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Tag: Hermitage Cognac

David on Technical Topics – Hermitage, A Fine Brand of Cognac

Posted / in Brandy Education, News from the Brandy Houses and tagged ,

The other day we were discussing our corporate logo and I was wondering how many people have actually looked at it and studied its design?  The use of company logos by many organisations is really to distinguish themselves from other similar names or businesses.  In our case we have set out to achieve rather more than this as our logo represents a guarantee of quality. To understand this better we need to look at what each element of the logo represents.

The Hermitage Cognacs logo is based on some of the important features of the cognac industry.  In the middle is an oak barrel, the wood being represented by an oak tree.  Over the barrel is a Charentais alembic still head with its long swan’s neck coming from the top.  During the distillation process, the alcoholic steam escapes through this to a condenser where the steam is changed back into a liquid.

Many Cognaçais understand about ‘The Angels Share’ – the fine droplets of alcohol that escape into the atmosphere above the cellars where the valuable nectars are stored.  In our logo one of the angels holds a glass with ‘The Angels Share’ and the other holds the key to ‘Paradis’, the cellar where the finest and oldest cognacs are stored.

Lastly, the Latin inscription under the barrel reads “Adhuc hic Hesterna”.  This means “That of Yesterday is here Today” and is a fitting reference to top quality cognacs from a past era when quality was paramount to the distiller’s survival in his trade.

So, look out for the Hermitage Cognacs logo.  When you see it on the label you will know that you are buying the very finest quality cognac there is available.  You can read more about these wonderful cognacs here.

 

2. Frapin 25 yo and Hermitage 25 yo Cognac

Posted / in The Bottle Story and tagged , , , , ,

Frapin has launched a 25 year old vintage cognac, laid down in 1988 and bottled at 41.5% abv.  With style characteristic of a Grande Champagne cognac, just 1000 bottles have been produced retailing at £160 a bottle.  Compare this with our own award winning Grande Champagne cognacs – Hermitage Chez Richon 1988 which retails for just under £100 and Hermitage Segonzac 25 year old priced at just over £100.

The Cognac Process – Part 12. Establishment of a Cognac Regulatory Body

Posted / in The Cognac Process and tagged , , , , ,

Many of the established growers and merchants recognised the need to establish a body to control and manage the quality and sale of cognac. Much of the preliminary work had been done before the Second World War and a great deal of de facto independence from the government had already been gained – the Charente region had been divided into crus in 1909, as a natural consequence of the system of Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée,  and  the geographical areas had been delimited by government in 1936. During the War a wine and eaux de vie bureau was created to try and protect the cognac stocks.  After the War this organisation was made official and The Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac or BNIC was established.  The existing Station Viticole’s cognac research laboratories were also placed under its wing and so the BNIC’s role of managing every aspect of cognac production and sales began.

Our Hermitage 1947 is a classic vintage cognac from the post war era, produced at the outset of the BNIC’s establishment.

Cognac Houses Should Be Different, Not Follow The Crowd

Posted / in News and tagged , , , ,

Cognac expert Ed Bates, speaking at a tasting in London recently, highlighted the stylistic and commercial stranglehold that the big four houses have on the industry (they have 80% of the cognac market).   In order to compete, most of the other houses “try to copy Hennessy XO because the world, or Asia, thinks that cognac tastes like Hennessy XO”.  They do have another option though, he says, which in the longer term could be more beneficial.  Making the individuality of their terroir (which includes factors such as the skill of the distiller, still, casks, cellar etc.) their unique selling point (USP) would set them apart from the competition.  As the Chinese market, which thrives on the blended generic labels, slows down the more opportunity unique products will have to gain wider recognition.  Ed Bates is convinced that concentrating on quality and what sets your cognac apart is the way ahead as this ensures that the maître de chai is in charge of style not the marketing director.  Here at Hermitage Cognacs we couldn’t agree more, we have always been clear about our USP – exceptional cognac from single estates, each with a ‘number on the bottle’ to confirm its provenance.

Hermitage Cognacs Awarded Cognac Grand Master

Posted / in Brandy Bottle Reviews, News, News from the Brandy Houses and tagged , ,

Last year we were delighted to announce the success of our Hermitage Provenance Cognacs winning Gold medals at The Cognac Masters – a blind tasting competition with an independent panel of expert judges – but our latest news is even better!  Just before Christmas we were thrilled to be announced as The Spirits Business Cognac Grand Master.  A real accolade, designed to emphasise excellence in the spirits industry, it confirmed Hermitage Cognacs as the best cognac house in the entire competition. Click here to view the entire range and judge for yourself.