In many ways calvados is the newest brandy of France.  It only became recognised as such in 1942 when the appellation controleé regulations officially gave calvados a protected name.  The area around the Valley d’Auge and the land extending east past Lisieux became the principle production area.  Here, the Jurassic limestone soil is ideal for growing the various apples required to make calvados. A range of different apples are used initially to create the finest cider – bitter, bitter sweet, acidic and sweet.  These apples have low levels of acidity so a small, firm, Perry pear is also added.  This… 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

We have often talked about distillation on the Lees but rarely described why we do it or indeed what ‘the lees’ are. Many years ago, during cognac production, whole bunches of grapes were crushed in presses to release the grape juice.  The process was fairly crude and some stalks, pips and skins found their way into the juice.  This negatively affected the flavour of the wine and sometimes even contaminated it. Grape crushing was therefore banned after the turn of the twentieth century. The newly designed horizontal presses had slats on the sides.  These rotated slowly putting very little pressure… 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

Does this bottle shape remind you of something?  It looks remarkably like the iconic Louis XIII Cognac presentation from Remy Martin to us!  So why would Camus choose to put their latest release in a copy of such a well-known carafe?  Perhaps they are hoping it will make consumers look twice?  The new Camus XO presentation also contains a new product.  Still blended, and only aged for a minimum of 6 years, this release comes from a single estate in the Borderies cru.  Although only the 3rd cognac cru, Borderies can produce some wonderfully flavoured cognac.  But in our experience,… 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