BRANDY RESURRECTION IN THE USA FUELED BY HUGE PUSH FROM E&J GALLO

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Argonaut Brandy is new, by E&J Gallo


[ENG] E&J Gallo, a massive and trend-making machine company in the wine & spirits industry is making news for its recent stake into the super premiun and craft brandy category in the USA. First, E&J Gallo released late July 2017 its long awaited Brandy Argonaut which is inspired by the brandy movement prior to prohibition.
Then, they acquired Brandy Germain-Robin mid-August. Clearly something huge is going to happen now!


Argonaut Brandy, 3 different styles, produced by E&J Gallo

[FR] Ca bouge dans la categorie 'Brandy' aux USA, j'ai meme envie de dire que ca bouge beaucoup.
Fin juillet 2017, E&J Gallo lance Brandy Argonaut, un brandy craft a la mode americaine, plutot Californienne devrais-je dire.
Et mi-aout 2017, E&J Gallo, encore, prend acquisition de la maison prestigieuse Brandy Germain-Robin.
Mais qu'est-ce qui se passe?

Sources: Gallo, Argonaut Brandy, Tasting Panel Magazine

JAPANESE MIZUNARA OAK CASK USED TO FINISH A FRENCH BRANDY

 

Monteru Brandy Ippon, Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask, same oak and cask used by the most famous Whisky made in Japan. First bottle ever, and bottle One of One.[/caption]

Experts and consumers are increasingly recognizing whiskies and single malts made in Japan as some of the best in the world. This reputation is largely explained by the type of oak casks the Japanese use to craft these whiskies called 'mizunara' oak. These original oak casks are more than 10 times more expensive than most of the commercial oak and often just not available outside of Japan.

Monteru Brandy since 2009 has started reviving the world of luxury brandy with revolutionary ideas such as crafting the first 'single grape brandy’ with a variety of grape varietals such as cabernet, chardonnay, merlot, etc.

In 2015, they offered a line of small batch of rare cask finished brandies including sauternes, sherry and heavily charred American oak cask finished. There is no 'run of the mill' to foresee coming out of Monteru, but the most transparent and inspiring craft spirits expected to come out from France with 96 pts and above from recent ratings.

Monteru Brandy is the result of the visionary leadership of Jean-Michel Naud and Franck Vigneron, artisan distillers and passionate cellar masters.
"We are very proud to offer a unique experience to the growing luxury brandy segment which are not only looking for innovations but also uncompromizing authentic products" says Pierre Naud, Monteru's international sales manager.

Today, once again, Monteru is innovating with the first ever brandy finished in Japanese mizunara cask. Not only this is the first ever brandy but the first ever French spirits crafted using oak casks made from authentic mizunara oak from Japan.

These casks were made using Japanese traditional cooperage methods and directly imported to the Maison Monteru in Charente Maritime, South West of France.

Before offering a small allocation of a few bottles from the first batch, Monteru Brandy will release a single bottle of Monteru Brandy Mizunara, limited bottle serial number 1 of one.

This one bottle limited edition is coming into an ultra luxury and custom presentation named 'IPPON' which means 'one piece' and 'a perfect full point' as this is the highest score a fighter can achieve in judo, a Japanese martial art.

Monteru Brandy Ippon was revealed to the public for the first time on Monday 19th june 2017 at Vinexpo 2017 in Bordeaux France. There was a real excitement among connoisseurs and journalists that knew of the importance for this release as this makes a full circle between today's many trends.

COGNAC INNOVATION AT VINEXPO 2017

[caption id="attachment_5346" align="aligncenter" width="547"]
Vinexpo 2017 - Limited Edition Cognac, Showing Comandon[/caption]

Comandon Cognac for the 4th times in a row is showing its evolutionary and revolutionary cognac selections. From its pioneering single casks, about 50 of them to the single batch, called One-Off selections, with a new organic line of cognac to choose from.

The 2010 and 2014 World Best cognac winner is now available in 22 countries and is looking beyond (2 times world best cognac from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition).

HOW IS COGNAC EXPANDING INTO NEW TARGETS?

Cognac Landscape

Cognac producers are looking at cocktails, product innovations (craft cognac) and new type of consumers to expand says Reuters in this video and article.

The purpose is to widen the consumer base without alienating the current and sort of traditional cognac customers, ie, Chinese and African American.

This is a rather difficult task as one can imagine that talking about celebrity appeals such as rappers and terroirs at the same time might be rather confusing.

Source: Reuters TV

DETECTING CRAFT COGNAC

Comandon Vintage Single Cask 2017

There has been a lot of discussions on what makes a spirit a craft spirit.

Perhaps its size, the volume of bottles being produced, family owned, ... etc...

However, it recently occured to me what craft may mean.

Comandon Cognac is increasingly becoming synonymous with "craft cognac" while reinventing itself. Comandon is a revived 1821 cognac brand once one of the largest producer of cognac in volume and sales that puts innovation and terroir at the heart of its process.  Much of its purpose is to question the traditional standards and to offer more innovative alternatives.

In particular, Comandon makes various cognac ranges that once drunk there is 'no more'. 

This concept of 'small batch' is common and perhaps necessary within the craft spirit category but Comandon's craft philosophy goes beyond this.

We produce many different 'Single Casks' which goes against the rhetoric of having a 'house style' or a 'secret blend' being repeated forever and ever, everyday with a standard consistency. The purpose of making single cask cognac is to demonstrate that there is no standard in cognac, and on the contrary to popular belief, the category has much variety to offer. Comandon provides about 50 different single casks to choose from at any time, and there seems to be at least one for everyone's taste.

Other interesting details include the filtration. It does not seem much but almost no other brand offers a selection of cognac wich are not cold filtered, also called un-chill filtered. 

Brown spirits, that is white spirits which have been aged in wood casks will eventually be filtered and most of them will be cold filtered. A cold filtration ensures that the brown spirits does not generate any sediments, deposits, crystals which to the untrained eyes looks like 'dirt'. Un-chill filtered cognac may with a brisk change of temperature create these small sediments. It is normal!

These sediments are the authentic manifestation of a cognac that was handcrafted because it was not filtered to the point of removing 'interesting' esters and oils that add to the flavors and aromas. However, most people do not know and will rightfuly assume that this is a problem.

This matter is commonly discussed in more than 100s of articles on the Internet by whisky fans, but never in the context of cognac. For 'crafted cognac' unchillfiltering will increase the likelihood of having sediments in the bottle, but if you do, you are the lucky one, meaning you are drinking crafted cognac.

Be honest! Do you want craft or not? If you do take the time to learn and understand.

Source: Comandon, Wikipedia - Cold Filtration

BRANDY IS COMING BACK SAYS THE NEW YORK TIMES

Fun Brandy not from main stream

"Brandy has become a quiet giant of the liquor industry. More than 13 million cases were sold domestically in 2016, outpacing gin, Scotch and Irish whiskey, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. And most of that — eight million cases — was American brandy", says The New York Times.

Craft Whiskey and craft beer consumers are increasingly looking up for the next best thing and brandy seems to be pointed at the horizon.

There are the 'American-cognac like' brandy maker such as Germain-Robin Brandy  and Osocalis Brandy.

And then, there are the modern brandy distilleries such as Copper & Kings in the middle of Whiskey country, Louisville Kentucky, but also Charbay in wine country of northern California.

Even "Christian Brothers, owned by Heaven Hill Distilleries, recently revamped its packaging, while this week Gallo, which owns E&J, already the best-selling brandy in the country, announced a new, premium brandy line called Argonaut, along with the reactivation of 20 traditional Cognac stills", says The New York Times.

This is good luck for Monteru Brandy which is offering copper pot still brandy form estate vineyards, and other cask experimental brandy selections.

Sources: New York Times, Osocalis Brandy, Copper & Kings Brandy, Germain Robin Brandy, Charbay

THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND IS MAKING HER WINES IN ENGLAND

Great Windsor Park Sparking Wines from Queen Elizabeth Windsor Castle

The British royal family has agreed to allow in 2011 one of the largest British wine retailers (Laithwaites) to plant French grape wine varietals (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and inot Meunier) on one of their property, in fact a few minutes away from Queen's Elizabeth II residence near Windsor Castle. This grape varietal set is the exact varietal set one would use to make sparkling wines.

Great Windsor Park Vineyard, Aerial View

"Tony Laithwaite grew up in Windsor. He loved Windsor Great Park as a boy and relished the opportunity to make wine here when, in 2011, Laithwaite's was permitted by The Crown Estate and the Royal Farms to revive an ancient vineyard tradition ... planting the classic Champagne grapes - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier." Laithwaites.co.uk

Well guess what? Now the British royal family has its own line of sparkling wines, from grapes grown in Windsor Great Park. The first batch of Windsor Vineyard English Quality Sparkling Wine was harvested in 2013, and let to rest to produce only 3,000 bottles of sparkling wines and sold out quickly for $44 in the UK.

The second delivery will be available in fall 2017 at British retailer Laithwaite's, and it is believed to be sold quickly.

Watch this superb video, history in the making!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgZqtjKnXKM&w=560&h=315]

The production is expected to be about 20,000 bottles in 6 years, which will make a new competitor for champagnes.

Sources: Refinery29, Laithwaites

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

NEW AND FIRST CASK FINISH FROM ONE OF THE FOUR LARGE COGNAC HOUSES MARTIAL

Until recently, the U.S. market was largely an afterthought for Pernod Ricard’s Martell Cognac brand, which has long focused on China. But last year, Martell grew 33% to just under 100,000 cases in the U.S., and now Pernod is ramping up innovation activity to expand the brand’s U.S. audience.

Martell is now looking to leverage robust trends in both Cognac and Bourbon with a new hybrid product, Blue Swift ($50), which is hitting select U.S. cities now ahead of a full national rollout in January. The newcomer is a Martell VSOP finished in Kentucky Bourbon barrels for five to seven months, and represents the first in a series of new products that 

Martell has in the pipeline. The new expression will target the on-premise, aimed at being a bridge into Cognac for Bourbon drinkers.

Martell Blue Swift 1st edition 2016

In 1783, Martell was the first to ship its barrels of cognac to the United States. Today, Martell celebrates this history with another first : introducing Martell Blue Swift, the first-ever Martell VSOP matured in French Oak casks and finished in Kentucky Bourbon casks.

Martell’s signature process of distilling cognacs free of impurities leave it open to absorbing the rich aromatic tones from the bourbon cask. The result is Martell’s hallmark cognac style redefines the boundaries of cognac.

"The House of Martell has always proudly launched disruptive products, reinventing the standards through new blends, new designs and even new territories," said Brian Smith, Brand Director, Marketing, Martell, Pernod Ricard USA. "Martell Blue Swift is a product born out of the power of curiosity, and we look to celebrate those who embody and share our curious spirit with the release of our latest innovation."

Finishing Martell Cognac VSOP in Kentucky Bourbon casks, Martell Blue Swift is unlike any other spirit on the market. Martell's signature cognac distillation process allows for the absorption of rich aromatic tones from the bourbon casks, adding to the richness of the finished product. The delicate notes of candied fruit and plum, found in Martell VSOP, are complemented by the subtle sweetness of vanilla and toasted oak from the bourbon casks from Kentucky. The result is a supremely unique spirit that is exceptionally smooth with a rounded taste and distinct character that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in classic cocktails.

The Martell Blue Swift bottle pays homage to Martell's iconic swift emblem, a bird with the unique and rare ability to fly for exceptionally long distances, crossing over the Atlantic Ocean twice a year. The bottle takes on the shape of both cognac and bourbon casks and the elaborate "cut-glass" detail on its base evoking classic crystal decanters.

Martell Blue Swift will be exclusively available in select U.S. markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Washington D.C. this October with a suggested retail price of $49.99.

TASTING NOTES
===>To the eye
We can admire an elegant coppery color with golden glints.

===>On the nose
We first notice gourmet aromas such as banana and caramelized pears.
Then a subtle sweetness appears, and notes of vanilla & coconut mixed with spicy and menthol are revealed.

===>In the mouth
It is soft, round and gourmand. We taste deep and fresh notes of ginger and white candied fruits such as plums.

We then feel the ample, smooth and long toasted oak finish from Kentucky Bourbon casks.

Serving Martell Blue Swift is a Cognac VSOP finished in Bourbon casks to enjoy on its own, over ice, lengthened with a mixer or as a cocktail.

Source: Martell, KLTV

INNOVATION THROUGH ACCELERATORS AND INCUBATORS PROGRAMS LIKE DISTILL VENTURES

It is very difficult when you are a start-up which is ahead of the curve. It is very difficult for many reasons but one which is that you see and make changes, and that many people want change but they expect changes to come from the established companies. Why? Less risk, more comfortable for them, wait for a plan and process, etc.

But change comes mostly from small companies. Savvy large corporations know that 'for the most part' they are behind the curve and many try different strategies to cope with this.

One smart process used by large companies to gain innovation, besides buying a 'promising' start-up, is to work with incubators.

A business incubator  is a company that helps new and startup companies to develop by providing services such as management training or office space.

Mot many large companies are doing it because very few companies get the point of this at the moment.

Disney Accelerator is a rare exemple. It is powered by Techstars, is helping today's tech innovators turn their dreams for new media and entertainment experiences into reality.

Some cities get into this, for instance the city of Los Angeles is supporting an incubator campus named LACI, for LA Cleantech Incubator.

LA Cleantech Incubator is the City of Los Angeles's official cleantech business incubator established to accelerate the commercialization of clean technology in Southern California.

Now, in the wine & spirits industry innovation is mostly driven by merger and acquisition. The concept of accelerator and incubator is mostly unknown. DIAGEO, Pernod-Ricard, Bacardi, etc. the big guys are struggling with generating 'disruptive' innovations and they are often relying on buying out companies which have successfully launched something new which made sense.

My biggest surprise was to hear in 2013 that DIAGEO was creating its own accelerator and incubator program.

DIAGEO!! Are you kiddin me!

Well they are the biggest and they know how to stay the biggest by taking all the necessary steps to maintain their leadership.

DIAGEO called this 'Distill Ventures'. I am blown away, check them out!

Screenshot of website of Distill Ventures by DIAGEO 18 Nov. 2015

I believe there are incubating 8 spirit companies right now.

Source: Distill Ventures

COGNAC IS THE MOST INNOVATIVE REGION TO CREATE NEW SPIRITS

The cognac region is famous for its brandy. However, it plays a major role in creating the future mega brands which will serve the spirit industry. Some of these future will have cognac associated but many will only infuse talents and know-how. Here are some examples.

G’Vine
Produced by the 'fame' Eurowinegate in Cognac (www.eurowinegate.com) managed by the talented Jean-Sebastien Robicquet. The concept is to make GIN with grapes.

Why is G'Vine an outstanding innovation? Because they are using distillation knowledge to make a superior product using a premium source. They are not the only one to be successful in Cognac to make GIN. Citadelle Gin is another brand of gin made in Cognac using a more traditional neutral grain base.

G'Vine, an Innovation from the Cognac Region

Jean-Marc XO Vodka and X-Rated Liqueur
Jean-Marc XO Vodka (www.jmxo.com) is a premium vodka distilled in the Cognac region of France by Jean-Marc Daucourt and owned by the Campari Group (www.camparigroup.com).

Jean Marc XO, an Innovation from the Cognac Region

X-Rated (www.xratedfusion.com) was launched in 2004 in the USA by award-winning spirits creator Jean-Marc Daucourt and Todd Martin, the former Allied Domecq North America President, who are the principal owners of the brand. X-Rated is also now owned by Campari Group.

X Rated Liqueur, an Innovation from the Cognac region

Why are Jean-Marc Vodka and X-Rated Liqueur outstanding innovations? Because Jean-Marc Vodka was one of the first Ultra premium vodka and X-Rated was among the first to make it 'pink' for the girls.

Cîroc
The concept is to make Vodka with grapes, it is using grapes from the region of Cognac (ugni blanc) and from the region of Gaillac, north of the Pyrenees (mauzac blanc).
Cîroc (www.ciroc.com) is considered a vodka because they distill the product at 96% ABV and do not age it. The brand belongs to DIAGEO (www.diageo.com) one the largest spirits group in the world with other iconic brands such as Johnny Walker. Since 2007, Sean "Diddy" Combs became the face of the brand and sales have dramatically increased.

Ciroc Vodka, an Innovation from the Cognac region

Why was Cîroc an outstanding innovation? Because it used grapes to make vodka using excess inventory, and it did not pay a celebrity but gave a stake in the company to improve performance.

Monteru Single Brandy
Monteru (www.monteru.fr) was inspired by the single varietal wines which took by surprise the traditional blending wine production from Europe. The concept is simple. Making brandy from single selected grape varietals. The end result is a delightful brown spirit for wine aficionados. Monteru comes in 4 varietals including Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling. In 2011, Monteru was awarded the title of double gold medal and "best in Show" at the ISW (Internationaler Spirituosen Wettbewerb) in Germany (www.spirits-award.com) and was recognized as one of the best innovation in the world for spirits by the Tasting Panel Magazine (www.tastingpanelmag.com).

Monteru Single Grape Brandy, an Innovation from the Cognac Region

Why is Monteru an outstanding innovation? Because it does not dilute the know how of cognac making but instead magnifies it by using it for the sake of creating something like a 'single malt' applied to the brandy, with the most familiar and popular grapes in the world. Bridging the impossible gap between 'wine' and 'spirit' geeks. A new category is born made of a cross over identity.

Hpnotiq
Hpnotiq liqueur is an alcoholic beverage made from fruit juices, vodka and cognac.
It was created in New York in 2001, and sold to Heaven Hill Distilleries (www.heavenhill.com) in 2003. It is 17% ABV. It started as a urban drink but it is now marketed as a women drink.

Hpnotiq Liqueur, an innovation from the Cognac region

Why is Hpnotiq an outstanding innovation? Because it serves various markets using salient characteristics. Give what the customers want. 

Giorgio Gucci
Monsieur Gucci is regularly promoting the brand in the US. The fashion icon signs every single bottle of the collection.
The company behind these bottles is Emperor’s Brand: They are present on the American spirits market since 2007, and introduced premium vodkas to the market: Emperor, Versailles, Winter Palace and Imperial Exclusive.

Cognac Gucci, an Innovation from the Cognac Region

Why is Cognac Gucci an outstanding innovation? Because it shows cognac is a true 'luxury' as much a luxury watch or luxury suit. Next Cognac Rolex or Cognac Chanel or Cognac Bentley, etc.

Alizé Cognac
This brand was very visionary when in 1984 it was introduced in the USA to target the urban audience. A joint-venture between a French supplier and Kobrand Corporation, a reputable importer/distributeur in the USA.

Cognac Alize VS, an Innovation from the Cognac region

Why is Alizé an outstanding innovation? Because it was among the first cognac brand to focus on the urban market.

Belle de Brillet Poire Williams
Liqueur is an original blend of cognac from the Cognac Brillet and the essence of Williams Pears (Poires Williams). This liqueur is the fruit of a perfect blend of very flavorful “Poire Williams” produced mainly in the east of France, fine Brillet Cognac Eau de Vie from the heart of the Cognac region, and a “special plus,” an ingredient whose secret is cautiously guarded by Maison Brillet.

Why is Belle de Brillet an outstanding innovation? Because pears and cognac is a brillant idea and they are the best at doing it.

Belle de Brillet, an Innovation from the Cognac region

Brenne Whisky
Brenne is a Single Malt Whisky that is being harvested, distilled, matured and bottled in the Cognac area. According to the makers, this Whisky is smooth, approachable and contains a hint of fruit. It contains spice notes from the malted barley and is balanced with the sweetness from Cognac soaked oak barrels.

Brenne Whisky, an Innovation from the Cognac Region

Why is Brenne an outstanding innovation? Because it simply used the cognac know how to make another brown spirit. 'Qui peut le plus peut le moins'. Brenne is not the only whisky made in Cognac, Bastille 1789 is also from Daucourt and is very good too.

Grey Goose
Grey Goose is a premium brand vodka produced in Cognac, France. It was originally founded by Sidney Frank before it was sold to Bacardi (www.bacardi.com)in 2004. François Thibault (H. Mounier) developed the original recipe for the vodka in Cognac, and he is also responsible for Jacques Cardin Cognac still in Didney Frank's portfolio.

Grey Goose, an Innovation from the Cognac Region

Grey Goose (www.greygoose.com) was created as an audacious surprise to counter balance the vodka industry with a 'premium' vodka. Hence, it was made in France. About 40% of premium vodkas are now made in France following in the footsteps of Grey Goose. Grey Goose is perhaps the most emblematic of Cognac's innovation not related to cognac.

Why is Grey Goose an outstanding innovation? Because it sensed the opportunity for premium vodka and made symbol of itself.

In conclusion, if someone asks: "what is the difference with Cognac and Armagnac and Scotch and Tequila and etc.?"

They are many differences but one of them is the innovations and creativity embedded in the region that has no match in the world.

INNOVATION IN COGNAC: A NEW WHISKY CALLED BRENNE

Cognac is brandy but not all cognac is brandy as the saying goes. However, in Cognac people know how to innovate and perhaps challenge the status quo with innovative products at least in recent years.

Jean-Marc Daucourt had already surprised with Jean-Marc XO Vodka, then XRated Liquor (now part of the Campari group), now he has OR-G and more recently Bastille Whisky which is a little irritating in the middle of the cognac world but it tastes very good. Well, he will not be the only one whisky with Bastille any longer as he was recently joined by another whisky made in Cognac also starting with a "B", i.e., BRENNE WHISHY, specifically French Single Malt Whisky.

French are joining the bandwagon of non-traditional whisky countries such as Indian Whisky we reviewed in a previous blog posting las t May 2012 (Amrut and Royal Challenge).

Brenne Whisky

Brenne is coming with the objectives to (1) offer a non-traditional small batch whisky made in France, (2) using locally organic production, (3) aged in Cognac barrels, and (4) presented in a more female friendly and/or rather non-male oriented presentation.

I think this is a real good idea. Knowing how cognac makers think it will make for some real elegant and light whiskies, creating bouquet and fruit notes, etc... away from the stereotypes of smokey standards. It will certainly create a little bit of cannibalization and look disorganized to have cognac barrels and whisky barrels sitting together but as they say 'if you cannot beat them join them' and who knows what will happen when in a few years the cognac is going to hit the bottom of supply what we will be left to do!

Brenne Whisky was launched in New York this week as it was created/owned by an American couple. However, do they know that France is per capita one of the top consumer of whisky with more than 200 million bottles of whisky sold in 2011. Coincidently, the oldest French distillery still producing whisky in France is celebrating 25 years of continuous production this week: Distillery Warenghem, famous for its single malt called Armorik.

Warenghem Whisky Breton Armorik

There are about 20 whisky distilleries in France and most of them are in Brittany. It must be something to do with being 'Celts', at least this is what I have been telling myself.  

Photos from Brenne Whisky

LINKS:
www.facebook.com/BrenneWhisky
www.drinkbrenne.com

WHAT ARE THE RECENT INNOVATIONS IN THE COGNAC CATEGORY?

For one company to survive it needs innovation. People often equate innovations to the creation of new products or the use of technology. Cognac is a traditional product but if it does not innovate it may disappear as there are many other spirits competing against cognac.

Cognac innovations are not only about creating new presentations. Here are a few basic ways cognac can innovate.

1) the introduction of a new (or modified) cognac;

2) the introduction of a new method of production of cognac;

3) the opening of a new cognac market;

4) the exploitation of a new source of supply;

and 5) the re-engineering/organization of improved business management processes.

I have rounded up the cognac innovations for the past 16 months in the cognac marketplace. Do not hesitate to contact us to suggest any other innovations you think should be presented here.

Most of these cognac innovations have focused on modified presentations and modified blends/ assemblages. 

The cognac is not offering a great deal of new products such as ABK6 Ice Cognac, and more specifically there are very few new sub-categories, such as Comandon creating the Single Barrel Cognac category within an XO selection. In the product business jargon this is called  'a product line width extension'.

LIST OF RECENT INNOVATIONS IN THE COGNAC CATEGORY

The Martell XO Architect Edition by Christian de Portzamparc  recently debuted in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan airports. It will then be available in Kuala Lumpur airport from April to May 2013. The limited edition packaging includes a gift case that captures the light and to create a diffused glow transforming the case into a delicate architectural material that envelopes the bottle in subtle opacity. The Martell XO bottle has been reinterpreted to feature a gold bottle neck and cork closure and gold metallic label (2550 bottles in Asian Duty Free stores only).

Cognac Martell XO Architect

Pernod Ricard also launched its travel retail exclusive Martell Millésime 1968 in key Asian airports following its success in the Martell Experience Boutiques and Singapore’s VIP Duty Free Store. Presented in a luxury leather and wooden gift box with a hand-written number denoting its status as a limited edition, Martell Millésime 1968 will be showcased in high profile promotion locations within duty free stores.  The distinctive bottle shape was inspired by the ‘montre’ bottle used by generations of Cellar Masters when composing the final blend.

Cognac Martell Vintage 1968

Comandon Single Barrel Cognac is the first cognac house to introduce a full line of single barrel cognacs while also producing the classic VS/VSOP/XO qualities. The Single Barrel collection consists of a three different bottles, with different growth area origins. A Comandon XO Single Barrel Cognac from the Borderies, Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne Appellations all available at cask strength. An original vintage look!

Comandon Single Barrel Cognac XO Selection

Martell launches Chanteloup Perspective in its travel retail outlets in Asia. The arch-shaped decanter features a silver motif echoing the wrought-iron gate which protects the cellar. A brushed-silver gift box embossed with a single ‘M’ further accentuates the new blend’s luxury credentials.

Cognac Martell Chanteloup

Cognac Camus launched one of its latest fine cognac  – Ile de Ré Cliffside Cellar – from the vineyards of the Ile de Ré, the most westerly part of the Cognac AOC region. Drawn entirely from eaux-de-vie grown, distilled and aged on the island in a very humid cellar, it has a lively, dry palate with a fruity touch. Additional maturation in a cellar deep in the Fort de La Prée then adds a unique marine and mellow character. Built in 1626, the Fort de La Prée is located on a cliff overhanging the Atlantic, and its cellar is subjected to the full force of the oceanic climate.

Camus Ile de Re Cliffside

To recapture the spirit of the quintessential cocktail days in the 1800s, Cognac Ferrand has launched Pierre Ferrand Cognac 1840 Original Formula – a revival of the classic three-star Cognac – in the US. This eminently mixable Cognac – created by Alexandre Gabriel, proprietor Cognac Ferrand and cellar-master Christian Guerin. The blend is closely modelled on a rare and well-preserved bottle of Pinet-Castillon Cognac from the year 1840, a generation and more before the phylloxera louse devastated the vineyards of Cognac.  It has ben bottled at 45%ABV to enhance its use in cocktails. RRP $44.99 /75cl bottle.

Cognac Pierre Ferrand 1840

Rémy Martin VSOP Urban Lights limited edition hits the streets this autumn in a dramatic black bottle decorated with the startling red neon lights of the city and lettering in scarlet and glittering gold. The 1 litre bottle will be available from selected travel retail outlets all over the world from September 2011 while stocks last at the same retail price as Rémy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac.

Remy Martin VSOP Urban

Originally punch was made with cognac it is said. As part of Courvoisier’s promotion campaign Courvoisier VS 'punch pack  is available in a special ' pack' containing a free clear plastic ladle to encourage consumers to "upgrade their drinking experience and enjoy punch at home".  The 30,000 window carton packs feature Courvoisier’s signature serve punch recipe, which mixes Courvoisier VS with lemonade, a few dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters and a garnish of orange and lemon wheels. Neck hangers, that also feature the Courvoisier Punch recipe, plus a free music download, will be placed on a further 175,000 bottles in the offtrade.

Courvoisier Punch Pack

Courvoisier is revolutionising the cognac category with the launch of a range of cognacs with an age declaration on the bottle. The Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection is launching with two qualities: Courvoisier 12 Year Old, using grapes from the Borderies; and Courvoisier 21 Year Old, made exclusively from grapes harvested in the Grande Champagne region. Their respective RRPs are £50 and £175.

Courvoisier 21 Years Old

Rémy Martin launched Centaure de Diamant in the Americas.  This new presentation, created exclusively for travel retail is set to appear in key airports across the Americas including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Vancouver, Puerto Rico and also on cruiselines. RSP US$1,000. The chiselled glass carafe is topped with a silver collar and cabochon stopper that bears the centaur emblem of Rémy Martin. The carafe comes in an elegant presentation coffret in metallic silver with bevelled edges, which open backwards to reveal the decanter and act as a display case on shelf.

Cognac Remy Martin Diamant

Bacardi Global Travel Retail Division is launching Baron Otard’s Fortis et Fidelis. A rare cognac into select travel retail outlets worldwide (RRP US$4,500). The crystal carafe is handcrafted by Royale de Saint-Louis. 

Baron Otard Fortis

Rémy Martin’s Coeur de Cognac is being presented in is distilled very slowly for extra smoothness and vibrant fruitiness and is designed to offer non-Cognac drinkers an accessible premium quality product.

Remy Martin Coeur de Cognac

ABK6 Ice Cognac: The Abécassis family, known for its single estate cognacs, launched Ice Cognac, a contemporary cognac that has been specifically blended by the cellar master to be savoured on ice. Its flavours develop progressively, highlighting a range of distinct aromas from fruit to lemon sorbet and mint through contact with the ice and water. This product is kind of reminiscent of Remy Ice Boxx and following this concept for colder cognac users.

ABK6 Ice Cognac