Courvoisier creates mizunara-aged Cognac with House of Suntory

Cognac house Maison Courvoisier has announced the launch of a Cognac aged using prized mizunara oak casks.

Courvoisier Mizunara, made using Grand Champagne, is an expertly blended liquid which began its ageing in French oak barrels before being transferred to a Japanese mizunara wood cask from House of Suntory. 

Courvoisier says this second maturation in the mizunara wood has resulted in "an exceptionally harmonious and aromatic Cognac".

The expression was created by Courvoisier's sixth chief blender, Patrice Pinet, and fifth-generation chief blender at the House of Suntory, Shinji Fukuyo, drawing on the maturation traditions and techniques of both Cognac and Japanese whisky.

Pinet said: "Memorable blends begin in the imaginations of those who dare to dream them. I have always been intrigued by the scarcity and uniqueness of Japanese mizunara oak and honored by the opportunity to work with the legendary wood and the incredibly talented Shinji Fukuyo of House of Suntory.

"We are living in two different countries with two different cultures, but deeply connected in our values and respect for our artistry. I knew the mizunara cask was an unconventional choice for Courvoisier and together with Shinji, we saw the potential for the notoriously temperamental wood to enhance the unique characteristics of the exceptional cognac and complement the Maison’s signature floral house style."

Fukuyo added: "I have always been fascinated by experimenting with flavours through innovation, and I'm very excited to have taken part in the development of Courvoisier Mizunara and to help create something never before tasted."

Limited to just 500 bottles, Courvoisier Mizunara will be available in select global markets from July 2022 (price TBC). Each bottle will have a Japanese mizunara oak tree emblazoned on the front in gold, and will be individually numbered.

22 June 2022 - Bethany Whymark