Sazerac Company and Hi-Spirits announce launch of Seignette VS cognac

UK spirits distributor Hi-Spirits has announced the launch of a contemporary homage to the 19th-century Seignette cognac, which it hopes will bring "a breath of fresh air" to the UK cognac market.

Seignette VS is designed to engage a new generation of cognac drinkers and bartenders with a fresh aesthetic and flavour profile plus versatility for cocktails and mixed drinks.

The Seignette family can be traced back to 17th century France and were known as prominent traders in salt and cognac in the La Rochelle region. Their coat of arms features a swan - a symbol of power and grace, and a common sight on the banks of the Charente River in Cognac. In tribute to the family, and the 200-year-old Seignette cognac brand, the Seignette VS label depicts a swan.

Hi-Spirits, part of the US-based Sazerac Company, calls Seignette VS a "modern-day cognac" with notes of dried apricot, vanilla, honeysuckle, oak and citrus and great mixing potential.

Clive Carpenter, general manager of Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac, said: "Any new product launch is an exciting moment and for us launching Seignette in the UK has an extra special meaning. We are bringing this historic brand back to the country were it was most in-demand in the 19th century. 

"This is a cognac for those people who think cognac 'isn't for them', introducing a new style of enjoying the spirit, complete with a contemporary design and flavour profile. We hope the launch of Seignette will be a breath of fresh air for the cognac category in the UK market."

14 October 2020 - Bethany Whymark