Distillation is essentially a physical rather than a chemical action and is in effect the concentration of a wine mixture or fermented fruit or grain. It is a means of separating the constituents of a liquid mixture by partial vaporisation of the mixture and the separate recovery of the vapour and the alcoholic residue. In the case of making brandy, the grapes must conform to strict standards, mainly to control their quality and defects since both are concentrated in the distillation. The grapes used to make fine brandy have to combine both acidity and fruitiness but in cheaper distillations such… Read more

Pineau des Charentes has always been the drink which everybody likes but nobody can ever remember how to buy. Almost without exception, people who taste the rich and fruity drink for the first time are totally hooked on it and swear they will buy more at the first opportunity. So where are the orders? A good question, it seems that having tasted the first bottle potential customers lose contact from where they found out about it and then forget all about it. This year Brandy Classics are introducing a new Vintage 1995 Pineau des Charentes in 50cl bottles. It is… Read more

Delamain is one of the oldest cognac houses, it’s history dates back to around 1759 when James Delamain returned from Ireland. The family had emigrated there in 1625 in the suite of Henrietta Maria, the sister of the French King Louis XIII and wife of Charles I. Three years after his return he joined his father in law, Isaac Ranson, perhaps one of the most famous names in 18th century negoçiant’s. La Rochelle was widely regarded by foreigners around 1700 as the port where brandies were shipped and the Ransons were believed to be trading around 1700 but were involved… Read more

The house was established in Jarnac by one Alexandre Bisquit who at only 20 started trading in salt, one of the regions oldest staple products. He became mayor of Jarnac for a while in 1848 after the revolution and was a staunch Republican. His daughter married Adrien Debouché who added his name to the firm and their daughter married Maurice Laporte, a notable local figure who became a senator. Laporte was also active in the business increasing sales especially to China and the Far East. The firm grew steadily until in 1965 the family sold the business to Paul Ricard,… Read more

The Oldest spirit in France celebrates 700 years in 2010 Perhaps to celebrate the long history of Armagnac produced in the foot hills of the Pyrenees, but mainly to draw attention to the oldest spirit in France, a delegation from Armagnac made the journey to the Vatican City. They collected a facsimile of the Vital Texts written in 1310. They describe the forty virtues of an alcohol called Aygue Ardente, the ancestor of armagnac and which has been preserved in the Vatican Library since 1531. It will be displayed around the world during 2010. These days the 40 virtues of… Read more