Cognac Paradox, Cigars and Cognac, new products.


The Cognac Paradox

Following studies on wine and health which have allowed the public to discover the virtues of red wine on health and the fantastic explosion of sales that followed (the French Paradox), the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (B.N.I.C.) has launched a study on the same subject. Conducted by Roger Cantagrel, director of the wine growing station, a first compilation of existing studies on the subject of benefits of a moderate consumption of eaux-de-vies aged in oak casks was made. The results are very promising particularly concerning the role of polyphenols coming from wood, associated with the antioxidant virtues inherent in Cognac. We should receive the results of the tests shortly, and we will publish them immediately. In the meantime, we suggest you drink in moderation, old habit from Charente, which was tried and tested, as we all know that people live longer in Cognac and around than in Scotland…

Three new products

Fillioux takes up the cigar smokers' niche The Cognac house Jean Fillioux, famous for the subtlety of its eaux-de-vies providing from the "golden triangle" of Grande Champagne, is presenting a Cognac that was conceived to come in harmony with cigar smoking. It is called Cigar Club and is presented in an engraved bottle decorated with a label and a band around the neck in the spirit of cigar. The Cognac reveals an astonishing complexity with a nose where almond, vanilla and tobacco smoothly merge together. The mouth is fruity and delivers aromas such as cinnamon, chocolate and prune with an ideal length for the combined tasting of a great cigar. Please inquire here.

The Guerbé Club Blend gets the honors of the press. Especially designed to be drunk as an aperitif, the Club Blend from Guerbé is resolutely attacking the whiskies' niche. It is presented in a rectangular carafe with a screw cap, containing a fine Cognac blonde which will allow young generations to discover (or rediscover) the richness and the subtlety of aromas and tastes of the liquor of the angels. Many articles published in the Charente Libre, the Revue des Comptoirs, Sud-Ouest… have greeted this innovative step towards the reconquest of modern consumers. For more information, please send us an email or visit our Secure Boutique

Hine Rare & Delicate in a 1 liter carafe We had already told you about the release of this Hine quality in a 1 liter carafe, and today, we have a picture of this new product that is very promising. Let's hope that the distribution network, as always very carefully selected, will expand, to allow a larger number of consumers to enjoy this prestigious bottle. Please inquire here.

Cognac & Tonic: key industry leaders commit themselves

Cognac companies heads met together with Christian Delage to enter into an undertaking to become ambassadors of Cognac as a long drink. Although they enjoy other spirits, company heads from Cognac, following the example of the Prime Minister, will exclusively serve our beloved drink on the occasion of meetings with their professional environment. Thank God, it's Monday!

Testing harmony between Cognac and cigars, by the best French wine tasters at the Château de l'Yeuse

On the occasion of a gathering of the Union de la Sommellerie Française (French Wine Tasters), organized by Patrice Franck, national vice-president and chief wine taster at Château de L'Yeuse, there was a mixed tasting of some of the best Cigars together with the finest Cognacs. Followed are the tasting notes of these true experts.

COHIBA 
Lanceras : Castro's legendary cigar. Magnificent in it's shining and firm wrapper delivering slightly spicy notes. On the draw, spicy aromas arise (cinnamon, white pepper). On the head of the cigar, Hine Antique is the most harmonious Cognac to go with it. Smell of leather and game best characterize the middle of the cigar. For this second third of it, a fine Cognac such as Quintessence from Gourmel would be appropriate. On the finish, the cigar delivers notes of fire and a bit of cocoa. We selected the N°7 from A.E. DOR which 42° proof are in harmony with the strength of the finish. Beautiful cigar full of subtlety and harmony.

Siglo I : Small cigar beautifully aromatic where menthol, buttery and toastlike notes mix together. Great cigar for a beginner to be discovered and appreciated amongst friends. The finish delivers more floral aromas. To accompany this small cigar, we would suggest an A.E. DOR N°7 Cognac which strength contains the aromas of this small cigar.

Esplendidos : Nice cigar with a fine and colorful wrapper. Although the cigar is difficult to light up, the draw is very smooth. First we noted the spices (nutmeg and vanilla). We would suggest an X.O. from Courvoisier to match this cigar for it's very aromatic nose with a vanilla note. The middle of the cigar evolves towards slightly acid, honey and syrupy flavors. We found le Petit Gourmel was the most harmonious match: it is a young Cognac with flowery notes and a slightly exuberant mouth. Bitterness and notes of fire are more present on the finish. This is why we would suggest the A.E. DOR N°7 Cognac still for it's higher proof, which brings the right vivacity.

EL REY DEL MUNDO
Gran Coronas : Very pleasant aspect, nice presentation for this slightly oily wrapper. The tasting is consistent to the end with aromas of honey, flowers and freshly roasted coffee intimately blended which come out in turn throughout the tasting without overcoming others. The best Cognac to match this fine cigar should taste harmonious rancio. Dynastie from Polignac fulfills these criteria.

HOYO DE MONTERREY
Epicure N°1 : It's fine wrapper, slightly veined is rich and oily. A cigar that stands well in the mouth. A slight touch of bitterness on the draw (orange peel) which perfectly matches a young and dashing Cognac such as le Petit Gourmel. It evolves towards more floral notes (dry herbs) before delivering notes of roasted coffee. The middle and the finish perfectly match the N°7 A.E. DOR Cognac for its proof strength and its powerful rancio.

PARTAGAS
8-9-8 : It offers an irregular wrapper but very fine and oily. The first draw reveals subtle spice aromas (cinnamon, vanilla) with a hint of pepper. The best Cognac to match the draw of this remarkable cigar is the Quintessence from Gourmel for its notes of apricot, old walnut and steep fruits. It evolved towards honey and toastlike aromas. It delivers a smooth, slightly creamy finish, which well matches an X.O. from Courvoisier, with its rancio flavors and a long-lasting mouth.

MONTECRISTO
N°2 or OBUS : Nice wrapper with a very recognizable shape. The spicy draw gives place to a more floral note of dry hay and spices. On the draw we suggest The Duke from Dobbe for it's oily character as well as its richness and finesse. On the finish of this powerful Havana, the aromas become quite burning. A strong Cognac is required to resist these aromas, this is why we picked the A.E.DOR N°7.