Cognac News & Features

On May 26, the Cognac region and parts of southwestern France were hit by a destructive hailstorm. While still assessing the damage of that May 26 hailstorm, Cognac was hit with a new episode on June 3. While this storm was less severe than the one a week earlier, it followed a series of vineyard damaging hailstorms and late spring frosts the past few years. Last April, a late frost struck the Cognac region, damaging...

Learning About Cognac Through Holograms The House of Rémy Martin has introduced an innovative way to learn about how they specialize in crafting Fine Champagne Cognacs. Rémy Martin enlisted Kazendi, a HoloLens development studio to help it tell its story through HoloLens. What is HoloLens? HoloLens is a Microsoft invention that allows the user to interact with holograms by wearing a light helmet with a special set of eye wear. Here is a demonstration of HoloLens Mixed Reality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic_M6WoRZ7k The...

Joel Harrison has an article in Live Mint and the Wall Street Journal well worth reading...."A Love Affair With Cognac" Says Joel, "Cognac takes the elements you like in rum and whisky and wraps it up in a designer suit with vintage leather accessories." It is a very fun article.  Read the entire article here. "Joel Harrison is a drinks writer and consultant and co-founder of the website Caskstrength.net."

In a sign that cognac is gaining more popularity in the United States, USA Today has issued a crash course on cognac. USA Today notes the revival in interest in cognac and provides some basics on the amber drink. USA Today's cognac crash course also includes a 29 page photo gallery worth checking out.

Hennessy has released Hennessy 8 a cognac that pays tribute to the eight generations of Master Blenders at the prestigious Cognac house. Hennessy 8 is a joint creation of Master Blender Yann Fillioux and his protégé Renaud Fillioux who will take over for Monsieur Fillioux as Hennessy's Master Blender. Just 250 hand blown Baccarat crystal carafes of Hennessy 8 will be made. Each carafe will be individually numbered and signed by Arik Levy, the designer...

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), owner of the Hennessy cognac brand ,reported their first quarter earnings today. Total LVMH revenues were up 13% from the first quarter of 2016, led by first quarter growth of 16% in wine and spirits sales. The LVMH press release announcing their first quarter earnings contained this note: "Hennessy cognac saw volumes increase significantly which could impact the availability of stocks for the rest of the year." According to the Bureau...

In December 2016, La Dame Jeanne, a flat bottomed boat and popular tourist attraction that sailed the Charente River was damaged while docked and began to sink. While La Dame Jeanne was rescued by crane from sinking further, the sailing craft suffered extensive damage. According to Sud Oest, La Dame Jeanne will not be repaired in time to sail this summer during the height of the cognac tourist season. Discussions to find a replacement gabare...

National Cognac Day National Cognac Day June, 4 National Cognac Day is celebrated annually on June 4 in the United States. Here are some frequently asked questions about Cognac. What is Cognac? Cognac is a distilled grape spirit. Technically, it is a type of brandy that is produced in the Charente Region of Southwest France. How is Cognac made? The process for making Cognac is strictly regulated by the The Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) In order to be...

In a groundbreaking move that sets the stage for future growth and expansion, Campari Group has announced its acquisition of Courvoisier, the renowned cognac brand, from Beam Suntory. The deal, valued at an impressive $1.32 billion, marks a significant milestone for both companies as they embark on new chapters in their respective journeys. This strategic move is part of Campari Group's long-term vision to become the world's most admired premium spirits company. The acquisition...

Last September, Martell established La Fondation d'entreprise Martell. As part of the foundation's work, Martell will be renovating a building once used to bottle its cognac that has been in disuse since 2005. The building will feature craftsmen of the Cognac area that helped shape the Cognac industry including glassmakers, ceramists, designers, cabinet makers as well as other artists and musicians work. Read more