A Cognac may be sold only 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.
A 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.
A 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.
A Napoleon, or X.O (for Extra Old ), 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.
Louis Bouron - VSOP
Family Property since 1832, Louis Bouron is one of the only owners whose vineyard is spread over 3 of the best growths (crus) of the official region of the Cognac. Thanks to this specificity, their Cognac and Pineau des Charentes are the result of a smooth combination of the roundness & suppleness of Fins Bois, the violet flavour of Borderies and the floral bouquet of Petite Champagne.
Louis Bouron - VS
Family Property since 1832, Louis Bouron is one of the only owners whose vineyard is spread over 3 of the best growths (crus) of the official region of the Cognac. Thanks to this specificity, their Cognac and Pineau des Charentes are the result of a smooth combination of the roundness & suppleness of Fins Bois, the violet flavour of Borderies and the floral bouquet of Petite Champagne.
Leyrat - XO Vieille Réserve
Old gold in colour.
A complex nose opens with nutty aromas, pastry and butterscotch and a hint of dry leaves.
The nose evolves to more pronounced dry fruit and nuts with vanilla undertones.
The palate is present and initially quite dry with the long clean finish typical of Leyrat cognacs.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
Leyrat - XO Elite
Old gold in colour.
The nose is more delicate than the X.O. with dominant floral aromas and mature wood character. It evolves to spice, pepper and sandalwood as well as the walnuts and irises typical of fine ‘rançio’.
The palate is complex, dense and outstandingly long.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
Leyrat - Très Vieux
Deep old gold in colour.
The nose epitomises Cognac having been aged for a prolonged period with a panoply of spicey and cigar-box aromas. With time oakier notes appear and damp leafy humus with a hint of forest mushroom.
The palate is long and spicy with honey and a slightly dry finish typical of such venerable Cognac.
Leyrat - Extra
Old gold in colour.
The nose has remarkable floral freshness with leafy undertones.
This first impression yields to fine spice, notably cinnamon and pronounced aromas of stewed fruit and quince. The palate is exceptional for its smoothness, packed with peach and apricot flavours and with a hint of resin and honey in an elegant and powerful finish.
Léopold Gourmel - Promenade en Cognac 3 x 20cl
Age of Fruit - Age of Flowers - Age of Spices. For the first time recognize the three natural aromatic stages, memorize them easily and select them according to the different instances.
Le Roch - XO Fine Champagne
The nose is prune, cinnamon and liquorice.
The tannins are supple, oily and silky on the palate.
No bitterness. There is a distinctive smoky scent.
Le Roch - VSOP Petite Champagne
This is a 10 years old cognac with an amazing bouquet, making it one of the best in its class.
Le Réviseur - XO
Amber in colour.
The initial nose has soft oak and vanilla. The nose develops to a very elegant ‘rancio’ with delicious dried fruit and nut aromas.
The palate is soft and lingering with liquorice and ‘rancio’ flavours.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
