Hermitage, Grande Champagne Cognac, 1940 - 70cl

Hermitage Cognacs are renowned for their knowledge and supply of older cognacs. Their cognacs spend far longer in their barrels than average and this alone provides deeper, richer and more individual flavours. Most of the cognacs come from the top cru known as Grande Champagne. 

The range of Hermitage Cognacs changes as and when old vintages run out or new ones are added. Although there are many vintages available, only the very finest are selected for sale under the Hermitage label.

Produced in the South East of Cognac in Grande Champagne. The Eastern side of Grande Champagne is slightly flatter than the more central section but as with most parts of the cru, the vines penetrate deep into the chalk. The area here is often regarded as the best Terroir in Cognac and good harvests are common here.

There are aromas of fresh straw, yeast, chestnuts and black truffles Initially one can detect flavours of hickory and ginger but this develops with hints of cloves, liquorice and damsons. Like many fine Grande Champagne cognacs there is a citrus tail, in this instance of grapefruit.

Some small reduction will have been made to balance this fine cognac. This cognac has aged in cellars that are of medium dampness for more than 60 years. Stored in old oak 350 litre barrels. Around this period big barrels were more common than small ones for cost reasons, also, because of the war most people had to make do with whatever was available.

This is from a small family distiller using the traditional double distillation method.