Delighted to have sold our latest bonbonne of 1882 cognac to Hedonism Wines in Mayfair and, with an asking price of £90k, it was snapped up by one of their customers within 24 hours.  Presented in a traditional wicker basket, the bonbonne contains 10 litres of Hermitage 1882 Grande Champagne Cognac. The cognac would have been made in 300-litre stills and, although small, these were probably the only size that most producers could afford at the time.  It would have been aged in bariques of around 250 litres, for more than 70 years.  No reduction has taken place and so it… Read more

Helena Nicklin, of The Three Drinkers fame, has featured the Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac in her recommendations.  She says “Hermitage is notable for doing things a little differently from most cognac houses, in that each of their bottles including this 10-year-old are single-estate and unblended. Most cognacs use eaux-de-vie from different growing areas, but sticking to one estate creates a bold and expressive mix. The roasted nuts have come through with age, as has the peppery spice and oakiness. This is the perfect present for someone who likes to take their time and sip their cognac neat.” You… Read more

It is that time of year again when we have to review our prices.  In line with so many other price increases that we are experiencing in our lives, the cost of brandy production has increased dramatically too.  Additionally, the government is raising the rate of duty per litre of alcohol to £31.64 on 1st August. ~ We have received the 2023 prices from our suppliers and they have risen more than usual.  Unfortunately, therefore, we have had to apply some uplift to our prices too. ~ The changes will occur on the 1st August 2023 so, if you have some… Read more

‘Paradis’ is the French word for ‘paradise’ and in the cognac industry it is used to describe a designated area in the innermost recess of the cellar.  Not every cognac house has a ‘Paradis’ but those that exist are steeped in history.  Many cognac families select a few of their finest cognacs for storage in the Paradis.  The point when a cognac has gained all the benefit it can from the wood depends on many factors but ultimately, it is when the cellar master decides that it has reached its optimum quality.  At this stage the cognac is put into glass bonbonnes and sealed so that the… Read more

What a great excuse to enjoy all your favourite gins …… World Gin Day on Saturday 10th June 2023!  This annual event celebrates all things juniper including our delicious organic gins from Denmark.  They are made by Mosgaard, who have a modern interpretation of traditional gin with sweetness, softness, and lots of fruity notes.  Their gin is distilled on a hybrid steam infusion kettle with a mix of organic juniper, botanicals and fresh citrus fruits.  Take a look at the range of flavours: Mosgaard Organic Dry Gin is a lime fresh gin with spicy sweetness and a long citrus after taste.  Makes a… Read more

It’s that time of year again when fathers everywhere bask in the limelight for one special day.  Father’s Day 2023 falls on Sunday 18th June so what will you be buying to say “thank you” to that very important member of your family? ~ If Dad’s a brandy drinker we have a huge selection of vintage cognac, armagnac and calvados.  All aged to perfection in French Oak barrels they are mellow and flavoursome.  We specialise in single estate, unblended cognacs made by Hermitage so take a look around, starting below with our Offers, you will find many luxurious bottlings with individual flavours. ~ And if brandy… Read more

The inaugural edition of The GSMC Yearbook highlights the incredible people behind the brands that won Master Medals in 2022’s Global Spirits Masters Competitions.  The Editor, Melita Kiely, explains why these blind-tasting competitions are so important: “When eye-catching packaging designs and household brand names are removed from the equation, there is nowhere left to hide; the liquid is exposed for what it is – and only those made with the utmost skill and precision are awarded the Master accolade.” We were of course delighted last year when Hermitage won not one, but four Master Awards for these Single Estate Cognacs:… Read more

We love to celebrate National Cognac Day!  This year it’s on Sunday 4th June so if you have a bottle you keep for special occasions or fancy trying something new for the first time, this is time to do it! Cognac, which originates from a town of the same name in France, is a type of brandy, the generic name for spirits that have been made from fruit.  It begins life as a white wine, that has been produced in one of six designated growing regions, and is then distilled in an alembic still and aged in oak casks for years…. Read more

A recent article in Trend Hunter explains how Larsen Cognac is challenging the traditional image of cognac with its new campaign. Cognac has traditionally been viewed as a niche product associated with older, affluent individuals. However, in recent years, cognac brands have worked hard to appeal to younger audiences by introducing innovative packaging and partnerships with popular culture and fashion icons.  Their aim is to break down the perception that cognac is only for the elite and make it more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Larsen Cognac is now following that trend by creating a campaign to reinvigorate their brand.  Their… Read more

May is definitely going to be a holiday month with plenty of time to relax and treat ourselves.  Three Bank Holidays and the Coronation of King Charles III gives us all reason to celebrate. We have lots of lovely ideas for this time of year with vermouth, gin, liqueurs, pineau and eaux de vie all giving a spring-like feeling. In addition, the 9th of May is National Moscato Day, a grape you will find in our wonderful grappas, and 20th of May is World Whisky Day, our Mosgaard range is organic and distilled in Denmark. ~ For the royal fans amongst you, how about toasting King Charles III with a… Read more