MARTELL IS CHARRING COGNAC CASKS TO MAKE A MORE INTENSE CORDON BLEU

Martell Cordon Bleu Toasted Casks

Pernod Ricard-owned Cognac house Martell is ringing in the Chinese Year of the Rooster with the launch of Cordon Bleu Intense Heat Cask Finish, which utilises a first-of-its-kind finishing process for the brand.

Available in Asia Pacific travel retail, Martell Cordon Bleu Intense Heat Cask Finish is created using a cask toasting and finishing process new to the Cognac house.

Extra heat is applied to the casks using as if charring an American whisky oak barrel.

Then, the cognac is aged 6 months.

The resulting Cognac is said to offer “heightened fruit and spice tasting notes” including a “fruity citrus sweetness, a toasted nuttiness and robust spice”.

The pack also features invisible thermochromic inks that react with a consumer’s body temperature to glow fiery red when rubbed, designed to replicate glowing embers.

Martell Cordon Bleu Intense Heat Cask Finish is available in Asia Pacific travel retail now.

Source: The Spirits Business

SALES FROM REMY COINTREAU SHOW GROWTH

Remy Cointreau

After a strong third quarter, Rémy Cointreau’s sales were up by nearly 5% (and 6% on an organic basis) over the first nine months of its fiscal year. The company’s organic sales rose by 9% in the third quarter (ending December 31, 2016), as high-single digit growth in the U.S. market combined with a double-digit advance in China to produce significant progress.

Rémy’s third-quarter sales bump more than doubled analysts’ projections. Flagship brand Rémy Martin was the company’s growth engine over the first three quarters of its fiscal year. 

The Cognac brand’s sales grew by 11.2% on an organic basis. Meanwhile, in China, the brand’s depletions were up by high-single digits, in part because of the earlier Chinese New Year. Beyond Rémy Martin, Rémy Cointreau’s liqueurs & spirits unit (led by Cointreau) grew by 4.1% over the first three quarters, while its partner brands business fell by 15%, mostly due to the end of distribution contracts for Piper Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck in several key markets.

Source: Shanken Daily News

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BNIC IS HIRING TEUWEN PR AGENCY TO PROMOTE COGNAC

Teuwen and BNIC

Food and beverage PR specialist Teuwen has been named 2017 agency of record for Bureau National Interprofessional du Cognac (BNIC), which acts on behalf of all the Cognac growers and firms of the region of production, as well as Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance in California and Long Island Wine Council in New York.

These are the first spirit Geographic Indication and American wine associations to join the agency’s client roster since being founded in 1995 by Stephanie and Geert Teuwen.

Current clients include: Amy’s Kitchen, Bordeaux Wines, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Côtes de Bordeaux, Elena Walch, Esporão Wines, Falesco, Le Botaniste, Le Pain Quotidien, Rhône Valley Wines, Saint-Émilion-Pomerol-Fronsac and Wines of Alsace.

Started in New York City, Teuwen branched out this past year with the opening of an office in the San Francisco Bay area.

Please Teuwen help!

OLIVIER VERNON GIFTED $300,000 OF COGNAC TO HIS GIANTS FRIENDS

Custom engraved bottles of Louis XIII cognac (Retail: $3,000 each) have been given to every member of the Giants by Olivier Vernon.

Remy Martin Cognac Louis the XIII

Vernon, who started his career with the Dolphins, is in the first year of a five-year, $85 million contract he signed with the Giants over the offseason.
Why not?
If one can afford it!

Source: Complex, Photo REMY MARTIN

INNOVATIVE HAND MADE BRANDY IN ISRAEL

The Pelter family has long been in the tradition of distilling with an uncle traveling in a Ford T going from East to West of the USA to offer distilling service with a home made pot still in 1920 with the start of prohibition.

They distill using a used old cognac pot still they had sourced in France. It is small and therefore can only produce small batch.

They did not follow any one and Pelter is producing spirits from Majhoul dates which was the genesis of this distilling, then single grape brandy of merlot, gin, apple brandy, and soon whisky.

Pelter Distillery makes Single Grape Brandy of Merlot in Israel

They use the resources and grapes from their estate which is very reputable in Israel.

Source: Pelter Winery and Distillery

DIAGEO IS TARGETING EXPERIENTIAL CONSUMPTION WITH TECHNOLOGY

Diageo Consumer Research

Diageo's report released this week presents research gathered by a team of professional cultural ethnographers into three key trends that will shape the way we socialise in 2017 and beyond.

These trends can be seen in a wide range of activity around the world from the growing popularity of immersive entertainment to the advent of technology than can transform the home.

1. the growing desire for “exceptional” experiences among younger consumers,
2. the ongoing trend toward more at-home drinks consumption, and
3. and consumers’ desire to “optimize” their drinks repertoire with products tailored to a specific lifestyle or diet.

One example of how Diageo is targeting the “experiential” piece is through its foray into virtual reality programming with The Singleton brand, in which consumers are virtually transported to the Scottish Highlands region where the whisky is produced.

Meanwhile, it’s catering to the at-home entertainment trend by partnering with delivery services like Drizly in the U.S. and Deliveroo in the U.K., and with the recent launch of a new Johnnie Walker “digital mentorship” program leveraging digital platforms to encourage consumers to further their whisky knowledge from within their own homes. On the specialty product front, Diageo touts the potential of recent offerings like dairy- and gluten-free Baileys Almande and low-carb and zero-sugar Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer.

In conclusion:

Exceptional becomes the rule.
Solutions right at your Home.
Taking control of our choices.

Sources: ShankenDailyNews.com, DIAGEO

50 YO THE DALMORE FINISHED IN CHAMPAGNE CASKS

Whyte & Mackay (part of the Group Emperador, largest brandy producer) brand The Dalmore is marking master distiller, Richard Paterson's, 50 years in the whisky industry by releasing a 50 year old single malt, finished in Domaine Henri Giraud champagne casks.

cognacdailynews-thedalmore-50-champagne

This is not the first 50 years old scotch whisky for The Dalmore. Perhaps, the 3rd I would say.

The Dalmore 50 year old has been crafted in partnership with four other luxury houses:

1) Domaine Henri Giraud: cask finished from craft champagne producer.
2) Baccarat: glass bottle maker.
3) Linley: packaging maker.
4) Hamilton & Inches: silvering.

The artisans at French crystal house Baccarat have created crystal decanters, each of which will be held within a presentation case designed and crafted by the accomplished furniture makers at Linley.

With up to 50 decanters released, hand-filled on order, The Dalmore 50 has been matured in American white oak, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from the world renowned Gonzalez Byass Bodega and port Colheita pipes from the Douro region of Portugal, before undertaking a final finesse for 50 days in champagne casks from Domaine Henri Giraud.

Each decanter will be adorned with a solid silver stag, created by silversmiths Hamilton & Inches, holder of The Royal Warrant.
Richard Paterson, master distiller at The Dalmore says: “This is a special year for me so I chose to finesse this whisky in a champagne cask, as this magnificent drink is synonymous with celebratory occasions.

The 5 steps of The Dalmore 50 Year Old:

1) 1966: The Dalmore new make spirit began its journey in American white oak ex bourbon casks

2) 2003: The maturing whisky is transferred to Matusalem oloroso sherry casks

3) 2012: The whisky is transferred to port Colheita pipes

4) 2016: In January of this year, the spirit was transferred to bourbon barrels as it reached its desired taste profile, prior to finessing.

5) November 2016: The whisky was finessed in Domaine Henri Giraud Champagne casks for 50 days before bottling.

Source: The Drinks Report

2016 MARKS A NEW HIGH FOR COGNAC SALES

The "Cognac Enterprise" is made up of about 16,800 active individuals, which accounts for over 50% of the active general agricultural population in France.

2014, 2015 and now 2016 mark a constant growth for the sales of cognac.

Image to Illustrate Cognac Sales in 500 years

That is growth +6% in volume and +6,8% in monetary value, still fueled by the USA which is making close to 42% of the overall sales for the past 25 years with 74,1 millions of bottles sold in 2016.

More than 98% is exports with 179,1 millions of bottles sold in 2016, was 168,9 millions in 2015. I can still remember not long ago when we were saying that 120 million bottles was a lot!!

Total sales in 2016 equal 2,76 milliards d'euros compare to 2,6 milliards en 2015.

North America comprises 77,3 millions of bottles with +14,2% in sales volume, and 14,3% in value.

Asia is the second market with 51,1 millions bottles sold, that is +1% in volume and +3% in value. This situation confirms the stability recovered in 2015 after the 2014 decline period.

Africa and Oceania are showing great potential for growth with 11,3 millions of bottles sold, comprising 6,3% of the total sales, but with significant growth:
. +5,4 % in volume
. +5,1% in value

In contrast, the European market shows a slight decline of -1,2% in volume, and -1% in value. But still 39,4 millions of bottles were sold in Europe.

Looking at the sales in using the 3 basic qualities is interesting:

. VSOP sales are stable.

. VS = +9,6 % in volumee and  +13,0 % in value.

. XO and Older = +11,7 % in volume and +8,3 % in value which is a little scary because not sustainable.

Sources: Charente Libre, BNIC

SAZERAC ACQUIRES A DOMAINE IN GRANDE CHAMPAGNE

Sazarac Logo

On 22nd December 2016, in Jarnac (Charente) in front of Notary Marcadié, the family owned Sazerac Company (www.sazerac.com) purchased Earl Domaine du Breuil de Segonzac.

The Sazerac Company (US distributor of Meukow) announced the purchase of Domaine Breuil de Segonzac Cognac from Patrick and Maria Brillet, which is located near the town of Segonzac, in the center of the Cognac region, precisely in the Grande Champagne appellation.

Domaine Du Treuil de Segonzac, Chateau

E.A.R.L. DOMAINE DU BREUIL DE SEGONZAC
Lieu DIT CHEZ COLLET
BP 70032
16130 SEGONZAC

The acquisition includes the cognac distillery, vineyards, existing buildings including a manor-style mansion dating from 1870, an 18th-century restored farmhouse, visitor center and existing stocks. The property is about 220 acres and includes its own grape-pressing operation and distillery with four pot stills, two of which are antique.

Domaine Du Treuil de Segonzac, Distillery

Back in the early 1990s, Patrick and Maria Brillet started turning their production
into certified bio/organic. This decision was rather disruptive in the region as their were among the first.

They originally started converting their wine production in certified bio/organic, and later completed this convertion entirely in about 2006.

About 140 acres (57 hectares) are planted in ugni blanc for the production of cognac.
The Estate produces about 200.000 bottles per year altogether of cognac, pineau des Charentes, wines, and grape juice.

Domaine Du Treuil de Segonzac, Distillery

Mark Brown, Sazerac Company president and chief executive, makes its first purchase in France, and not the least because it makes a connection to the roots of Sazerac, whose ancestors came from France to Louisiana a long time ago and who originated the famous cocktail Sazerac which favors the use of cognac.

Mark Brown is a family descendant who has a very dynamic managerial style. He is an avid reader of the news and makes a digest of the wine & spirits news pretty much everyday and share it with his associates. Sort of his own blog.

Patrick and Maria Brillet will retire and the managerial position will go to Clive Carpenter. Clive has worked about 25 years in executive sales for Hennessy (mostly in Asia), then about 10 years for Camus also mostly in Asia, then semi-retired, and for the past 2 years for Cognac Prunier.

The existing team of Domaine Breuil de Segonzac will remain in place, the contracts in place for vineyard services are being honored, and the visitor center will remain open.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but one would have to believe the price to be in the 6 million euro range, which is a bargain for Sazerac in comparison to the other recent acquisitions which were above 100 million euros.

Domaine du Breuil de Segonzac was using the brand of cognac named "Cognac Ouches du Breuil", which is very difficult to pronunciate in many other languages, hard to remember and rather not famous. The name "Breuil" in cognac and the Cognac region is very common and this brand is already used by many in Cognac and by other spirits, i.e., Calvados Chateau du Breuil for instance.

Therefore, what will Sazerac use? That is interesting. Could they use 'Sazerac'? Perhaps!

I propose: Cognac Sazerac de Segonzac!

===> Becareful Internet site of Domaine Breuil Segonzac has a malware-virus right. User beware!

Sources: Sazerac, Domaine-Breuil-Segonzac, Charente Libre

COGNAC FROM ALAIN DELON

Born November 8, 1935 movie Star and sex symbol of the 1960s-1980s years. Alain Delon is the winner of the prize “Cesar” for best male role in the film “Our history” (1984) and the award recipient for a Golden globe as “most promising newcomer among men.” Officer of the Legion of honour in France, he acted in more than 100 movies.

Little is known about Alain Delon and his cognac.

Alain Delon Cognac VS & VSOP

Mostly sold in Switzerland where Alain Delon is a resident for more than 30 years. Produced in Charente Maritime, Pons, by a private label company. Alain Delon had been the president of Cognac Film Festival in 1995 which focuses on Police/murder type of movies which I believe is the time where he got exposed and offered to start a cognac under his licensed name.

See an interesting video clip here: http://dai.ly/x7k2it

Alain Delon has had many licenses under his names from perfume to shoes, but also champagne.

Alain Delon Cognac and Champagne labels

Source: DailyMotion

ESTATE BRANDY FROM BOPLAAS SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa makes many brands of 'pot still brandy', have you heard of Poblaas?

5 years, 8 years, 13 years and 20 years old aged and matured brandy.

Boplaas Brandy from South Africa

Boplaas' distilling heritage dates back to 1880, when current owner, Carel Nel's great-great grandfather, Daniel Nel, exported his first consignment of fine Boplaas Brandy to England. 

In those days they transported the barrels of brandy by ox wagon to Worcester and from there to Cape Town by train and then by ship to London.

Boplaas also became the first cellar to release an Estate Brandy in 1994 after the change in legislation in 1989.

"Our angel's share is very high with the dry weather we have. The angels are very thirsty and every night they have a party in our brandy cellar, but this helps us produce rich brandies."

Carel Nel - cellar master/ owner is a member of the prestigious Cape Winemaker's Guild and is the only member to produces a brandy worthy enough for the annual Guild Auction.

The Colombar grapes are picked at 18B with an high acidity (as in Cognac). Fermentation 15 - 16C. Fine aromas from Colombar. Left on the lease for malolactic fermentation before distillation for more complexity. Distilled in an old (100 year old) Santagans Copper still. Double distillation t0 70% alcohol and aged in French oak barrels.

Source: Poblaas

PAROW LAUNCHES HIS FIRST BRANDY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Jack Parow, a famous rapper from South Africa is launching his own brandy. He says it is his favorite drink and he is proud to own it. He worked behind the scene to release it this month to the public.

Jack Parow First Released Brandy in South Africa

Parow’s 3-year old Pot Still Brandy will be first available at selected bars and restaurants.

Source: Channel 24

CHINA IS PRODUCING EXPENSIVE WINES

Moet Hennessey is bringing the first high-end wine made in China to US shelves with a price tag of $300 per bottle. Its Ao Yun red wine, meaning "above the clouds," is made in a remote part of the Himalayan plateau, a high-altitude region with steady weather.

Most Expensive wine made in China

The winery is in Yunnan Province, the most southerly in China, hard against the borders of Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

Made of Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes, possibly Cabernet-Franc, vines were planted by Chinese government and nobody is 100% sure.

A new stunning project from M-H worths following...

Source: Forbes