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Father’s Day Gifting Ideas

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Father’s Day is just around the corner on 16th June! What better way to show your appreciation than with a luxurious bottle of French brandy? Whether your dad loves Cognac, Armagnac, or Calvados, we have the perfect selection of premium spirits that make an unforgettable gift.

Here are four exquisite options for Father’s Day 2024:

  1. Hermitage 2010 Grande Champagne Cognac
    • Aroma: Fresh and fruity with hints of apricot and vanilla.
    • Flavour: Balanced and smooth with flavours of ripe fruits, oak, and a touch of spice.
    • ABV: 47%
  2. Delord 25 Year Old Bas Armagnac
    • Aroma: Complex bouquet of vanilla, oak, and dried fruits.
    • Flavour: Full-bodied with flavours of prunes, caramel, and a long, spicy finish.
    • ABV: 40%
  3. Toutain XO 8 Year Old Calvados
    • Aroma: Fresh apple and pear notes with a hint of oak.
    • Flavour: Smooth and well-balanced with flavours of baked apple, vanilla, and subtle spice.
    • ABV: 42%
  4. Hermitage 50 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac
    • Aroma: Elegant and complex with notes of oak, tobacco, and dried fruits.
    • Flavour: Exceptionally smooth with layers of figs, dark chocolate, and a hint of rancio.
    • ABV: 41%

Each of these premium French brandies embodies the essence of their respective regions and offers a unique tasting experience that will surely delight any connoisseur. Make this Father’s Day extra special with a gift that shows the father or special male figure in your life just how much he means to you. Cheers to all the wonderful fathers and father figures out there!

Celebrate National Cognac Day with Hermitage Cognac

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National Cognac Day, celebrated annually on June 4th, offers an excellent opportunity to delve into the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship of this renowned French spirit. Cognac, a type of brandy that hails from the Cognac region of France, boasts a storied past and a meticulous production process that ensures its premium quality.

History of National Cognac Day

Cognac’s origins trace back to the 16th century when Dutch settlers arrived in the Cognac region to purchase wood, wine, and salt. They faced a preservation challenge when exporting wine back home, prompting them to distil the wine with eau de vie. They discovered that double distillation produced a finer, tastier product, leading to the birth of brandy.

While brandy is produced globally, only brandy from the six designated areas in the Cognac region of France can be called cognac. These regions span Charente-Maritime and Charente in Western France. The Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) regulates the stringent laws and measures for a brandy to be labelled as cognac. Only specific grape varieties, primarily Ugni Blanc, can be used. The wine must be distilled in an ‘alambic charentais‘, a copper pot still, and then aged in French oak barrels. Longer ageing periods enhance the complexity and aroma of the cognac.

Hermitage Cognac Selections for National Cognac Day

To celebrate National Cognac Day, we recommend four exceptional Hermitage Cognac selections, each with its unique aroma, flavour profile, and characteristics.

  1. Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac
    • Aroma: Rich and fruity with notes of dried apricots, vanilla, and a hint of oak.
    • Flavour Profile: Smooth with a well-balanced mix of fruit, vanilla, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a Cognac Old Fashioned.
    • ABV: 43%
  2. Hermitage 20 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac
    • Aroma: Intense and complex, featuring dried fruits, figs, and subtle floral notes.
    • Flavour Profile: Full bodied with layers of dried fruit, honey, and a long, rich finish.
    • ABV: 42%
  3. Hermitage Cognac Cacao 25
    • Aroma: Luxurious notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted nuts.
    • Flavour Profile: Decadent with a harmonious blend of mocha, cocoa, and a touch of spice, creating a unique and indulgent experience.
    • ABV: 44%
  4. Hermitage 1960 Grande Champagne Cognac
    • Aroma: Exquisite with a bouquet of old leather, tobacco, and hints of dried fruits.
    • Flavour Profile: Exceptionally smooth with deep flavours of prune, walnut, and a lingering finish of spice and oak.
    • ABV: 40%

Celebrate World Cocktail Day

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Cognac Old Fashioned

World Cocktail Day, celebrated annually on May 13th, pays tribute to the artistry and skill involved in cocktail crafting. It acknowledges the global significance and diversity of cocktails, tracing back to the first definition of the term “cocktail” in 1806 within The Balance and Columbian Repository, a publication based in Hudson, New York. Cocktails have since become integral to social gatherings, offering a wide array of flavours and concoctions for people to enjoy and unwind. From the classic sophistication of a Martini to the tropical allure of a Piña Colada or the refreshing tang of a Mojito, cocktails provide endless opportunities for creativity and indulgence. World Cocktail Day encourages enthusiasts to explore new recipes, support local bars and mixologists, and raise a toast to the timeless art of cocktail making. So, whether you prefer your drink shaken or stirred, take a moment today to celebrate the enchantment of cocktails and the joy they bring to our lives. Here’s to World Cocktail Day!

And what better way to honour this occasion than by savouring a Cognac Old Fashioned? This refined twist on a classic cocktail combines the intricate, robust flavours of cognac with the timeless sophistication of an Old Fashioned. To concoct this delightful blend, mix 50 ml of Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac, 7.5 ml of simple syrup, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir thoroughly and strain into a chilled glass over a ice cubes. Garnish with a twist of orange peel to add a zesty touch. Sip slowly and relish the harmonious medley of flavours – it’s a cocktail experience beyond compare.

Happy mixing!

World Whisky Day

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As World Whisky Day approaches on May 18th, our focus turns to Mosgaard Distillery, nestled on the southeastern coastline of the Island of Funen. Founded in 2015 by Gitte and Jes Mosgaard, this distillery is a testament to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the pursuit of flavor.

World Whisky Day

Mosgaard prides itself on crafting exceptional organic whiskys, each a reflection of the pure surroundings and rich traditions of Danish distillation. From the organic Danish Barley Malt to the pure, mineral rich water drawn from beneath the distillery, every aspect of production is meticulously curated for quality and taste.

With a commitment to sustainability at its core, Mosgaard operates with CO2-neutral energy sources and a zero waste ethos, repurposing all remnants from primary production as animal feed. This dedication to environmental stewardship ensures that each sip of Mosgaard Organic Whisky is as pure and flavourful as can be.

Utilising small 50 liter casks, Mosgaard Organic Whisky matures rapidly while preserving its rich, intense, fruity notes.

To prepare for World Whisky Day, we’re highlighting the Mosgaard Organic Whisky range we have for sale on Brandyclassics:

🌟 Mosgaard Organic Oloroso Cask Whisky: A harmonious blend of rich, dark malty flavours and the subtle sweetness of Oloroso sherry.

🌟 Mosgaard Organic Pedro Ximenez Cask Whisky: Indulge in the decadent notes of Pedro Ximenez sherry, beautifully integrated with the smooth complexity of organic whisky. (Grab 15% off this Whisky in the month of May).

🌟 Mosgaard Organic Port Wine Cask Whisky: Experience a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, achieved through careful ageing in select port wine casks.

Cheers to World Whisky Day! 🥃🌎✨

Grapefruit Montanaro Cocktail

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Introducing the Grapefruit Montanaro Cocktail: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail

If you’re seeking a sophisticated yet light libation to elevate your evening, look no further than the Grapefruit Montanaro Cocktail. Crafted with the finest ingredients including Montanaro Aperitivo 6 PM vermouth and Mosgaard Organic Dry Gin, this drink promises a delightful symphony of flavours that dance across your palate.

Grapefruit Montanaro Cocktail

Montanaro Aperitivo 6 PM vermouth sets the stage for this cocktail with its invigorating blend of citrus and herb essences. This vermouth isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s the star of the show. Sipping it on the rocks with a grapefruit wedge is an experience in itself, but when combined with the botanical notes of Mosgaard Organic Dry Gin, its flavours truly shine.

The addition of gin not only boosts the alcohol content of the cocktail but also serves to balance out any excess sweetness, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours. But we’re not done yet – the fresh lime juice and grapefruit add a zesty, citrusy punch that elevates the cocktail to new heights.

To ensure that every sip is as refreshing as the first, we top off the concoction with a splash of sparkling water. This not only adds a delightful effervescence but also lightens the overall beverage, making it the perfect companion for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • Ice
  • 25 ml Mosgaard Organic Dry Gin
  • 25 ml Montanaro Aperitivo 6 PM vermouth
  • Splash of lime juice
  • Grapefruit peel and wedge, for garnish
  • S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, fill to rim

Method:

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the Mosgaard Organic Dry Gin and Montanaro Aperitivo 6 PM vermouth.
  3. Add a splash of lime juice for that extra citrusy kick.
  4. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel and a wedge for added flair.
  5. Top off with S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water until the glass is filled to the rim.
  6. Give it a gentle stir to mix all the flavours together.
  7. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors with every sip.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, the Grapefruit Montanaro Cocktail is sure to impress.

Luxury with Hermitage Vintage Cognacs

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Indulge in the epitome of luxury with Hermitage Vintage Cognacs, crafted from the finest grapes of the Premier Cru region. Our luxury cognacs undergo meticulous distillation in small stills, followed by long natural ageing in oak casks. This individual ageing process enhances the richness and complexity of Hermitage Cognac, unequalled by major producers and resulting in a truly luxurious experience with each savoured sip.

Luxury with Hermitage Vintage Cognacs


Benefits of Hermitage Cognac:

  • Value: Early Vintage cognacs appreciate 7-10% p.a.
  • Vintage Cognac: Decades of ageing in dark cellars and bottled at the peak of excellence.
  • Single Cru: Sourced exclusively from the Premier Cru of Cognac, ensuring unparalleled quality and refinement.
  • Premier Cru: Handpicked grapes from prestigious estates, reflecting the essence of the region’s terroir and heritage.
  • Single Estate: Each cognac represents generations of skills and experience by individual distillers on acclaimed estates.
  • Unblended: Our cognacs are unadulterated, preserving the pure essence of the distillation process and showcasing the true character of the grapes.
  • No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial additives, our luxurious cognacs are a testament to authenticity and purity.

Hermitage Trilogy Cognacs

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Hermitage Cognac unveils ‘The Trilogy’, featuring Cigar 15, Café 20, and Cacao 25 Grande Champagne Cognacs. Aged without colour or sugar additives, each bottle epitomises top cru excellence for the true connoisseur’s delight. This sensory journey, highlighting our distinctive mocha and roasted nuts house style, honours the tapestry of 20th Century café culture.

The packaging, reminiscent of Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s allure, artfully intertwines the sophistication of cognac, coffee, cigars, and cacao.

Hermitage Trilogy Cognacs

Hermitage Cigar 15 Cognac: Many fine aromas of tobacco, almond and nutmeg precede. The drier forest floor flavours with walnut, saffron and cocoa tailing off to a long, kumquat finish. Abv 41% 

Hermitage Café 20 Cognac: A rich, robust, dark cognac with mocha, coffee and roasted walnut flavours combined with brittle toffee and some citrus finishing notes.  Abv 42% 

Hermitage Cacao 25 Cognac: Initial aromas of dark chocolate complement balanced flavours including wild cherries, bay leaves, ginger, honey and a long orange marmalade finish. Abv 43%

‘The Trilogy’ encapsulates the essence of Grande Champagne quality, presenting a refined fusion of flavours inspired by a timeless era in every sip.

Hermitage Returns to Prowine Singapore 23 – 26 April 2024

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Discover why Hermitage Single Estate Cognacs are revered as the pinnacle of luxury. Our commitment to sourcing high quality, aged premier cru cognacs ensures an unparalleled tasting experience. From 20 year old cask matured eaux de vie to rare finds aged for nearly a century, our cognacs are free from artificial additives, and boast age statements for transparency.

Chosen for maximum flavour and minimal alcohol burn, Hermitage Single Estate Cognacs undergo long barrel ageing in dark, humid cellars by seasoned cellar masters. Plus, enjoy competitive prices that are only half that of big brand generic blends like VSOP and XO.

Hermitage Single Estate, Premier Cru Cognacs are magnificent examples of luxury and  our Asian customers adore them. We are now actively distributing our fine cognacs across Southeast Asia. Tasting is believing so come and taste the mastery of tradition at Prowine Singapore, 23 – 26 April, booth 2C2-11. Sample our classic cognacs, including the Hermitage 50 Year Old, Hermitage 1944, 1960, 2004, and the magnificent 1 litre crystal decanter, Marie Louise 70 Year Old, all timeless classics from the Grande Champagne region.

Looking to offer your customers the finest cognacs? Look no further than Hermitage Cognac.

 Register your visit to Prowine Singapore 2024 for free here.

Massougnes Bonbonne 150 -200 Years Old

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Massougnes Bonbonne

We have had this fabulous 150 -200 year old bonbonne for decades; it was given to us by The Comtesse de Bordelaise.  She is a direct descendant of the last French Royalty, King Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine and has direct links with the British Royal Family.  Although frail, she still lives on the remains of the Massougnes Estate near Aigre.

Once large and famous, the Massougnes estate has diminished considerably in size but over the years we have bought a few bottles of fabulous, historic and rare Massougnes cognacs from the Comtesse.  She shared some of their story with us in a handwritten note, translated and summarised thus:

The Massougnes estate is about 400 years old and descendents of the original owner still live there.  In 1800, it comprised 180 hectares with 40 – 50 members of staff.  All was well until a terrible disease ‘Phylloxera’ destroyed the vines during the 1870s decade and most were never replanted.  Instead, the estate took to raising wheat, barley oats, cows and horses.  The old bottles of cognac were, however, well looked after.  Every ten years the closures (cork & wax) were changed so the cognac remained at its strength of 41% abv.  Thanks to this care the bottles of Massougnes cognac, harvested over 200 years ago, have been preserved in accordance with the family motto ‘All heart. All honour’. 

Truly, history in a bottle, or in this case a Massougnes Bonbonne.

The Reincarnation of Camille Boissier

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A Cognac Novel

If you love the Cognac region of France, and are looking for something different to read, then this Cognac novel could be for you:

“In the hear of the Grande Champagne district in France, Chateau Biossier becomes the battleground for a high-stakes game of chess between Gerard Boissier, the desperate owner of the cognac estate, and Carlo Fieschi, a conniving Corsican rogue.

Gerard, drowning in debt, is willing to risk it all on the outcome of a late-night game of chess. As the tension escalates, Fieschi proposes a sinister deal; he offers Gerard a way out of his financial troubles by casting Gerard’s daughter, Jeanne, in a film role. In a moment of weakness, Gerard agrees, unknowingly sealing his daughter’s fate.

The Reincarnation of Camillie Boissier is a gripping tale of deception, desperation and the dark side of ambition, exploring the lengths to which people will go in the pursuit of their desires and the devastating consequences that follow; a poignant tale of love, understanding and connection set against the backdrop of outstanding French countryside.”

Written by prolific author and cognac fan, Robert Wallace, the paperback can be purchased at www.rob-wallace.co.uk.