Bache Gabrielsen Hors d'Age Grande Champagne Cognac
The Bache Gabrielsen Hors d'Age Grande Champagne Cognac is a masterful blend from the Premier Cru of Cognac, representing the pinnacle of the house's expertise. This exceptional Cognac is made primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes, with eaux-de-vie sourced from various bouilleurs de cru in the Grande Champagne region. Distilled with lees in traditional copper alambics with capacities between 20 and 30 hectoliters, the eaux-de-vie used in this blend have matured for between 50 and 70 years in humid cellars, imparting remarkable depth and complexity.
The barrels used for aging come from various renowned cooperages in Cognac, with a medium-plus toast and coarse grain, contributing to the rich and full-bodied profile of this Cognac. The color is completely natural, without artificial additives. However, 12 grams of liquid sugar per liter have been added to balance the flavors, enhancing its smoothness while retaining the natural vibrancy of the blend. A signature trait of this Cognac is its ability to remain fresh and lively despite the decades spent aging in oak.
After being awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 last April, Maison Bache-Gabrielsen, founded in 1905, and its Hors d'Âge Cognac has once again earned international acclaim the title of Best Extra-Aged/Vintage Cognac and Best Cognac Cognac of all categories, at the Top Shelf 2024 gala dinner organized by the the competition on October 4. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most respected respected competitions in the spirits industry. Each year, the competition brings together experts from around the world to judge the best products. In 2024, nearly 5,500 spirits were entered, including 200 in the brandy/cognac category. This title of Best Cognac in all categories recognizes the quality and passion of the Maison Bache-Gabrielsen.
According to the producers, "The oldest eaux-de-vie in this splendid Grande Champagne blend were distilled during the Second World War, while the youngest were born in the 1970s." This remarkable history adds to the allure of this Hors d'Age, which won a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Founded in 1905, the Bache Gabrielsen house is now in its fourth generation of family ownership, with Jean-Philippe Bergier serving as the maître de chai. As a négociant-éleveur, the house prides itself on curating only the finest Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, carefully aging them in Limousin oak barrels to bring out their full potential. The result is a Cognac that boasts complexity, depth, and an impressively long finish—qualities that make it a true showpiece in any collection.
Presentation of the Bottle
The Bache Gabrielsen Hors d'Age Cognac is presented in a slender 0.7L bottle encased in a dark wooden box, inspired by Scandinavian design principles. The bottle's minimalist elegance reflects the house's modern philosophy of balancing tradition with contemporary flair. The craftsmanship of the packaging makes this Cognac an ideal gift or a centerpiece for any connoisseur’s collection.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the Bache Gabrielsen Hors d'Age, it is best enjoyed neat at room temperature. Allow the Cognac to breathe for a few moments before tasting, as this will help reveal its intricate aromas and flavors, which have developed over decades. Pair it with a fine cigar for an even more luxurious experience.
Bache Gabrielsen Hors d'Age Awards
- Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition UK, 2017
- Gold – Best Superior Quality Cognac at World Cognac Awards UK, 2015
- Gold Outstanding Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition UK, 2014
- Best cognac in any category at the Top Shelf 2024 gala dinner
