2013 RESULTS OF THE WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION: BEST COGNAC FOR LOUIS-ROYER

2013 World Best Cognac, Louis-Royer VSOP Force 53

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is regarded as the most respected spirits competition in the world. The Competition was the first comprehensive, international spirits judging ever held in the United States on an annual basis. Products are evaluated by top spirits professionals and are judged in a blind, consensual procedure ensuring competitive integrity and making this annual competition the most reputable and recognized competition in the spirits industry.

The 2014 Competition took place on March 20th through the 23rd at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco.

The 2013 Results were officially announced,  April 3, 2013, but they were not very clear so I had to delayed the announcement to confirm a few things:

Cognac VS or Equivalent

Double Gold Medal, Camus Cognac VS Elegance, www.camus.fr

Gold Medal, Bossard Cognac VS, www.bossardcognac.com

Gold Medal, Hennessy Cognac VS, www.hennessy.com

Silver Medal, Camus Ile De Ré Fine Island Cognac, www.camus.fr

Silver Medal, Comandon Cognac VS, www.comandon.com

Silver Medal, Courvoisier Cognac VS, www.courvoisier.com

Silver Medal, Landy Cognac VS, www.landycognac.com

Bronze Medal, Hennessy Black, www.hennessy.com

Cognac VSOP or Equivalent

BEST COGNAC,
Double Gold Medal, Louis-Royer Cognac Fine Champagne VSOP, Force 53, www.louis-royer.com

Gold Medal, Camus Cognac VSOP Borderies, www.camus.fr

Gold Medal, D'USSÉ Cognac VSOP, www.dusse.com

Gold Medal, Gautier Cognac VSOP, www.cognac-gautier.com

Silver Medal, Bossard Cognac VSOP,  www.bossardcognac.com

Silver Medal, Camus Cognac VSOP Elegance, www.camus.fr

Silver Medal, Camus Ile De Ré Fine Island Cognac, Double Matured, www.camus.fr

Silver Medal, Camus Ile De Ré Fine Island Cognac, Cliffside Cellar, www.camus.fr

Silver Medal, Cognac De Luze Fine Champagne VSOP, Grande & Petite Champagne, www.choose-delight.com

Silver Medal, Comandon Cognac VSOP, www.comandon.com

Silver Medal, Courvoisier Cognac VSOP, www.courvoisier.com

Silver Medal, Grand Breuil Cognac Elite, www.cognac-tessendier.com

Silver Medal, Landy Cognac VSOP, www.landycognac.com

Silver Medal, Louis Royer Cognac VSOP Preference, www.louis-royer.com

Silver Medal, Merlet Cognac Brothers Blend, www.merlet.fr

Cognac XO or Equivalent

Double Gold Medal, Gautier Cognac XO Pinar del Rio, www.cognac-gautier.com

Gold Medal, Campagnère Cognac Belle Epoque Borderies, www.cognac-tessendier.com

Gold Medal, Cognac De Luze Fine Champagne XO, Grande & Petite Champagne, www.choose-delight.com

Gold Medal, Courvoisier Cognac XO, www.courvoisier.com

Gold Medal, Gautier Cognac XO Gold & Blue, www.cognac-gautier.com

Gold Medal, Louis Royer Cognac XO, Force 53, www.louis-royer.com

Silver Medal, Camus Cognac XO Elegance, www.camus.fr

Silver Medal, Comandon Cognac XO, www.comandon.com

Silver Medal, Drouet & Fils Cognac XO Cuvée Ulysse, www.cognac-drouet.fr

Silver Medal, Landy Cognac XO, www.landycognac.com

Silver Medal, Leopold Raffin Cognac XO, www.rlaclie.com

Cognac Extra-Aged

Silver Medal, Louis Royer Cognac Extra Grande Champagne, Force 53, www.louis-royer.com

Thirty-four spirits experts convened at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco from March 21st through the 24th, 2013, for the 13th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The 2013 Competition had record entries, up 17% from last year. Distillers and importers submitted 1407 spirits from 63 countries into 85 different classifications. This year Suntory Ltd. from Tokyo, Japan, was awarded "The Tasting PanelMagazine Distillery of the Year", "Importer of the Year" was captured by Pernod Ricard USA, New York, NY, while the "Director's Award" was won by William Grant & Sons, New York.

Congratulations to Louis-Royer Cognac for winning the 2013 World Best Cognac for its VSOP!

Source Infos: SF World Spirits Competition

Source Photo: www.louis-royer.com

REMY COINTREAU IS POSTING VERY POSITIVE RESULTS

Remy Cointreau Logo

Rémy Cointreau has posted a healthy jump in year-to-date sales as Cognac sales remained strong despite the later Chinese New Year.

Total sales rose by 17.5% to $1.29bn US in the nine months to the end of December, with Rémy's own brands up by 20.6%. Sales of its Rémy Martin brands increased by 12.4% in the same period, as super-premium Cognac in Asia continued to grow.

Cognac sales in the US were also buoyant while Rémy's liquor and spirits posted “strong gains” in the country.

The results build on already strong comparisons from the same period last year when Cognac sales grew 18% up. Net sales in 1st quarter were up by 13.30% compared to 2012 first quarter.

Sales in Europe remained buoyed by Russia and increased, together with some Western European countries.

Today's results included a full quarter of sales of Bruichladdich, which Remy Martin purchased in 2012 for approximately $90 million US.

To read Remy's official statement, click here.

HENNESSY WILD RABBIT GOING FOR ANOTHER YEAR

Hennessy, the number one selling Cognac brand in the world, announced this month that its successful “Wild Rabbit” campaign will continue for a second year. Centered on the notion that true greatness is reserved for those who have reached a level of mastery yet still push for more success, the “Wild Rabbit” program draws parallels among the journeys of leading icons in various fields and the paths being forged by Hennessy aficionados.

Wild Rabbit

The award-winning campaign, which in 2012 spotlighted inspiring tales of such masters as Manny Pacquiao , Erykah Badu and Martin Scorsese , will add a new ambassador to their ranks: multi-platinum recording artist and rhyme master, Nas.

Nasir Jones 'NAS'

Nas gave a statement on teaming up with Hennessy, as he said: "this partnership with Hennessy has been almost two decades in the making".

He also added: "I am honored to be included in the group of previous partners Hennessy has selected over the years and hope this campaign will inspire others to ‘never stop, never settle".

Rodney Williams, Senior VP, Moet Hennessy USA spoke on working with Nas: "our ‘never stop, never settle’ mantra communicates a value at the core of who we are as a brand and resonates with our consumers: pursuing one’s potential comes from an inner drive to continuously grow, continuously improve and seek greater levels of mastery."

Source: News: www.hiphopdx.com

Source: Photos: Wikipedia

SHORTBREAD MADE WITH COGNAC AND ALMOND

Butter Cookies made with Cognac

I like cognac and ice cream, and I often add cookies to it but in general I prefer butter cookies also known as shortbread. Liquor.com posted a shortbread recipe using cognac on Jan. 23rd 2013.

 They call this "Almond Cognac Cookie Sandwiches".

Liquor.com writes ..."These truly adult baked goods come from Jane Danger, owner of New York’s acclaimed Jane’s Sweet Buns.

And she knows more than a thing or two about liquor. In fact, Danger’s creations—including Rum Runner sweet buns and a Harvey Wallbanger cake—are “inspired by cocktails,” and she pulls shifts behind the bar at the recently opened The Bourgeois Pig Brooklyn when she’s not baking. She boasts an impressive mixological resume, having worked at some of the city’s best watering holes, such as PDT, Little Branch, Dutch Kills and Cienfuegos.

Her shortbread-cookie recipe is simple and delicious, calling for both almond extract and a couple spoonfuls of cognac. For an extra shot of pizzazz, she uses a raspberry-jam-and-rose-water concoction to bind two of the confections together.

The tasty result can be dipped into brandy. It also pairs perfectly with warming spirited tipples like a Hot Toddy or Glogg, not to mention coffee or tea.

So build a fire, pour yourself a drink and enjoy a cookie sandwich. We could really get used to this routine.

ALMOND COGNAC COOKIE SANDWICHES

Contributed by Jane Danger

INGREDIENTS:

• .75 cup Sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, softened
• 2 Egg yolks
• 1 tsp Almond extract
• 2 tsp Cognac
• 2.5 cups Flour
• .5 tsp Salt
• .5 cup Raspberry jam
• .25 tsp Rose water

PREPARATION:
In a medium bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, almond extract and cognac, and stir to combine. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add the butter mixture and stir until just combined. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll 1-tablespoon portions of the dough into balls and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten the balls with the heel of your hand. Bake until just beginning to brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely.

While the cookies are baking, add the jam and rose water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until slightly warm, about 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool completely.

Spread a small amount of the jam mixture on the bottom of a cookie and top with another cookie to form sandwiches. Repeat with the remaining cookies. This recipe makes about 48 cookies, or 2 dozen sandwiches.

Sources: Photo and Text = Liquor.com

WHAT SHOULD BE COGNAC NIGHT?

The Liquor.com website caught my attention today as they mentioned that: "Irish whisky drinkers have St. Patrick’s Day and bourbon drinkers have the Kentucky Derby, but what do Scotch drinkers have? Burns Night. The holiday, which is tonight, celebrates the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, back in 1759. Honor the man by trying one of these new single malts."

When I lived in Scotland I was lucky enough to acquire a book published in the mid-1800s from Robert Burns and signed in the 1990s by a descendant of Burns. So I know exactly what they are talking about.

Robert Burns and Scotch

Then, I thought what would be cognac day? Or rather cognac night?

Cognac has the blues festival. Or they have the cognac festival. But these are really more local events and public festivals. They have the Summit and la Part des Anges ... but these are more industry events and celebrations.

So the equivalent of Robert Burns in Cognac might be Odette Comandon who was a popular actress and story teller from the 50s to the 80s, and become director of the Académie de Saintonge. She exemplify, the Cognac  and regional identity as she was a perfect speaker of the local language called 'patois saintongeais', that is the local dialects.

Or is it Francois Mitterrand, enigmatic President of France from 1981 to 1995. I think this personality might be too politically loaded and therefore not so universal.

Perhaps, Francois 1er (1494 – 1547), born in the city of Cognac and King of France (1515-1547). I think he is a significant person in the history of cognac, but perhaps Francois 1er is too emblematic of the history of the city of Cognac, and cognac cannot be summarized by something to do with the city of Cognac only. In other words, perhaps Francois 1er is not inclusive enough.

What about Bastille Day? Really, it is too generic.

Should cognac night be in winter?

Most people think cognac is a winter drink. This is wrong. Try this. Ginger ale, ice cubes and a little drop of VS cognac and voila, the ultimate summer quencher. So cognac night would not have to be in winter.

If anybody has any suggestions please just comment as I am out of ideas.

Source: Liquor.com

Source Photo: Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and Wikipedia Commons

5 SECRETS EVERY COGNAC DRINKER SHOULD KNOW FROM LIQUOR.COM

With more than 150 bottlings to choose from, including a variety of vintage spirits dating back to the early 20th century, the Brandy Library is the best place to enjoy cognac in New York and possibly the whole country says Liquor.com. The owner,  Flavien Desoblin, opened in 2004, and he is now recognized for his contribution in the cognac market.

Liquor.com

Liquor.com interviewed Flavien about 'how to' cognac. I agree with much of these perspectives perhaps some day I will comment on where I disagree but nothing too big although details in cognac are often the most important things.

If It’s Young, Mix It:
For cocktails, Desoblin advises that you pour a younger spirit like Courvoisier VS, Frapin VS or Leopold Gourmel Premieres Saveurs. Citrus, nutty and floral flavors play well with cognac, so try fixing classics such as the Sidecar and French Connection. Also, “a young cognac with ginger ale on ice works wonders when it’s hot,” Desoblin says. We recommend his Jarnac Ginger, a brandy-based spin on the Dark 'n Stormy.

If It’s Old, Drink It Straight:
“As soon as there is any depth or complexity with a cognac,” Desoblin says, “it should not be used in cocktails.” Save those pricey XO and hors d’age spirits for sipping. Aged brandies have very delicate and subtle notes, and he suggests having them without mixers, food or even cigars. Desoblin prefers his cognac “after dinner with little distraction. Prerequisites: no stress, anger or loud people around!”

No Water, No Ice:
“Water tends to make cognac too bland, unless you deal with a cask-strength bottling, which is rare,” Desoblin says, “and ice just kills it.” In general, serve the spirit neat, at room temperature or slightly cooler. The traditional snifter, with its wide, balloon-shaped bottom and narrow top, is the ideal vessel, Desoblin says: “It allows for swirling and therefore the liberation of aromatic compounds.”

Source: Liquor.com

HENNESSY COGNAC IS PART OF LVMH: LIST OF 62 LVMH BRANDS

You are probably aware of what the acronym LVMH stands for?

Yes, you are correct Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. LVMH is the largest luxury group in the world with records sales (+/- $30 billion) and profits (+/- $5 billion) in 2012, and 62 luxury brands in its portfolio.

LVMH 5 Champagnes

10 Cane Rum
Acqua di Parma
Belvedere
BeneFit Cosmetics
Berluti
Bodega Chandon Argentina
Bon Marche Rive Gauche
Bulgari
Cape Mentelle
Celine
Chateau Cheval Blanc
Chateau d’Yquem
Chaumet
Cheval Blanc - Hotels
Cheval des Andes
Christian Dior Parfums
Cloudy Bay
De Beers
DFS
Dom Perignon
Domaine Chandon Australia
Domaine Chandon California
Donna Karan
Edun
Emillo Pucci
Fendi
Fendi Parfums
Fred
Fresh
Givenchy
Givenchy Parfums
Glenmorangie Company
Guerlain
Hennessy
Hublot
Kenzo
Kenzo Parfums
Krug
Le Jardin D’Acclimatation - Activity Park
Les Echos - Publications
Loewe
Loewe Parfums
Louis Vuitton
Make Up For Ever
Marc Jacobs
Mercier
Miami Cruise Line Services
Moet & Chandon
Newton Vineyard
Nowness
Nude
Numanthia
Royal Van Lent - Yachts
Ruinart
Samaritaine
Sephora
Tag Heuer
Terrazas de los Andes
Thomas Pink
Veuve Clicquot
Wenjun
Zenith

LVMH majority of its brands are in the wine & spirits industry with Hennessy being the leading brand. Cognac is alive and kicking!

Source: www.lvmh.com