A remarkable find that perfectly reflects the essence of our work as independent bottlers.
In September 2024, our quest for exceptional cognacs led us to a special encounter in the Charente region. Through a friendly négociant, we were able to taste a cognac from the private collection of another retired négociant - a man with a great passion for horses who withdrew from the cognac world in the 1990s. This led us to discover what is perhaps one of the most memorable Fins Bois cognacs we have ever had the privilege to taste.
This exceptional eau-de-vie from '45 was preserved until September 2024 in the prestigious vaults of ORECO (Organisation Economique du Cognac), the official guardian of the world's most precious cognac reserves. With more than 1.6 billion liters of stored cognac for 3,391 different owners, spread across 102,000 m², ORECO guarantees the perfect preservation of the finest cognacs from the Charente region. According to ORECO staff, this specific cognac was the oldest ever entrusted to their vaults. With the help of the négociant's children, this exceptional cognac was made available.
Tasting-notes:
Nose: The Adagio. An impressive first impression that immediately sets the tone. The high alcohol content is present but perfectly integrated, testifying to excellent cask maturation. Dried fruit, blood orange, quince, and ginger. There is a continuous evolution and layering. Toffee, salted caramel, pink pepper, and mint. Very intriguing!
Taste: The Scherzo. Builds upon the nose - what a powerhouse! Abundant fruit, walnuts, and roasted almonds. Dark chocolate and tannins, without being drying. Old gunpowder.
Finish: The Finale. Just when you think you've discovered everything, a sixth explosive layer of tropical fruits emerges - mango, papaya, and citrus. Wow! This provides so much freshness and a phenomenal length. Me happy!
Label explanation:
The artwork on the label is inspired by the activities of the retired négociant's children - his son, who is a guitarist with the Paris Philharmonic Orchestra, and his daughter, who is a painter. We see several drops descending, each drop representing a beautiful interplay, a true symphony of flavors and explosiveness. This old cognac is like a masterfully orchestrated symphony - a complex composition that slowly unfolds, with every detail precisely crafted to reach a magnificent finale.
