase in value over time as only a limited number of bottles were ever produced. Once they have been drunk, there will be no more. The armagnac will not deteriorate once put into glass as the seal will keep it the same as the day it was bottled (although we do recommend resealing bottles every 20 years). The reducing supply, however, means that the value of vintage brandies is increasing all the time and being recognised as a shrewd investment.

Giving vintage armagnac as an 18th Birthday present gives the recipient choices. Either to keep, drink and enjoy or, keep as an investment for years down the line when 2006 armagnacs are far more difficult to obtain. So if you know someone who was born in the year that Italy won the FIFA World Cup and ‘Borat’ was released, this Delord 2006 Bas Armagnac could be the gift for them.

HNY We’re Bringing You Cheer With Our Bin Ends Sale

Bin Ends Sale

Our office reopened on the 2nd of January and as we move into another year in the twenty first century (can you believe it’s nearly 25 years since the start of the new millennium!?) we thought we would bring you some January cheer with our Bin Ends Sale.

Lots of fabulous products at half price, the alcohol is all in perfect condition but some have damaged labels, tops or bottles and others are just end of line.

The Sale is listed on the Home page, grab a bargain whilst you can as there are only limited stocks available.

And talking of bargains, out latest Hermitage Vintage 2004 Cognac is our Introductory offer this month.  Perfect if you are looking for 20th birthday or anniversary gifts in 2024.