Learn more about the different Cognac ages
Learn more about the different Cognac growth areas
The oldest cognac in the Maison Dhiersat range, drawn from a single barrel that has spent up to four decades in wood. An Extra cognac must carry real age, and this one goes far beyond the minimum: when one cask runs dry the family simply move to the next at the same age, so every bottling carries its own signature.
Maison Dhiersat is a seven generation family estate at Rouillac, in the northern Fins Bois. The house is run today by Marie Dhiersat with two female relatives, farming 55 hectares of vines within three kilometres of the domaine. Everything happens on site: the work in the vines, distillation in three 25 hectolitre Charentais alambics, ageing across three chais, and bottling.
The blend carries a significant proportion of Folle Blanche alongside Ugni Blanc, a legacy of old co-planted parcels and something rarely found at this age. Spirit spends 8 to 12 months in new oak before moving into older casks, and the house works without colouring and without sugar. At 40% ABV almost no water has been added: four decades of evaporation did the work, which is what happens when you let the angels take their share.
One for drinkers who want genuine age and rancio without the rustic edge that old Fins Bois can sometimes carry.
Presented in a clear decanter with a golden stopper and gold typography on the label, supplied in a deep mahogany presentation case. The style is restrained rather than showy, and it stands apart from a standard bottle without shouting about it.
Serve neat at room temperature in a tulip glass, and give it a few minutes to open. No ice, no water. It pairs well with dark chocolate or a cigar after dinner.
Very very fine nose, improves with air as does any old Cognac. I know there is a nice portion of folle blanche in the blend, so could this be because of that? Must be. It does not show the very prominent earthy and rustic notes we can see in some old Fins Bois. Interesting. Vanilla, spices, sweet...
