Category: The Bottle Story

Frapin has released its VSOP in a new decanter – taller and narrower than the original, it has different detailing on the neck and stopper. One could argue that it looks more like a bottle than a decanter. Frapin is the largest single estate in Grande Champagne (240 hectares) with a family history dating back to 1270. They are known for producing fruity, balanced cognacs but without age statements. A VSOP only has to be aged for 4 years – quite young for the price tag of £55. Compare this with our new VSOP arrival which has been aged for… Read more

David has been in France again looking for more wonderful cognacs to add to the Hermitage Vintage Cognac stable. The latest introduction is a fabulous 30 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac with rich nut, spice and coffee flavours. He also sourced a superb 1987 vintage which was distilled 30 years ago and is now released at the slightly higher strength of 47%.   Retailing at about £130 it compares very favourably to the recently released Hine 1987 which has an RRP of £245. Both were produced when a very cold winter was followed by a wet spring and scorching summer –… Read more

For those with a century to celebrate this Limited Edition Hermitage 1917 Cognac is a must. Harvested during the First World War, this Grande Champagne cognac is powerful and complex and will delight any cognac lover. Only 27 bottles are available and for the month of April 2017, each one has an astonishing £100 OFF. Other vintages available for special anniversaries or birthdays this year include Hermitage 1967 Petite Champagne Cognac, Chateau Montifaud 1977 Petite Champagne Cognac and Hermitage 1987 Grande Champagne Cognac.  If 1947 is the vintage you’re after, it will be arriving on our shelves very soon.  For even more choice, take… Read more

To celebrate its 90th anniversary Cognac Larsen has released an updated version of its Larsen Drakkar carafe. Created in 1952 in homage to the Nordic origins of its founder, Jens Reidar Larsen, the Drakkar Viking ship has become the symbol of the Cognac House. This new, minimalist , more modern version of the carafe is a limited edition to celebrate a history of 90 years. Although originally known for their blend of Petite Champagne and Fins Bois cognacs, Larsen have filled this carafe with Fine Champagne, a blend of Grande and Petite Champagne Cognacs. Retailing at 200 Euros, it will… Read more

New cognacs have been arriving in our stores over the past few months.  The latest addition to our Hermitage Cognacs range is an exceptional vintage 1956. Beautifully balanced with a long finish this is certainly a cognac to savour and for those wanting just a taster, it is also available in 20Cl bottles. We recently supplied our Hermitage 1975 Cognac in magnums for a very special order. Looking mighty impressive, they tasted even better. One of our most successful vintages, the 1975 is coming to an end so if you need to replenish your stocks then please do so right… Read more

We are used to seeing unusual designs of cognac bottles and carafes to catch the eye (many of which have been featured here in The Bottle Story) but recently some big producers have taken to using a bespoke cognac label, designed by a well-known artist, to make their products stand out on the shelves. Hennessy, in particular, must feel that their products are in need of a boost and American tattoo artist Scott Campbell has created the latest artwork. Its purpose, presumably, is to attract younger customers who, in the last 10 years, have embraced the tattoo culture and made… Read more

The first 20cl bottles of Hermitage Cognac are being launched.  This new concept has been designed to suit the needs of many; connoisseurs seeking to taste some of our more expensive cognacs but also individuals wishing to buy sufficient for a small gathering such as a dinner party or to avoid waste at a cosy function. These sophisticated and exciting bottles are new to the industry and another ‘1st’ For Hermitage Cognacs. Currently a selection of our cognacs are available in 20cl bottles from Hedonism Wines and our website and shortly we will be releasing the new Cognac Café 20… Read more

Brand new on the shelves this month is our latest Hermitage 60 Year Old Cognac. This remarkable cognac comes from the top cru, known as Grande Champagne, and has been aged in oak casks for more than 60 years.  At a strength of 40.5%, it has autumnal aromas including tobacco, ginger and clove. Its flavours of truffle, clove, liquorice, burnt toffee and dried fig with a finish of dried mandarin are perfect for enjoying with a fine cigar or to celebrate any 60th Birthday or Anniversary occasion. Working closely with our customers, we have established that there is a growing… Read more

In an attempt to break into the Australian market Camus has released a new and unusual cognac named Ile de Ré Fine Island. Made on the island of Ré, a well known tourist destination and located at the most westerly tip of the cognac region, it is one of only a few cognacs produced in the Bois Ordinaire cru. Most of the ‘eau de vie’ produced in this area is used for making liqueurs with macerated fruits. Experts claim that typically, the cognacs retain the salt and seaweed influence of their viticulture and this, Camus hope, willl be their point… Read more

Distilled during World War I, this Hermitage 1917 Limited Edition Vintage Cognac is a connoisseur’s dream.  It was made in a 25hl still and aged in medium, toasted oak for about 18 months before being transferred to old barrels. Produced in the top cru, Grande Champagne, it is a complex and powerful cognac with many fine characteristics of lime, grapefruit peel, angelica, walnuts and spices and is a fine example of early twentieth century distillation and ageing.  A real treat for any cognac lover, just 29 bottles of this fabulous cognac are available.  There are a number of special offers currently… Read more