Showing posts with label Comandon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comandon. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

UNIVERSITY OF SPIRITS IN THE COGNAC REGION CELEBRATES CRAFT COGNAC WITH LE GARAGE BAR & COMANDON

Association Elixir University Eaux-de-Vie Logo
Association Elixir University Eaux-de-Vie Logo

Le Garage Bar Logo
Le Garage Bar Logo

Comandon Logo
Comandon Logo

Cognac and Cocktail Event in Cognac, France.

Organised by Association Elixir from the Université des Eaux-de-Vie from Segonzac and Le Garage Bar in Cognac.

Le Garage Bar is an iconic bar in Cognac owned by the Berniers for almost 20 years. Originally, the bar was a garage dealership for DeDion, Panhard and other luxury French. Now, Le Garage Bar has kept this spirit but changed into a trendy and fun bar in Cognac where everyone can relax and taste a cognac cocktails.

Le Garage Bar in Cognac, France
Le Garage Bar in Cognac, France

You will taste the new cognac Comandon X Le Garage Bar.

When: Thursday 25th October 2018
When: Le Garage Bar: 3 rue de l'isle d'or, 16100 Cognac, France
Starting at 7pm

Le Garage Bar will serve 4 Cocktails made with the unique small batch cognac produced by Comandon, le Comandon X Le Garage, fabriqué en lot unique et avec une passion artisanale.
COMANDON X LE GARAGE COGNAC, CRAFT, SMALL BATCH, LOT UNIQUE, EDITION LIMITEE, LIMITED EDITION, SANS FILTRATION A FROID, UN-CHILLED FILTRED
COMANDON X LE GARAGE COGNAC, CRAFT, SMALL BATCH, LIMITED EDITION, UN-CHILLED FILTRED, SINGLE DISTILLERY

7 € per cocktail or 12 € for 2 cocktails

Specialty foods will be availble exclusively made for this event by the chef of Le Garage Bar.

This event will profit and fund/donation to the Elixir Club, student club from the University des Eaux-de-Vie, so as to offer scholarships to finance the last year trip which is part of the curriculum for the Master 2 Management of Spritis Business in Segonzac, France.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

NEW IDEAS IN COGNAC FROM LESSER KNOWN BRANDS

Cognac Abecassis, Bourgoin Cognac, Comandon Cognac, Cognac Marancheville, Cognac Philbert, and Cognac Pierre Ferrand.
What do these brands of cognac have in common?
Making cognac ... that is true!

But mostly bringing forward a wind of innovation in the cognac scene with different propositions perhaps with some "Trendy Exceptions". Here are a few examples from other brands than the big 4 brands of cognac.

===> Cognac Abecassis have not been the first putting forward the concept of Single Estate cognac. Other cognac Brands such as Cognac Menuet had used this concept a long time before. But Abecassis has contributed to growing the idea of Single Estate spirit concept in the world of cognac. Other more recent innovation includes making a liqueur from cognac and honey with ABK6 Honey, 87% of cognac and 13% of honey from chestnut trees sourced from the local region of Cognac.

Abk6 Honey Liqueur
Abk6 Honey Liqueur

===> Bourgoin Cognac is a rather large cognac supplier to the trade whose decided recently to offer cognacs aged in 50 liters casks and in small 325ml bottles, sort of micro-cognac distilling.
Cognac Bourgoin
Cognac Bourgoin

===> Comandon Cognac is the pioneer of Single Batch and Single cask cognac, and a rather exclusive cognac independent bottler. A Single Batch cognac is a cognac that is a one-off cognac, where the cognac is not repeated and made the same evrytime but rather individualized unique batch. Single Cask cognac is a cognac which is made from one cask: for the most part these single casks will be vintages, with one specific region of Cognac.

In conclusion, a rather authentic crafted cognac with singular and unique characteristics. Here again these 2 concepts are both by definition one-off cognac lots which cannot be repeated.

Comandon Cognac Single Cask, Vintage 2012, Grande Champagne Cask #22
Comandon Cognac Single Cask, Vintage 2012, Grande Champagne Cask #22

===> Cognac marancheville which consists in offering limited edition cognacs sort of like Cognac Grosperrin from a dedicated cellar.
Cognac Marancheville VSOP
Cognac Marancheville VSOP

===> Cognac Philbert's vision is sort mirroring the crafted scotch whisky with a rather 'single malt' type of philosophy. This is an intriguing new adventure for the two brothers in charge of the 208 years old family estate. They produce a single estate cognac through the classic line of VS, VSOP and XO, and vary the line depending on whether the products are made in their distillery in Grande Champagne versus their distillery in Petite Champagne. 

Each distillery has a unique style and terroir,  and it is attended by one of the two brothers in charge of the production: Xavier Precigout in Petite Champagne and Pierre-Olivier Precigout in Grande Champagne. They offer cognacs for the fanatic of authenticity. In addition, they were the first ever to offer vintage rare cask finish cognacs with a selection of cognacs finished either in Sauternes casks or Sherry Xeres casks for both the variations from Grande and Petite Champagne.

Cognac Philbert 2012 Grande Champagne, Sherry Cask Finish, Winner of 2016 World Best Cognac San Francisco
Cognac Philbert 2012 Grande Champagne, Sherry Cask Finish, Winner of 2016 World Best Cognac San Francisco

===> Cognac Pierre Ferrand is very innovative with a cognac selection away from the standard VS, VSOP ... denominations but rather using specific model ranges such as 1840 or Amber, and recently starting a cask finish re-using Sauternes casks.
Cognac Pierre Ferrand Barrel Sauternes
Cognac Pierre Ferrand Barrel Sauternes

Cognac is stereotyped as being always the same but this is not true!

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

2016 WINNERS FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the largest and most prestigious international spirit competition, has announced the 2016 medal and award recipients from its 16th annual competition, held March 17th through 20th at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Out of this year's record-breaking 1,899 entries, only 201 were awarded Double Gold medals by 39 judges.

2016 BEST COGNAC VS
Winning Double Gold Medal
Cognac Philbert Vintage Grande Champagne Rare Cask Finish Sherry Cognac
Cognac Philbert 2012 Grande Champagne finished in Oloroso Sherry Cask
Cognac Philbert 2012 Grande Champagne finished in Oloroso Sherry Cask


2016 BEST COGNAC VSOP
Winning Double Gold Medal
A. De Fussigny Petite Champagne Cognac VSOP
Cognac A. de Fussigny VSOP
Cognac A. de Fussigny VSOP

2016 BEST COGNAC Toute Categorie
et BEST COGNAC XO
Winning Double Gold Medal
Gautier Pinar del Rio Cognac XO
Cognac Gautier Pinar del Rio
Cognac Gautier Pinar del Rio

2016 BEST COGNAC EXTRA
Winning Double Gold Medal
Bache-Gabrielsen Sérénité Extra Cognac
Cognac Gabrielsen Serenite Extra
Cognac Gabrielsen Serenite Extra

There were many other prestigious brands of cognac represented this year including:
. Martell, winning a Silver Medal for its XO cognac.
. Comandon, winning a Gold Medal for its XO cognac.
. Louis Royer, winning a Silver Medal for its XO cognac.
. Merlet, winning a Silver Medal for its XO cognac.

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competitionhas become an important event jumped from 292 entries in 2000 from close to 2000 entries in 2016.

Products are evaluated in a blind, consensual procedure ensuring the SFWSC maintains its reputation for the highest level of integrity.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

RESULTS OF THE 2014 WORLD BEST COGNAC FOR VSOP, XO & EXTRA ARE PUBLISHED: ROYER AND COMANDON WIN ALL

The World Spirits Competition in San Francisco is regarded as the No.1 spirits competition in the world. This competition is the most comprehensive international spirits judging conducted every year since 2000. Products are evaluated by top spirits professionals and are judged in a blind, consensual procedure ensuring integrity and making this annual competition the most followed competition in the spirits industry.
They only rate spirits and over 3,500 spirits are competing every year.
This year in 2014 for the first time the competition has recognized the best cognacs according to the 'classic cognac quality standards', that is VS, VSOP and XO, which is making the winners' list more interesting than before.
The winners are:
2014 WORLD BEST COGNAC  VSOP = LOUIS ROYER VSOP FORCE 53
Louis Royer Cognac VSOP Force 53
Louis Royer Cognac VSOP Force 53
2014 WORLD BEST COGNAC XO = COMANDON XO
Comandon XO, 2014 World Best Cognac XO
Comandon XO, 2014 World Best Cognac XO
2014 WORLD BEST COGNAC EXTRA = LOUIS ROYER EXTRA
Louis Royer Cognac VSOP Force 53
Louis Royer Cognac VSOP Force 53

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

VERY SOUGHT AFTER COGNACS AUCTIONED IN PARIS NEXT WEEK, SUCH AS COMANDON OR BISQUIT, BUT ALSO VINTAGE COGNACS LIKE FROM 1822

Maître Christophe MOREL from Sarl Christophe MOREL will auction a list of most sought after wine and spirits next week in Paris (Tuesday, December 10 2013 at 2:00 PM in Drouot Richelieu).
This public auction will include a list of rare wines but also an exquisite selection of rare cognacs including: Cognac Comandon Trois Etoiles from the 50s, Cognac Grande Champagne Héritiers Marquis de Lep from the 19th century, Cognac Bisquit Dubouche Trois Etoiles from the 50s, Cognac Grande Fine champagne Grande réserve CAVO from 1822, with the Coats of Arms of Rothschild (avec les armoiries des Rothschild à 4 branches sur l'étiquette), etc.
Sarl Christophe MOREL Auction at Drouot Richelieu 2013
Sarl Christophe MOREL Auction at Drouot Richelieu 2013
This auction will include very desirable wines such as: Mouton Rothschild 1959 Pauillac, Château Talbot 1961 Saint Julien, Château Latour 1929 Pauillac 1st Grand Cru, Château Cheval Blanc 1967 St Emilion 1st Grand Cru, Château Beau Site 1964 Saint Estèphe, Château La Fleur 1966 Pomerol, Mouton Rothschild 1955 Pauillac, Château Mauras 1970 Sauternes, Château d'Yquem 1901 Sauternes, Mouton Rothschild 1947 Pauillac Magnum, Château Cheval Blanc 1964 Saint Emilion 1st Grand Cru, Château Marquis de St Estephe 1971, etc.
Sarl Christophe MOREL Auction at Drouot Richelieu 2013
Sarl Christophe MOREL Auction at Drouot Richelieu 2013
SALE VENUE: 
  • DROUOT RICHELIEU
    9 rue Drouot
    75009 Paris
EXHIBITIONS :
  • Monday, December 9 2013 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM : Drouot Richelieu, salle 8.
Sources: Interencheres for Maître Christophe MOREL from Sarl Christophe MOREL

Sunday, October 14, 2012

LIST OF WINNERS OF THE BEST COGNAC IN THE WORLD AT THE WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION SINCE 2000


Here is the list of cognac brands in alphabetical order that I won "best cognac in the world" at the World Spirits Competition (San Francisco) since 2000 for more than 150 USD.

. COMANDON COGNAC, XO, $150
. COURVOISIER COGNAC, L' Esprit de Courvoisier, $5000
. DELAMAIN COGNAC, Réserve de la Famille, $550
. HARDY COGNAC, Noces D'Or, $1800
. HENNESSY COGNAC, Paradis, $800
. HENNESSY COGNAC, Richard, $3500

Comandon Cognac XO
Comandon Cognac XO
Cognac Courvoisier L'Esprit
Cognac Courvoisier L'Esprit
Cognac Delamain Reserve de Famille
Cognac Delamain Reserve de Famille
Cognac Hardy Noces D'Or
Cognac Hardy Noces D'Or
Hennessy Cognac Paradis
Hennessy Cognac Paradis
Hennessy Cognac Richard
Hennessy Cognac Richard

These are cognacs for experts and aficionados of high-end lifestyles. Some world best cognacs are more affordable than others. I guess it depends on how much you value what you drink and your wallet size for sure.

Next, is the list of brands most rewarded and actively participating in the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco.
Camus
Comandon
Courvoisier
Delamain
Frapin
Hennessy
Louis Royer
Marnier Lapostole
Martell
Remy Martin

Spirits unlike wines have not been so subjected to ratings for making sales. One has to look at any wine catalogs or visit any local liquor stores to realize that wines are mostly purchased by ratings and price ranges. Perhaps spirits are not better off as most of the consumers are biased to advertising and celebrity endorsements.

Wines are like graduate school: the higher the GMAT score the more you get.
Versus Spirits are more like political candidates: the bigger the campaign budget the more chance to be elected.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

New Brands, Revived Brands and The Angry Birds!


There are over 1000 brands of Cognac that have been created since the foundation of cognac about 500 years ago. There are about 400 brands still existing and many of these brands have existed for a long time, and even they have been in the same families for centuries.

Recently, new brands have come up. The main reason: the democratization of cognac, that is cognac is not anymore just an elitist old man’s drink, but now an artistic, entertaining, hype, and gucci-gucci spirit worldwide. The ascension and development of cognac brands have significantly changed and perhaps insidiously cognac is becoming a mass-marketed product like yogurt and detergent with I call the "deluxury concept".

The good news is that cognac is still made the ‘good old way’. Or at least pretty much. It is not hand picked anymore ... but this is OK. Distillation in pot stills are now longer using manual mechanism and wood or coal but computerized automated systems ... but this is OK too. Ugni blanc grapes are used 99.99% of the times instead of folle blanche or colombard ... not such a big deal.  Vineyards are using modern pesticides, herbicides, and so called proven chemicals ... Not too sure of this one. Aging, storing, selection of wood barrels, assembling, bottling, ... are still pretty much the same.

So what is so different now? A good deal of attention has been on branding & rebranding, positioning and else. Marketing is muscling in!
Five Basic Brand Strategies
Five Basic Brand Strategies
1)  Therefore, new brands have been created: Cognac Alizé, Cognac Conjure... even Cognac Gucci! But more significantly, a huge number of brand extension have been launched: Hennessy Black, Remy Red, ... and Courvoisier Rose.

2)  Old brands have been revived: Bisquit, Comandon, ... and recently Mestreau from Cognac Grosperrin.
The cognac industry has seen some product line extensions with the creation of mixed drinks based on cognacs: Hpnotiq, Meukow Vanilla, ... and more recently Courvoisier Rosé.

3)  And in some clever way the know-how nested in the region of Cognac has revealed brilliant creations and business ventures using that experience for the benefits of new products: Grey Goose Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, Citadelle Gin, ... and more recently Monteru Single Brandy.

4)  Certain brands have even developped  'brand extensions' with for instance Courvoisier Edition Imperiale perfume.
Courvoisier Edition Imperiale Perfume
Courvoisier Edition Imperiale Perfume
5) I leave you to guess what the ‘Angry birds’ could be!
angry-birds
angry-birds

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tonight Comandon Cognac on National TV in The USA


Maison Comandon
Maison Comandon
Watch a story on the search of Maison Comandon tonight on "Home and Garden TV".
The episode name is "Historic Homes in France’s Cognac Country".
HGTV, House Hunter International, more details at:   http://tinyurl.com/3ppe84x 
On TV: Tuesday 10th January 2012.
. Pacific and Eastern = 11:30pm and later at night at 2.30am
. Central = 10.30pm and 1.30am
. Mountain = 9.30pm and 12.30am
"As Seen on HGTV, House Hunters International" TV show.