What is the Meaning of 'Paradis'?
‘Paradi
s’ 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 generations of gentle maturation in the barrel are preserved. A cognac that has lasted in oak without deterioration for perhaps 60, 70, 80 or even 90 years is going to be good, very good and will have developed the much sought after rancio. There is little doubt that these ‘Paradis’ cognacs will be superb masterpieces and truly exceptional amongst other cognacs, perhaps worthy only of paradise.
The superb quality of these specially selected, ancient cognacs is the reason that we have n
amed our pre-1900 Hermitage Cognac range ‘Paradis‘. These fine old nectars, distilled between 1875 and 1893, have been preserved and locked away until their greatness can be recognised by true connoisseurs. The Angels have had their ‘share’, and what’s left is worthy of far higher. Aged for decades, if not a century or more, these pure cognacs were produced over 120 years ago – they really are history in a bottle.
And yet, there is another ‘Paradis’ in the world of cognac. Crafted in 1979, by Hennessy, it is a blend of specially selected ‘eaux de vie’. Hundreds, if not thousands, of cognacs have been merged to produce their version of paradise, packaged in the iconic Hennessy decanter with eye catching packaging. Relatively cheap at about £1,000 per unit but do beware, the cognac will not have an age statement and very little, if any, will come from a true ‘Paradis’.
Our ever popular cognac house, Hermitage is set to expand its trading base to include the Far East. Already sold in many European countries, as well as to private buyers in the US, it is hoped that Singapore and Malaysia will be its next destinations. The 
A very exciting Christmas present for someone perhaps? This 8 litre bonbonne of Hermitage 1889 Paradis Cognac was sold last week, the asking price was £68,300. A one-off presentation of this superb 1889 cognac is a very rare offering by 
Some wonderful
We are thrilled to announce that the Cognac Masters 2022 results have just been released and it was an exceptional medal haul for 
Thanks to Robin Goldsmith, freelance drinks writer at The Write Taste, for reviewing our Hermitage Cognacs as “deliciously decadent vintage Cognacs”. The cognacs that Robin tasted are three of which we are particularly proud:
Our Hermitage 60 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac has always been popular, not just for its stunning flavours, but because it it the perfect gift for those born in 1962 or with a 60th anniversary this year.
The Winter 2021 Club Oenologique Magazine is, we are delighted to say, rather cognac heavy. Richard Woodward begins with an in depth article entitled ‘Cognac’s Hidden Houses’. “We all know the big cognac names, if only from our favourite hip-hop tracks. But, a smattering of smaller boutique producers are quietly making their voices heard – and are well worth seeking out” he says. Referring to the big brands, Laurent Vallet of Chateau Montifaud says “It would be boring for consumers to only find 5 or 6 types of cognac”. That sums up the vision here at 
“All good things must come to an end” is a much used axiom which certainly applies to our Hermitage 2005 Vintage. What a huge success it has been over the past few years! A Gold Award winner at the Cognac Masters, its popularity went from strength to strength but of course the stocks depleted accordingly. Our entry level vintages from the Chez Richon region have all been great successes – 1999, 2000 & 2005 – and we feel sure the new 
Following our unprecedented tally of medals at the International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2021 we are delighted to announce that the