New Vintage Armagnacs – 1949, 1972 & 1985
It is always good to receive new products for our customers and this week we have three new vintage armagnacs to introduce.
Castarede is one of our favourite suppliers of Bas Armagnac, they are also one of the oldest producers of armagnac in Gascony. Here, the vines grow on poor and acidic clay loam soils with pockets of iron elements that colour it reddish brown. This area produces light, fruity, delicate and highly reputed eaux de vie, from which the armagnacs are distilled. The latest 1985 and 1972 vintages, distilled 35 and 50 years ago respectively, have these qualities in abundance and for those looking for a 50th birthday gift, you need look no longer!
We also have a rare 1949 vintage produced by Baron de Sigognac, not long after the end of the war, in the year that the NATO Treaty was signed in Washington DC. This Bas Armagnac is harmonious and elegant on the palate, powerful and well balanced with a long, smooth vanilla finish.
Thanks to Robin Goldsmith, freelance drinks writer at The Write Taste, for reviewing our Hermitage Cognacs as “deliciously decadent vintage Cognacs”. The cognacs that Robin tasted are three of which we are particularly proud:
Our Hermitage 60 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac has always been popular, not just for its stunning flavours, but because it it the perfect gift for those born in 1962 or with a 60th anniversary this year.
On the 21st of March, we are going to celebrate Vermouth Day. Created by Giancarlo Mancino, the date corresponds with the beginning of spring, a period of the year where everything is flourishing. ‘The first flowers bloom, the plants become increasingly green and the scents in the air are so many and so diverse that you want to trap them all inside a bottle.’
March is always the perfect time of year to celebrate Mother’s Day – spring is here and there are signs of new life appearing around every corner. So how do you say thanks to your Mum for all the years of love, kindness and support? Well this year we have lots of new ideas including 
The premium drinks market is seeing a significant rise in demand as the worst effects of the pandemic subside. The BNIC has just released figures that show a 31% increase in cognac exports by value, equating to an increase of 16% by volume. These rises also compare favourably to the pre-pandemic demand in 2019. “This growth reflects a real recovery of cognac, as well as new consumption habits,” the BNIC said. Sales to the spirit’s largest market, the United States, climbed 11 %, sales to China, its second biggest, leapt 56 % whilst European sales were up 8%. Cognac sales are also growing in newer markets, particularly South Africa and Nigeria.
The Winter 2021 Club Oenologique Magazine is, we are delighted to say, rather cognac heavy. Richard Woodward begins with an in depth article entitled ‘Cognac’s Hidden Houses’. “We all know the big cognac names, if only from our favourite hip-hop tracks. But, a smattering of smaller boutique producers are quietly making their voices heard – and are well worth seeking out” he says. Referring to the big brands, Laurent Vallet of Chateau Montifaud says “It would be boring for consumers to only find 5 or 6 types of cognac”. That sums up the vision here at 
Roses are red,
We have been looking for a new range of calvados to offer the UK market for some while. It’s not been easy as so many are too sweet or have lost the appley flavour. It was therefore tremendously exciting when we came across the 
We are delighted to report that we had even more coverage on Radio Wiltshire last month, featuring on the Christmas Eve Breakfast Show.