Connoisseur unveils range with age statements

Maxxium UK’s luxury cognac brand, Courvoisier, is revolutionising the cognac category with the launch of a range of cognacs with an age declaration on the bottle.

Courvoisier is the first of the major cognac houses to introduce an age statement, communicating quality and luxury to consumers and offering them the unique opportunity to taste rare liquids that celebrate age and cru coming together for the perfect taste profile.

The Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection is launching with two marques, Courvoisier 12 Year Old and Courvoisier 21 Year Old, aged for a minimum of 12 and 21 years respectively in French oak. They are a complement to the classic Courvoisier range and embody Courvoisier’s innovative and ground-breaking approach to cognac.  Courvoisier 12 Year Old is a blend primarily selected from the Borderies, the smallest and most exclusive cru in Cognac and Courvoisier 21 Year Old is made exclusively from grapes harvested in the most prestigious Grande Champagne cru. Their respective RRPs are £50 and £175.

Maxxium UK’s marketing controller for Courvoisier and imported whiskeys, Eileen Livingston, says: “Courvoisier has taken a revolutionary approach throughout its 200 year history, introducing innovative production techniques and marketing initiatives, which have secured its position as the UK’s number one cognac. The launch of the Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection demonstrates the brand’s luxury credentials and our commitment to growing the brand and the category in a true revolutionary style.”

Courvoisier master blender, Patrice Pinet says: “Our former master blender, Jean Marc Olivier, had the foresight 25 years ago to employ processes that would allow us to create a cognac with an age statement, predicting that the face of cognac would change. Courvoisier is leading the charge on an innovative approach to cognac, which we hope will inform and engage aficionados and we look forward to adding to the collection in the future.”

Courvoisier recently won a gold medal for Courvoisier 21 Year Old and a silver medal for Courvoisier 12 Year Old at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in March 2011.

Tasting notes

Courvoisier 12 Year Old:
Colour: Golden, amber
Aroma: Notes of violets, orange blossoms that quickly meld into spicy tones clove, ginger and star anise. Delicate vanilla completes the aromatic harmony
Body: Finesse and elegance
Taste: Almonds, raisins and orange marmalade on the palate that are nurtured from the old Grande Champagne as a finishing touch
Finish: Long and harmonious, the delicate and refined depth is particularly enjoyable when savored with luscious sweets, desserts and chocolates

Courvoisier 21 Year Old:
Colour: Amber, with touch of Mahogany wood
Aroma: The first notes are dried hazelnut, dried apricots and figs; followed slowly by notes of cocoa, honey and smooth spices like white pepper and coriander. The finish brings subtle notes of leather and fine cigar
Body: Smooth and voluptuous
Taste: The aromatic notes deepen into candied orange and ginger bread notes in the mouth
Finish: Very smooth with exquisite depth that continues for long moments

1 May 2011 - Felicity Murray