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David on Technical Topics – How to Buy Cognac as a Gift

Posted / in Brandy Education, Learning about Brandy and tagged

“Christmas” we say with a sigh of disbelief, we have only just recovered from the last annual triumph of food and drink only to be confronted with identifying that special and very personal present for the person in our lives who means so much to us. This year, they say Christmas is for sharing, it is the 2014 theme for retailers so I thought I would share some trade thoughts with you, our unique and individual customers.

Cognac has always been a favourite of ageing fathers and grandfathers, I know, I fit the category myself, but did you know that the majority of our website customers are younger people seeking to find a present that offers a personal and individual offering of thanks or love to those near and dear to them. We recognised more than twenty years ago that customers could easily buy a bottle of highly blended VSOP or XO with all the additives necessary to make the young cognac taste reasonable.  But finding a bottle which is really special and different is a little harder and that’s where we can help.

When you’re buying cognac for someone else it’s sometimes difficult to know what style they prefer so I suggest taking a look at some of our most popular cognacs – Hermitage 2000 (toffee and mocha), Hermitage 1999 (mocha and roasted walnut), Hermitage 10 year old (fruity) and Provenance 30 (chocolate and roasted walnuts) – each one has been individually selected by me for their rich, smooth flavours and as a gift, never fails to please.  Each has been awarded a Cognac Master Medal proving that it is not just us who think they are delicious, the judges did too!  But, if you’re buying for a connoisseur, we recommend trying something more complex.  The Hermitage 43 year old is a triumph of complexity which has matured in a barrel for 43 long years and the Hermitage 1975 is another unique complexity of delicious aromas and flavours, just a little stronger than the minimum of 40%. These too make really special, thoughtful gifts for the cognac lover.

But if Christmas is for sharing this year, how about the Raymond Ragnaud Vieille Reserve Cognac presented with two tulip glasses, ideal for sharing with that special person?  And for those with differing tastes, I have something to share with you.  Pineau des Charentes is made from cognac and grape juice and aged in much the same way as cognac.  At 17% abv it’s the perfect aperitif and its sweet, rich flavour will go with your Christmas pudding wonderfully.  So to help you share this Christmas we are offering a bottle of Chateau de Beaulon 5 y.o. Pineau with 25% discount, with every bottle of Hermitage Cognac you buy.

Cheers and Happy Christmas.