Category: News

It’s been a very busy start to the year with interesting cognac events in the diary and the arrival of yet more new stock. Following the BNIC’s launch of a new brand identity for the cognac appellation, they organised a trade-only Tasting event in London. Very well attended, our cognacs with age statements, under the Hermitage label, went down a storm.  The event was hosted by Michelle Brachet, cognac expert and educator, who we thoroughly enjoyed hosting when she subsequently visited us in Wiltshire. Another new Hermitage vintage cognac has just joined our handpicked range.  It was distilled in 1948… Read more

With effect from 1 April 2018 any cognac classified as an XO must have been aged for a minimum of 10 years.  This change of XO Definition means that in the case of a blend, which many are, the youngest cognac used must now be at least a decade old.  This is a 4 year increase as previously only 6 years of ageing was sufficient for a cognac to qualify.  Regulatory body, the BNIC, comments that the change is designed to extend the quality positioning of XO cognacs and align them with market reality (some XOs are aged for 10… Read more

Just arrived – Hermitage 1968 Petite Champagne Cognac. The mid 1960s produced some excellent cognacs from Petite Champagne and this one is no exception.  It needs to stand for a few minutes for the aromas of hazelnuts, brioche, bananas and gooseberries to develop.  This is a lighter style cognac, exhibiting many flavours initially of roasted hazelnuts with brioche and a hint of lime.  These develop slowly with banana, blueberries and a hint of strawberries with the zest of lime influencing the tail.  Distilled 50 years ago, it is a very special treat for someone celebrating their half century in 2018. … Read more

Our Cognac Buyer has been super busy recently and these latest additions to the Hermitage range are astonishingly good!  Both are from the top cru, Grande Champagne.  They are wonderful examples of spirit that has been aged naturally, in oak casks, for decades.  Indeed they are two of the best cognacs in our portfolio. Hermitage 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac has been in wood for more than half a century. Distilled 70 years ago it is remarkable, rich and complex and has developed a wonderful, rich rancio which lasts on the palate for a very long time. Hermitage 45 Year Old… Read more

There are so many reasons to enjoy your cognac with a companion this month. Shrove Tuesday is time for a little indulgence and cognac brings just that. Whether you like to flambé or sip it on the side, it will certainly make your pancakes special.  This year Shrove Tuesday falls on 13th February. Valentine’s Day celebrates the sharing of love – how about cognac sharing too? Perfect for a cosy winter’s night in front of the fire, it warms your heart as well as your body. And for those who find the amber nectar a little strong, we recommend its… Read more

For decades we have referred to Nicholas Faith’s book ‘Cognac’ for bits and pieces of information – his books have become the standard in the industry.  They are regarded by most professionals as invaluable guides to cognac, it’s history and the thousands of producers in the Charente region of France where the King of Spirits is made.  The world of cognac is evolving faster now than ever before. Increased sales volumes have created the need for bigger harvest yields and the means of making different cognacs. It therefore comes as no surprise that a new book on the subject has… Read more

For decades we have been advocating the use of tulip glasses for drinking cognac.  DB has written much on the subject including one of his monthly Technical Topics.  Now it seems other professionals in the industry are speaking out.  Well respected cognac producer, Frapin, have called for a ban on brandy balloons.  The giant glass does nothing for the spirit.  Export Director Bertrand Verduzier said “Tulip glasses are the best way to experience cognac as you get more aromas coming through and with balloons you just get alcohol”.  Michelle Brachet, cognac expert and educator, agrees suggesting the introduction of a… Read more

Cognac rebrands.  Its regulatory body, the BNIC, has just unveiled a new brand identity for the appellation which was officially recognised over a hundred years ago.  The logo depicts a rich, copper still-coloured map of the growing region.  Bordering the Atlantic ocean, the appellation is bisected by the river Charente and comprises 6 cognac crus.  The newly designed logo reminds us that the King of all Spirits is the product of one place only.  It is designed to be inspiring, like cognac itself.  It should also convey to consumers the wonderful history of the region and craftmanship of the producers. … Read more

We are really looking forward to 2018 as two more Hermitage celebration vintages are added to our stores. An exceptional Borderies 1958 cognac was the first to arrive and it has just been joined by a rare, Grande Champagne gem from 1938. Wonderful, single estate, vintage cognacs but particularly special for those with a 60th or 80th celebration this year. The full range of Hermitage celebration vintages comprises: 1928, 1938, 1948, 1958, 1988, with 1968 arriving next month. And if it’s armagnac you’re after, we have the following vintages in stock: 1918, 1928, 1938, 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988, &… Read more

For the 3rd year running, cognac exports have increased with a 10% growth in volume and a 15% growth in value.  The US retained its position as the largest cognac market.  China has led the return to growth in the Far East.  Prosperity in Europe has also returned thanks mainly to renewed interest from Russia and the Baltics.  Naturally, this good news has led to speculation of more cognac house takeovers in the Cognac region. Some major non-cognac companies may be looking to extend their portfolio in this area as a good investment.  It is also understood that hefty price… Read more