A Cognac may only be soldy when its youngest eau-de-vie reaches a minimum of two and a half years old, as of the first day of October following the harvest of the grapes.
Only the years of storage in oak barrels count to determine its age.
Once transferred into glass, the Cognac stops maturing . It stands still.
V.S (for Very Special) , also called *** (or Three Stars) is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least two and a half years old.
V.S.O.P ( for Very Superior Old Pale) , also called Reserve, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is between four and a half and six and a half years old.
XO (for Extra Old ) , Napoléon, also called Hors d'âge, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least six and a half years old.
Most Cognac houses will use Cognacs much older than those required by law, allowing X.Os to reach a minimum of twenty years old, in order to reveal their very best.
Jean Grosperrin -1971- Grande Champagne Raw from cask
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
2009 release coming from the last unreduced cask! 65°2 of pure happiness with an extraordinary aromatic power. “Sparkling” nose-feel, with some notes of crystallized orange and spices, strong floral presence (jasmine, honeysuckle). Oily feeling in mouth in spite of the strong alcoholic level, surprisingly cooling. The plenitude of the ageing is at its maximum intensity on this non-reduced version. Finishes very long, with a return of spices. Very well-balanced cognac, for aficionados and cognac lovers.
Jean Grosperrin -1983- Fins Bois
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Nice mahogany hue. Classical nose, well balanced and pleasant. Tasted straight, the effect was very tannic ; mouth-drying and somewhat bitter. Water brings the oily notes forward (adding liqurice), introduces some white flowers notes. After a few minutes, the white flowers notes turn into fruity notes. Viscous, even waxy mouth-feel; some sweetness to start and then spicy (nutmeg, liquorices, cloves) and bitter (wreck wood). Finishes long and nervous.
Jean Fillioux -1991- Private Collection
With his roots firmly planted in the pure, time-honoured tradition of his ancestors, a man content in the shadows and a conjuror of magical aromas, Pascal will be happy to welcome you into his cellars where you can discover and share his Collection Privée.
Hine -1981- Early Landed "Collector"
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
The Early Landed are aged in bonded cellars near Bristol (UK) under the guard of the local authority.
In 1981, Ronald Reagan succeeds Jimmy Carter, as the 40th President of the United States.
Hine -1983- Early Landed
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
The Early Landed are aged in bonded cellars near Bristol (UK) under the guard of the local authority.
In 1983, Australia won the America's cup for the first time in its history, the US having won for the last 132 years.
Hine -1975-
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
They are aged in 18th century cellars in Jarnac under two locks and keys - one belonging to HINE and the other kept by the Cognac authorities.
Hine -1960- "Collector"
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
They are aged in 18th century cellars in Jarnac under two locks and keys - one belonging to HINE and the other kept by the Cognac authorities.
Château de Beaulon - Vintage -1983-
Over twenty years spent silently ageing in oak barrels has resulted today in this exceptional cognac. An exceptional cognac from an exceptional vintage.
Raymond Ragnaud - Vintage 1993
Vintage Cognac is unique since very limited quantities are available. Only a few distillers are wise enough to put aside the good years part of their production to be certified as a specific vintage.
