An impossible question to answer, it is of course down to personal taste, but we do have a few facts to consider.  Cognac is made from grapes and whisky from grain so cognac can develop a variety of fruitful aromas and flavours which whisky cannot.  Both spirits are aged in barrels and improve over time but cognac is the more complex, takes longer to produce and inevitably, is more expensive.  Additionally, it is double distilled and must be made in accordance with strict regulations.  Whisky can be produced anywhere in the world but cognac must come from the designated Cognac… Read more

The Budget also gives a boost Like-for-like sales in the On Trade sector grew by 1.6% in February, according to figures produced by the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.  This result marks the 23rd consecutive month of positive growth and illustrates the public’s continuing desire to go out to eat and drink.  Such consistent growth indicates that public confidence in the UK economy is improving at a steady rate.  This boost to the On Trade sector may well accelerate throughout the remainder of 2015 following the government’s recent Budget.  Duty on spirits was cut by 2%, a move which followed hard… Read more

We are very excited about the addition of three, new, luxury Grande Champagne Cognacs to our Hermitage collection.  Our best-selling Hermitage 2000 has now sold out but any one of these new arrivals would be a perfect alternative.  Hermitage 2005 is very similar in style with its mocha, toffee and spice flavours and is remarkable for a cognac of its age.  Already a Masters winner at the recent Cognac Masters Awards, Hermitage Provenance 10 is “really expressive”, according to the judges, and will surely have everyone coming back for more.  And Hermitage 20 Year Old is a gorgeous, deep golden… Read more

The Oak Sensation Just at the moment the emphasis on cognac production in the Charente region has changed slightly.  On a recent visit to the area we met with one of the major barrel makers who reported that they are currently reducing their production of barrels.  This is partly because most new barrel orders come at the end of the year and partly because they need to concentrate on bulk tank production.  With the on-going need for blended cognacs, large storage facilities, where blending can take place with the minimum risk of quality deterioration, are constantly in demand. These giant… Read more

Last month we were delighted to welcome Logan and Ada from Zhongshan Yutian Wine Co. to our French offices, SARL Hermitage, in Chez Richon, Segonzac.  After a highly successful visit touring our facilities and the Cognac region, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed covering the regular supply of Grape Brandies and Hermitage Cognacs to China over the next 12 months.  The first order is due to be dispatched shortly and we expect to sign a formal contract later this year. Find out more about our Export Trade products here.  

About six years ago we decided to sell a late vintage cognac.  From our Chez Richon cellars we chose a 2000 vintage which had around 6000 bottles available.  The cognac epitomised our style of powerful flavours, which tend to be on the side of mocha and roasted walnuts but with some good staying power on the palate.  Hermitage Cognac 2000 was an immediate success.  Our customers loved it, partly for its rich qualities and distinctive flavours and partly because it demonstrated that good cognacs don’t have to be expensive. Little did we know then just how well this wonderful nectar would… Read more

Mother’s Day is such a great tradition – one day of the year when we can all take time out to thank our Mums and spoil them with special gifts and gratitude. At Brandyclassics our shelves are stocked high with ideas for Mother’s Day Presents.  We have drinks for every taste but one that is always popular is Pineau des Charentes.  Very young cognac is mixed with grape juice and then aged to produce a rich, sweet aperitif, just delicious served cold or as a dessert wine – a real treat for any Mum. Or, if you prefer an after… Read more

Most people regard the Ugni Blanc as the cognac grape variety but there are in fact 8 different varieties allowed in the production of cognac.  The Ugni Blanc is also known as the St Emillion des Charente, but the Colombard, Folle Blanche, Jurançon, Blanc Ramé, Bouilleaux, Belzac Blanc and Chalosse grapes are also permitted.  More than 95% of all cognacs are made from the Ugni Blanc which was originally an Italian variety called Trebbiano Toscano, from the foothills of the Emilia Romagna near Piacenza.  It is regarded by many as being so widely used that it probably produces more wine… Read more

Recent improvements in the £ / € exchange rate have been of great importance to importers like us so we feel that it is only right and proper to share our good fortune with you. We are extremely grateful to all our customers who have loyally supported us throughout the recession years and now we would like to give you something in return. Traditionally this time of the year sees many cognac and armagnac prices increase and indeed in many cases they have but, to reflect the recent strength of the pound, we are cutting our prices across the board… Read more

Having spent a very cold weekend in the garden pruning trees, shrubs and roses, I gave some thought to those people who have to be in the cognac vineyards at this time of the year pruning the vines. In theory, there is no reason why the vines cannot be pruned as soon as the leaves have died back but at that time of the year, distillation is in full swing so lack of time prevents it.  Most of the distillations have been completed by the New Year and it is then that the work outside begins in order that new… Read more