Terms and conditions

1. Introduction and Scope

These Terms and conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Cognac-Expert.com website (“Site”) and all purchases of products and services offered through the Site. Cognac-Expert.com is operated by Super SARL, 135 Rte de Bordeaux, Le Moulin de l’Abbaye, 16400 La Couronne, France. By accessing the Site or placing an order, you accept these Terms without reservation. These Terms apply worldwide to both consumers and business customers for all product categories (alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic goods, event tickets, digital content and subscriptions) unless specific conditions state otherwise. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or services.

Note — this English version is for convenience; in case of discrepancies the French version prevails and mandatory consumer-protection provisions of local law apply.

2. Legal Age, Eligibility, and Health Warnings

2.1 Age Restrictions

Our products include alcoholic beverages, which are sold only to adults of legal drinking age. By using the Site or purchasing alcohol, you certify that you are at least 18 years of age (or the applicable legal age in your country, 21 in the USA), and legally permitted to purchase alcohol. In accordance with French law (Code de la Santé Publique, art. L3342-1 and L3353-3), the sale of alcohol to minors under 18 is strictly prohibited, and proof of majority age is required for online sales. We may require age verification (e.g. ID check upon delivery) to comply with these laws. Any breach (false declaration of age) will lead to order cancellation and potential account termination.

2.2 Health and Moderation

We remind customers that alcohol abuse is dangerous for health; please consume responsibly and in moderation. Pregnant women should not consume alcohol due to serious health risks to the baby. By purchasing, you acknowledge these health warnings. Cognac-Expert.com and its partners will not be liable for any health issues or damages arising from excessive or irresponsible consumption.

2.3 Eligibility and Compliance

You agree to use the Site only if you can form a binding contract under your local laws. It is your responsibility to ensure that accessing or purchasing from our Site is legal in your jurisdiction. We make no representation that products or content are appropriate or available in all locations. If you access the Site from outside France, you are responsible for compliance with local laws and regulations regarding alcohol purchase, import, and consumption.

3. Account Registration and Site Use

3.1 Account Creation

While browsing is possible without registration, placing orders may require creating an account with accurate personal information. You must provide a valid email, delivery address, and any other required details. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account. If you suspect unauthorized use, notify us immediately. We are not liable for losses due to stolen credentials unless caused by our negligence.

3.2 Accurate Information

You agree that all information you submit (including for orders or subscriptions) is truthful, accurate, and up-to-date. Providing false, incomplete, or fraudulent information (such as a false age or identity) is a breach of these Terms and may result in order cancellation and legal action. Each order is subject to acceptance by us; we reserve the right to refuse any order if we suspect fraud, illegal activity, or violation of these Terms (in such case, any payment made will be refunded if appropriate).

3.3 Site Usage Rules

You agree to use the Site and services for legitimate personal or internal business purposes only. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:

• Attempting to purchase alcohol for underage persons or evading age verification.
• Any unlawful activities or misuse of the Site (such as transmitting harmful code, data mining, or violating others’ rights).
• Posting or transmitting any user content that is unlawful, infringing, defamatory, or abusive.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account or access to the Site if you violate these rules or any applicable law.

3.4 Mobile and App Access

These Terms apply equally to access via mobile browsers or any official mobile application we may offer. If a Cognac-Expert mobile app is provided in the future, use of the app and our services through that app will be subject to these same Terms. Additional terms from the app platform (e.g. Apple App Store, Google Play) may also apply, but those platforms are not responsible for our content or services.

4. Product Information and Intellectual Property

4.1 Product Authenticity and Compliance:

Cognac-Expert.com sells only genuine, original products sourced from licensed producers. All Cognacs and spirits offered are approved under French regulations (with official excise stamps or approvals as required). Product descriptions, specifications, and images on the Site are provided for information purposes. While we strive for accuracy, product packaging or labeling may vary (e.g. if a producer updates a bottle design or vintage). Such variations do not constitute a lack of conformity. All products will comply with French and EU labeling laws for alcohol. Note that labels and documentation may be in French or English; the buyer is responsible for adherence to any additional local labeling requirements when importing products.

4.2 Intellectual Property (Site Content):

All content on the Site – including text, images, graphics, logos, trademarks, and software – is the intellectual property of Cognac-Expert (Super SARL) or its content suppliers, and is protected by copyright, trademark and other laws. You are not permitted to reproduce, distribute, modify, or otherwise use any Site content for any commercial purpose without our prior written consent. You may download or print portions of the Site only for your personal, non-commercial use (e.g. saving an invoice or product description for reference). Any unauthorized use of our intellectual property may result in legal action.

4.3 User-Generated Content (Reviews, Images, Posts):

(a) Public visibility. Any reviews, photographs, comments or other materials that you upload or submit to the Site (together, “User Content”) are, by design, publicly accessible to other users. Do not upload anything you wish to keep confidential.

(b) Licence you grant us. By submitting User Content you irrevocably grant Cognac-Expert (Super SARL) a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, transferable, sub-licensable and worldwide licence to use, reproduce, host, edit, adapt, translate, modify, create derivative works from, publish, distribute, publicly perform and display that User Content— including for marketing in newsletters, social-media posts, advertising, or any other medium—without further notice or compensation to you.

(c) Your warranties. You warrant that (i) you own or control all rights in the User Content, and (ii) our use under this licence will not infringe any third-party right or violate any law.

(d) Moderation. We reserve the right (but have no obligation) to review, edit, refuse, or remove User Content that violates these Terms or applicable law. Uploading User Content constitutes acceptance of this clause.

5. Prices, Taxes, and Payment

5.1 Pricing Currency:

Prices on our Site are generally listed in Euro (€) by default. For convenience, we may display approximate prices in other currencies (e.g. USD, GBP) for some regions, but final billing will typically occur in Euros (unless specified otherwise at checkout). All prices are inclusive of French VAT when applicable, unless you are viewing the Site from a location where VAT does not apply (e.g. outside the EU, in which case prices may be shown or adjusted without French VAT at checkout). Shipping charges are not included in the product price unless explicitly stated; they will be added during checkout (see Section 7).

All prices are inclusive of French or EU VAT when applicable, unless you are viewing the Site from a location where VAT does not apply (e.g. outside the EU, in which case prices may be adjusted without VAT at checkout). For bottled spirits we also display the mandatory unit price per litre (prix unitaire au litre) alongside the selling price, in compliance with French Decree 2021-708.

5.2 Taxes and Import Duties:

For orders delivered within France or the EU, prices include applicable VAT or duties, and no additional import tax is due on delivery. For international orders delivered outside the EU (for example, to the USA, UK, Switzerland, etc.), the sale may be zero-rated for French VAT, and you may be responsible for local import taxes, customs duties, or excise fees upon arrival in your country. We will do our best to inform you of any known restrictions or documentation required, but we are not responsible for any import duties, taxes or brokerage fees levied by your local authorities. You (the customer) act as the importer of record and must ensure compliance with your country’s import laws. This includes providing any needed information to customs and paying any fees to release the shipment. Failure to do so resulting in delays or confiscation is at your risk (see Section 7.5 on customs).

5.3 Payment Methods:

We accept major credit/debit cards and other payment methods as indicated on the Site (e.g. PayPal or bank transfer, if offered). All payments are processed through secure payment gateways. We do not store your full payment card details on our servers. By submitting an order and payment details, you authorize us to charge the specified amount to your payment method. Payment must be received in full before orders are dispatched. For subscriptions or pre-orders, by providing a payment method you authorize recurring charges as described in Section 8.

5.4 Pricing Accuracy:

We strive to maintain accurate pricing on our Site. However, in the rare event of a manifest pricing error (e.g. a price that is obviously far below the market value due to a technical mistake), we reserve the right to correct the error and will inform you. You will have the opportunity to reconfirm the order at the correct price or cancel it for a full refund.

5.5 VAT Invoices:

A detailed invoice accompanies every order (or can be sent electronically). VAT is itemised separately whenever it applies. EU-based business customers may request a VAT-exclusive invoice by providing a valid intra-Community VAT number at checkout or shortly after placing the order; otherwise, VAT is charged by default.

5.6 Voucher Codes, Loyalty Points and Promotional Campaigns:

(a) Non-cumulative discounts. Unless expressly stated, voucher codes, loyalty-point redemptions, free-shipping offers and other promotions cannot be combined in a single order. Already discounted products, “Price-Match” items, or items flagged on the Site as excluded are ineligible for further discounts.

(b) Newsletter voucher. New subscribers to our newsletter receive a single-use 10 % “Welcome” voucher. It may not be applied to already discounted products and is combinable only with free-shipping offers where available.

(c) Loyalty-points program. Each €1 (or currency equivalent) spent on eligible products earns loyalty points. Conversion rate: 10 points = €1 voucher credit.

• Earning exclusions: (i) Products shipped to the United States; (ii) all subscription plans in §8; (iii) items sold by private sellers (Cabinet 7); (iv) any product page that states “loyalty points not applicable”.
• Validity: Points expire one (1) year after accrual if not converted. Once converted, vouchers expire one (1) year after issue. Unused, expired points or vouchers have no cash value. Multiple loyalty vouchers may be used together unless a product or promotion expressly forbids it.

(d) Birthday voucher. A personalised birthday voucher may be issued at our discretion and is valid only for the timeframe indicated. It is combinable solely with discount promotions expressly permitting combination.

(e) Mini-bottle gifts and stock limitations. Complimentary miniatures are “while stocks last.” We may substitute an equivalent miniature if the selected item is unavailable. Miniature promotions are not cumulative and may be limited to specific store-fronts or fulfilment centres.

(f) Price-Match exclusions. “Price-Match” items are excluded from all additional discounts, vouchers, loyalty-point redemptions, and promotions.

(g) Campaign-specific rules. Promotional periods such as Black Friday Sale, Cyber Monday Sale and Cognac Week have bespoke discount structures and never include free-shipping. Campaign-specific T&Cs published on the Site at the time of the promotion shall prevail over this clause in the event of conflict.

6. Orders and Contract Formation

6.1 Offer and Acceptance:

All orders placed by you constitute an offer to purchase products under these Terms. Our order process will guide you through selecting products, confirming your cart, providing shipping information, and payment. After you place an order, we will send an order confirmation email acknowledging receipt. This email is not final acceptance of your offer; the purchase contract is concluded only when we expressly confirm acceptance by a shipping confirmation email or by dispatching the goods. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order prior to acceptance, for example, if: (a) the product is unavailable, (b) we suspect fraud or misuse, (c) you have provided incomplete or unverifiable information, or (d) there is an obvious error on the Site. If we refuse an order after payment, we will issue a full refund.

6.2 Availability of Products:

All products on our Site are offered subject to availability. We strive to keep inventory status updated. If, exceptionally, an item you ordered is out of stock or unavailable (including if a supplier fails to deliver to us), we will inform you as soon as possible. In such cases, we may offer an alternative product if appropriate, or you may choose to cancel the affected item. If you cancel due to unavailability, you will be refunded in full for that itemwithin a reasonable time (no later than 10 days from our notice of unavailability). We cannot be held liable for delays in delivery caused by our partner producers being out of stock of an item.

6.3 Changes and Cancellations:

If you need to modify or cancel an order, please contact us immediately at [email protected]. We will do our best to accommodate changes before the order ships. Once an order is in transit (handed to the carrier), changes or cancellations might not be possible (see Returns in Section 9 for post-delivery options). If we agree to a cancellation before shipment, we will refund your payment. We also reserve the right to cancel an order (with refund) if we suspect a violation of these Terms or if any unforeseen issue arises that prevents us from fulfilling the order (e.g. regulatory restrictions on shipping alcohol to the destination).

6.4 Pre-Orders and Special Orders:

For any product marked as a pre-order or items that require special sourcing, we will provide an estimated availability or delivery date. If such a pre-order cannot be fulfilled (for instance due to vintage scarcity or supplier issues), we will notify you and offer a refund or alternative. Pre-orders may be billed at order placement or upon dispatch as indicated. If delivery of a prepaid alcoholic beverage is scheduled beyond 30 days from order and its price was fixed at purchase, note that such sales may fall under special rules (French Consumer Code Article L221-28, 7°) and no withdrawal right applies if the value depends on market fluctuations. We will clearly inform you if a specific pre-order is of this nature.

6.5 Contract Archiving and Access

In accordance with Article L213-1 of the French Consumer Code and Article 1127-1 of the French Civil Code, Super SARL archives sales contracts with a value of €120 or more (incl. tax) for a period of ten (10) years, starting from the date of delivery. These contracts are stored securely in electronic form on a durable medium. You may obtain a copy of your archived contract at any time by (i) logging in to your account and downloading the invoice, or (ii) sending an e-mail to [email protected]. We will provide the copy free of charge within a reasonable period, and in any event within fourteen (14) days of your request.

7. Shipping and Delivery Policy

7.1 Shipping Destinations:

We ship from France to many international destinations. Our primary customer base is in the USA, UK, Germany, and other EU/international markets. While we strive to serve as many countries as possible, some locations have legal restrictions on alcohol imports. We reserve the right to decline orders destined for countries or regions where we cannot ship alcoholic products legally or reliably. If we determine after order that we cannot ship to your location, we will cancel and refund your order. For questions about shipping to a specific country, please contact us.

7.2 Shipping Costs:

Shipping costs are calculated based on the delivery destination, the weight/volume of the parcel, and the number of items (not the order value). The applicable shipping fee will be shown at checkout. In certain cases, we may offer discounted or free shipping promotions, or include shipping in the product price (if explicitly stated). For some distant destinations, we subsidize a portion of the postage so the fee you pay might be less than actual shipping cost – this is a courtesy and does not affect the contractual obligations. If you request a special shipping method (e.g. express courier) not offered in checkout, please contact us for a quote; additional fees will apply.

7.3 Delivery Methods and Timeframes

Orders are shipped with reputable, trackable carriers (e.g. La Poste / Colissimo, DHL, FedEx) to the address you provide at checkout—please ensure it is accurate and reachable. Estimated transit times vary by country and service level and are displayed during checkout or in your order confirmation.

We strive to dispatch promptly; however, the statutory maximum delivery period for consumer orders is 30 days from the order confirmation unless you expressly agree to a longer period. If we foresee that this period cannot be met (e.g. stock shortage, transport disruption), we will inform you without undue delay.

Legal remedy for late delivery (Art. L216-2 to L216-4 French Consumer Code) — Should we fail to dispatch within the above 30-day period, you may first instruct us—by e-mail or any durable medium—to deliver the goods within an additional period appropriate to the circumstances (mise en demeure). If we still have not dispatched by the end of that additional period, you may cancel the contract in writing. We will then reimburse all payments received from you, including the standard outbound shipping cost, within fourteen (14) days of your cancellation notice.

These statutory rights are without prejudice to any other remedies you may have under applicable law.

7.4 Transfer of Risk and Title:

We insure all shipments against damage or loss in transit at our cost. For consumer purchasers, risk of loss or damage passes to you only when you (or a person designated by you) take physical possession of the goods. This means we will replace or refund orders that are lost or damaged in transit, subject to Section 7.6 procedures. Title (ownership) of the products, however, passes to you once full payment is received and the goods are dispatched. Until payment is received, we retain title. For business customers (non-consumers), risk generally transfers to you once we hand over the parcel to the carrier at our warehouse (EXW our facility, unless otherwise agreed). In all cases, you agree that ownership of alcoholic beverages will not pass to any minor and that you will not resell alcohol in violation of any laws.

7.5 Customs and Import Clearance:

International shipments (outside the EU) will include a customs declaration with true value and nature of the goods. We cannot mark orders as “gift” or undervalue the contents. The recipient is responsible for complying with their country’s import laws. We are not responsible for any delays, holds, or seizures by customs or other authorities due to import regulations. If customs or the carrier require additional information or actions from you, you should respond promptly. If you fail to do so and the package is returned or destroyed, see Section 7.7 for the consequences. We cannot be held liable for packages confiscated by customs or for any import taxes; these are out of our control. Please ensure before ordering that your country allows delivery of the purchased alcohol type and quantity, and be prepared to pay import fees as needed.

7.6 Delivery Receipt and Damage Inspection:

All shipments require a signature upon delivery by an adult of legal drinking age. Upon receipt, please inspect the package immediately and in the presence of the courier if possible. If you notice any obvious damage to the outer packaging (e.g. wetness from leakage or broken box) or suspect breakage, do not refuse the package. Instead, ask the delivery person to record the damage and provide you with a written confirmation or official damage report note. Accept the delivery with the damage noted. Then, inform us within 48 hours of delivery about the issue. Contact our Customer Service at [email protected] and provide: your order number, description of the damage, photos of the parcel and damaged items, and the courier’s damage acknowledgment. We will promptly arrange for a solution – typically sending a replacement at our cost or issuing a refund.

7.7 Failed Delivery and Return:

Ensure the provided shipping address is correct, accessible, and that someone is available to receive the package. If delivery fails due to incorrect address, absence, or refusal: the package may be held by the carrier or returned to us. We cannot be responsible for delivery failures caused by customer errors (e.g. wrong address) or refusal. If a parcel is returned to us as undeliverable, we will notify you. You may choose to have it re-shipped (after paying a new shipping fee) or to receive a refund. In case of refund for unclaimed/returned parcels, we will refund the product price minus the original shipping cost and any return shipping fees charged to us by the carrier. Return shipping costs can be higher than outbound costs (especially for international returns). If you request a reshipment, you must pay the new shipping cost and any return fees before we resend. We will hold returned items for a reasonable period (30 days) pending your instructions; beyond that, we reserve the right to treat the order as cancelled.

7.8 Partial Deliveries:

If your order contains multiple products, we generally ship all items together. However, if an item is delayed or on pre-order, we may split the shipment with your consent. You will not be charged extra shipping for any split shipments we initiate. Each delivery will have its own tracking. Your payment obligations and cancellation rights remain tied to each delivered part (meaning if one part is delayed beyond 30 days, you can cancel that part per Sec. 7.3).

7.9 Transfer of Parcels to Customer’s Agent:

If you arrange your own shipping or pickup (e.g. you want to use a specific freight forwarder), risk passes to you once we hand over the goods to your agent/carrier. You must ensure your carrier follows any alcohol shipping regulations (for example, some carriers require adult signature for alcohol).

7.10 Order Tracking Service:

Customers may check the real-time status of any order (“in preparation”, “dispatched”, “in customs”, etc.) by (i) logging in to their online account, or (ii) contacting our Customer-Service team.

Customer-Service Contact: [email protected]

8. Subscription Services and Memberships

We offer subscription-based services, including but not limited to the Cognac Subscription Box (periodic delivery of curated Cognac bottles) and the “Sip & Savor” Cognac Club memberships. This section sets out specific terms for these subscription programs, which apply in addition to the general Terms. In case of conflict, this Section 8 prevails for subscription matters.

8.1 Subscription Plans:

You may enroll in a subscription plan by selecting the tier and delivery frequency that best suits you. Available plans may include monthly delivery, bi-monthly (every two months), quarterly, or other intervals, as well as different package sizes or membership levels (e.g. number of bottles or samples). The details of each plan (price per cycle, what’s included, shipping costs, etc.) will be shown at sign-up. For Cognac Subscription Box, you will receive a curated selection of Cognac or related products at the chosen interval. For the Sip & Savor Cognac Club, membership may include periodic tasting kits, exclusive content, event access, and other perks, depending on whether you choose a monthly or annual membership. Each subscription will continue indefinitely until canceled by you or by us in accordance with these Terms.

8.2 Billing and Payment for Subscriptions:

By subscribing, you authorize us to charge the subscription fee to your provided payment method on a recurring basis. For monthly/quarterly plans (Flex plans), your card will be charged at the beginning of each billing cycle (for example, a quarterly plan might charge $129 every three months) and prior to each shipment. For prepaid term plans (e.g. annual upfront), your card is charged the full amount at the start of the term. All subscription prices are listed in the Site’s default currency (with approximate conversions for reference). If any applicable taxes or shipping fees are not included in the displayed subscription price, these will be indicated before you confirm your subscription purchase.

8.3 Automatic Renewal:

Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each term (monthly subscriptions renew each month, annual renew each year, etc.), unless you cancel beforehand. For prepaid fixed-term subscriptions (e.g. 1 year paid upfront), we will send you a reminder before renewal for another term if required by law (for instance, French law requires notification before renewal of a one-year contract). We reserve the right to adjust the price or contents of the subscription for renewal periods, but we will notify you in advance. If you do not agree to a price increase or change in service, you may cancel the renewal. If we are unable to process payment (e.g. card expired), we may attempt to contact you for updated details; if payment cannot be completed, your subscription may be paused or terminated.

8.4 Cancellation Policy:

You may cancel your subscription at any time via your online account settings or by contacting our customer service. There is no cancellation fee. Cancellation requests should be made at least 5 business days before your next billing date to avoid being charged for that cycle. If you cancel a pay-as-you-go plan, no further charges will be made and no further boxes will be sent after the current billing period. If you cancel a prepaid plan (e.g. annual) before it is fully delivered, we will, at our discretion, either (a) continue to fulfill the remaining deliveries of your prepaid term (since they are already paid), or (b) issue a pro-rated refund for any full months/quarters remaining unfulfilled in the term. We may consider the amount of discount you received for the long-term plan when calculating any refund. Example: If you paid for 12 months but cancel after 6 months, we might refund the remaining 6 months minus any extra value you already received (if applicable). We aim to be fair and will communicate options upon your cancellation request. After cancellation, you will not be billed again, but you will be responsible for any shipments that were already processed before your cancellation request.

8.5 Skipping or Modifying Deliveries:

Many of our subscription plans are flexible – you may be allowed to skip a shipment or adjust your delivery schedule (for example, pause for a month if you have excess stock or will be away). The Site or our support can inform you how to do this (usually, through your account dashboard you can skip the next box or delay it). You can also upgrade or downgrade your subscription tier or frequency by contacting us or using provided tools; changes may take effect from the next billing cycle. Our goal is to offer a convenient service, so please reach out with any adjustments needed.

8.6 Introductory Offers and Gifts:

We may offer special introductory rates or trial boxes for new subscribers, or allow subscriptions to be purchased as gifts. Such offers will be subject to the specific terms presented (for example, “first box 50% off” or “gift subscriptions do not auto-renew unless converted by recipient”). Gift subscriptions typically expire after the gifted term unless renewed by the recipient. Introductory promotions are limited to one per customer unless stated otherwise, and we reserve the right to reject orders that we suspect are abusing promotions (e.g. one person using multiple emails to get repeat “first box” discounts).

8.7 Termination or Changes by Us:

While we hope to continue subscriptions indefinitely, we reserve the right to discontinue a subscription program or membership or to terminate your individual subscription for valid reasons (e.g. if a product becomes unavailable, if you fail to pay, or in case of misuse). If we terminate the entire program or your specific subscription, we will give you notice and refund any undelivered shipments that have been paid for. We may also change the contents or features of a subscription (for example, change the number of bottles or brands included) as part of program improvements; we will notify you and ensure you get equivalent value.

8.8 Right of Withdrawal for Subscriptions:

If you are an EU/EEA consumer, subscriptions are generally considered a contract for ongoing delivery of goods. You have the legal right to withdraw from the initial subscription contract within 14 days of subscribing (see Section 9 for how to exercise withdrawal) as long as you have not yet received any goods under the subscription during that period. If your first subscription delivery occurs within those 14 days and you wish to withdraw, you should return the delivered goods (unopened) as described in Section 9. In case of a valid withdrawal, we will refund the subscription payment. Note: After the 14-day statutory withdrawal window, you can still cancel future renewals at any time as described above, but delivered boxes are not refunded (except as allowed by our returns policy or at our discretion). Digital membership services that begin immediately with your consent (e.g. instant access to member-only content) may not be eligible for the 14-day withdrawal if you agree to early access (see Section 9.3 on digital content).

9. Returns, Refunds, and Cancellation (Withdrawal)

9.1 Statutory Right of Withdrawal (Consumers in EU/EEA & UK):

If you are a consumer (not purchasing for business) residing in the European Union, EEA, or United Kingdom, you generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal for purchases made on our Site, in accordance with EU and French consumer protection laws. This means that within 14 days from the day you (or someone you designate) receive the goods, you may cancel the purchase for any reason (or no reason) and obtain a refund. For orders of multiple items delivered separately, the 14 days runs from the date of delivery of the last item. To exercise this right, you must inform us explicitly (e.g. via email to [email protected] or using the withdrawal form) within the 14-day period that you wish to withdraw from the contract. You can download and complete our model withdrawal form here (PDF). We will acknowledge your request and provide return instructions. You then must return the products to us within 14 days of your withdrawal notice. We will refund the original payment (including standard outbound shipping cost, if any) within 14 days after we receive the returned goods or proof that you have shipped them back, whichever is earlier. The refund will be made to the same payment method you used, unless otherwise agreed. Please note that you are responsible for return shipping costs in cases of voluntary withdrawal (cooling-off), and you should choose a reliable, tracked shipping method. We may deduct from your refund any loss in value of the goods if it resulted from unnecessary handling by you (beyond what is needed to inspect the nature and characteristics of the item, like you would in a physical store).

9.2 Withdrawal and Return Conditions:

To be eligible for a full refund, returned goods should be in their original condition, with all packaging, seals, and labels intact. We understand you may need to open the outer shipping box to inspect items, but products (especially bottles) should not be opened, unsealed, or used if you plan to return them. We cannot accept returns of spirits or beverages that have been unsealed, except due to defect, because they are not suitable for resale for safety and hygiene reasons. Likewise, any perishable goods or items with a short shelf life cannot be returned once delivered (unless faulty). Please include a copy of your invoice or order confirmation in the return parcel to help us identify it.

9.3 Exceptions to the Right of Withdrawal:

Certain products and services are exempt from the 14-day withdrawal right by law. These include:

• Sealed goods that were unsealed after delivery and are not suitable for return for health or hygiene reasons – this covers opened bottles of alcohol, as well as any food items or cosmetics you might purchase. If you break the seal or open the container, you lose the right to return that item (unless it was defective).
• Perishable goods or items that can deteriorate rapidly. (Generally, most alcohol has a long shelf life, but if we sell any fresh items or limited shelf-life products, those would be non-returnable.)
• Customized or personalized items, e.g. a bottle engraved with your name or special gift arrangements made on order.
• Tickets for events or leisure activities on a specific date (such as tasting event tickets or tour reservations). These are considered leisure services scheduled for a particular date and are not subject to withdrawal rights. Once you purchase a ticket, it is final (see Section 11 for event cancellation terms).
• Digital content not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. downloadable e-magazines, digital guides, or online services) after download/access with your consent. If we supply you with digital content immediately (or give you instant access to member-only digital resources) and you agreed to this, you waive the 14-day withdrawal right for that content. We will obtain your express consent to this waiver at purchase (for example, by requiring you to check a box acknowledging you want immediate access). If you do not consent, we will wait 14 days before giving access, or you should refrain from purchasing digital items.
• Alcoholic beverages that are scheduled for delivery 30 days or more from the order date and whose price was agreed at ordering but depends on market fluctuations outside our control (for example, certain futures or en primeur spirit sales). These rare transactions are also exempt (though if we fail to deliver such an order, you would of course be refunded).

Aside from these exceptions, all other eligible goods can be withdrawn from as described above. If you are unsure about whether your purchase qualifies for withdrawal, please ask us. In any case, your statutory rights for defective products (see Section 10.4) remain unaffected – you can always return defective or not-as-described items, regardless of change-of-mind rules.

9.4 Voluntary Returns (Non-EU Customers):

If you are not covered by a statutory cooling-off right (for example, if you are a customer in the US or another country, or a business buyer), we may still allow a return on a case-by-case basis as a courtesy. Please contact us within 14 days of delivery if you wish to return an item. Generally, the item must be unopened and in original condition, and you would be responsible for return shipping. We reserve the right to decline return requests that are not mandated by law for these customers, especially if the product was correctly delivered as ordered. Event tickets and digital items are non-refundable except as required by law or our own guarantees.

9.5 Return Procedure:

To initiate any return or withdrawal, please email [email protected] or use our contact form, including your order number and the items you wish to return. We will provide instructions, including the return address. Properly pack the items to prevent damage and ship them within the required timeframe. We recommend using a trackable shipping method, especially for high-value items (we are not responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit; you may need to claim with your courier). Once we receive and inspect the returned goods, we will process your refund within 14 days. If you returned items that were part of a larger order, we will refund the proportionate price and any applicable initial shipping cost corresponding to those items. If the entire order is returned, we will refund the original shipping you paid (up to the cost of standard delivery). Additional services you explicitly chose (e.g. express shipping surcharge, gift wrap) may not be refunded.

9.6 Exchanges:

We do not operate a direct exchange program (different product in place of returned one), except possibly for clothing/merchandise sizes. If you wish to get another item, you may return the original (if eligible) for a refund and place a new order for the desired item. In cases of wrong item delivered or damage, we will of course send the correct item or replacement at our cost (see Section 10.1).

9.7 Return of Gifts:

If you received our product as a gift (purchased by someone else for you), and you wish to return it, the same conditions apply. The refund can only be issued to the original purchaser’s payment method (for legal and security reasons). If the item is defective, we can work with you on replacement options.

9.8 Goods Not Picked Up:

If an order is returned to us because you did not collect it from customs or the carrier within the allowed timeframe (e.g. unclaimed parcel), we treat it similar to a cancellation. We will refund you minus the shipping costs as per Section 7.7 once the goods are safely back with us. You do not get charged a restocking fee, but two-way shipping will be your cost.

10. Product Guarantee and Limitation of Liability

10.1 Accuracy and Conformity:

We guarantee that products sold will substantially conform to the descriptions and specifications on our Site and be suitable for normal use. In the event you receive an incorrect item or a product that is significantly not as described, please notify us promptly. We will arrange for return or photo confirmation and will offer a replacement or full refund as appropriate. This is in addition to your legal rights. Minor variations in bottle label design, packaging, or minor cosmetic differences that do not affect product quality do not count as non-conformity. For collectibles (e.g. vintage bottles), conditions may vary and will be described as accurately as possible; we generally do not accept returns for minor condition issues if they were disclosed or are normal for the item’s age.

10.2 Legal Warranty for Consumers:

If you are a consumer in the EU/EEA, you benefit from the legal guarantee of conformity for goods. This means if a product has a defect or does not match its description, you have up to 2 years from delivery to claim a remedy. During the first 12 months (and in some countries 24 months), any defect is presumed to have existed at delivery unless we prove otherwise. In such cases, we will repair or replace the item at our cost, or if that’s impossible or disproportionate, we will offer a refund (full or partial if you keep the item). This legal warranty operates irrespective of manufacturer warranties. Additionally, under French law, you have a warranty against hidden defects (garantie des vices cachés) under Civil Code Art. 1641, which allows return of a product with latent defects rendering it unusable, or a price reduction, within 2 years of discovery. These rights apply by law and are not excluded by these Terms.

10.3 Breakage or Damage Liability:

We insure shipments (see Section 7.4); if items arrive damaged, our liability is to send a replacement or refund the item price, as per Section 7.6. We are not liable for any losses or costs arising from delayed or missing deliveries beyond refunding the order value if applicable. For example, if a package is late for an event or gift, we understand the inconvenience but we do not cover consequential losses. We strongly advise ordering well in advance for time-sensitive needs.

10.4 Event and Ticket Liability:

If you purchase tickets or entries to events (such as tastings, tours, or seminars), our liability is limited to providing the ticket and the event as described. Event Changes: We reserve the right to modify event details (e.g. venue, date changes for justified reasons) and will inform ticket holders as soon as possible. If an event is cancelled by us or the organizer, you will be offered a full refund of the ticket price (or the choice to accept a rescheduled date if proposed). We are not liable for other expenses you incur related to the event (travel, accommodation) – we recommend you consider flexible booking options for such arrangements. If you as the attendee cancel or do not show up for an event, the ticket is typically non-refundable (see Section 9.3 for leisure service exception). However, for certain tours we may offer a goodwill partial refund or reschedule if you cancel well in advance, at our discretion. At any event, you must follow the organizer’s rules, ensure you are of legal drinking age, and consume responsibly. We disclaim liability for any injury, loss, or damage you may suffer at an event except to the extent caused by our negligence or willful misconduct.

10.5 Limitation of Liability:

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Super SARL (Cognac-Expert.com) and its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any: Indirect, special, incidental, or consequential losses of any kind arising from or related to your use of the Site or purchase of products (including but not limited to lost profits, loss of opportunity, loss of data, or goodwill), even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Direct damages in excess of the price you paid for the product or service that is the subject of the claim. Our maximum liability for any claim arising from a transaction shall not exceed the total amount you paid us for that order. Nothing in these Terms shall exclude or limit our liability for: death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law. If you are a consumer, these limitations do not affect your statutory rights.

10.6 Product Use and Indemnity:

Alcoholic beverages sold on our Site are for personal consumption or legitimate gifting. You agree not to use the products for any unlawful purpose. If you resell or provide a product to a third party, you assume responsibility for compliance with any legal requirements (licensing, tax, etc.). You further agree that we are not liable for damage or injury resulting from misuse of any product (e.g. excessive consumption, combining with medications, or any dangerous activities while under influence). You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims or liabilities arising out of your misuse of products or breach of these Terms.

10.7 Statutory Guarantee of Conformity:

The consumer has two years from the date of delivery of the goods to exercise this right. Within that period, the consumer may choose either (i) to have the goods brought into conformity by replacement or—if that is impossible—(ii) to obtain a price reduction or to rescind the contract, under the conditions laid down by law. No costs may be charged to the consumer for any action taken under this guarantee.

This statutory guarantee operates independently of any commercial warranty that may be offered.

The consumer may also invoke the warranty against hidden defects provided in Articles 1641 to 1649 of the French Civil Code. In that case, the consumer may choose either to rescind the sale or to obtain a reduction in the sale price.

11. Special Terms for Digital Content and Online Services

From time to time, we may offer digital goods (such as e-books, downloadable content) or online services (like webinars or exclusive member content) either for sale or as part of a subscription/club membership. The following terms apply to such digital offerings:

11.1 License for Digital Content:

When you purchase or receive digital content from us, we grant you a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the content for your own private use. For example, if you buy an e-magazine or receive a digital Cognac guide as part of a club membership, you may download and read it on your devices. You may not copy, share, upload or redistribute the content to anyone else, or use it for commercial purposes, unless explicitly permitted. All digital content remains our intellectual property or that of our licensors; only the usage license is granted to you.

11.2 Delivery of Digital Goods:

Digital products will typically be delivered by providing a download link or access through your account. Unless otherwise stated, these are provided promptly after purchase. By ordering a digital download, you agree that delivery of the content begins immediately, and thereby (if you are an EU consumer) you waive the 14-day withdrawal right for that digital content (as explained in Section 9.3). If you prefer to retain the right to cancel, do not download or access the content for 14 days after purchase, and contact us within that period to cancel for a refund. Once downloaded or accessed, digital content is not returnable. If a file is defective or cannot be accessed, we will obviously assist or provide a working copy.

11.3 Online Club Services:

For membership services like the Cognac Club where online features are provided (e.g. exclusive articles, community forums, or virtual tasting sessions), your access is conditional on active membership. You agree not to share member-only content or login credentials with non-members. We strive for high availability of our digital services, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of websites or streaming content. From time to time, maintenance or technical issues may temporarily impede access; we will work to resolve any outages quickly.

11.4 Conduct in Online Communities:

If the Cognac Club or other services include online communities (such as a forum or group chat for members), you must interact respectfully and abide by any posted community guidelines. No harassment, hate speech, advertising/spam, or illegal content is allowed. We may moderate and remove posts, and in serious cases, terminate the membership of users who violate rules. The user content clause (4.3) applies to anything you post in such communities.

11.5 Third-Party Digital Platforms:

Some digital content may be delivered via third-party platforms or require third-party software (for instance, a Zoom webinar, or an e-book through a specific app). In using those, you might need to agree to the third-party’s terms (e.g. Zoom’s terms for a webinar, or an app store’s terms for downloading an app). We are not responsible for those external services, but we will use reputable providers. If a third-party service is unavailable or causes issues, our liability is limited to trying to provide an alternative way to access the content or refunding that portion if necessary.

12. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy (available on the Site) details how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data. By using our Site or services, you acknowledge that personal data will be processed in accordance with that policy and applicable data protection laws including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

12.1 Personal Data Use:

We will use your personal information (such as name, contact details, age verification info, and order history) to process and fulfill your orders, manage your subscriptions, and provide customer support. We may also use it to send service-related communications (order updates, subscription reminders) and, if you have consented or as allowed by law, marketing communications (you can opt-out at any time). We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. We only share data as needed for our services – for example, with shipping carriers (for delivery), payment processors (for payment), or analytics/service providers as described in our Privacy Policy.

12.2 GDPR Rights:

If you are in the EU/EEA (or similarly protected jurisdiction), you have legal rights regarding your data, including rights to access, correct, or delete personal data we hold about you, to restrict or object to processing, and portability of your data. You also have the right to object to direct marketing. For details or to exercise these rights, please see the Privacy Policy. We will handle requests in accordance with applicable law.

12.3 Data Security:

We implement technical and organizational measures to secure your personal data. For example, we use HTTPS encryption on our Site and adhere to PCI-DSS standards for handling payment info. However, no system is 100% secure; by using our Site you accept the inherent risks of online data transmission. In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal info, we will notify you as required by law.

12.4 Cookies and Tracking:

The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to function, to remember your preferences, and to analyze usage. Our Cookie notice (usually part of the Privacy Policy) explains this in detail. By using the Site, you consent to such technologies as described. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser or our provided tools (except those necessary for site operation).

12.5 Age of Users:

We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under the legal drinking age. If we learn we have any information on minors in context of an account or order, we will delete it. For more information, please refer to the full Privacy Policy. By agreeing to these Terms, you also agree that you have read and understood how we handle your data as per our Privacy Policy. If you have any privacy-related questions or requests, contact us at [email protected].

13. Miscellaneous Provisions

13.1 Force Majeure:

We are not liable for failure to perform any obligation under these Terms if such failure is due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, governmental restrictions, pandemic outbreaks, labor strikes, shipping or supply chain disruptions, or power/internet outages. In such events, our obligations are suspended for the duration of the force majeure event. We will communicate timely about any service interruptions and make efforts to fulfill orders as soon as feasible. If a force majeure situation persists such that an order cannot be fulfilled within a reasonable time, we or you may cancel the order and we will issue a refund for undelivered goods.

13.2 Communications:

We will primarily communicate with you via email or through the Site (e.g. account messages). It is your responsibility to provide a valid email and check it for order updates or notices. Official notices related to the contract (e.g. a notice of legal claim, or cancellation of a contract) should be sent in writing to our postal address 135 Rte de Bordeaux, Le Moulin, de l’Abbaye, 16400 La Couronne, France and to your address as provided. Email is considered a written communication for these purposes.

13.3 Transfer and Assignment:

The contract of sale is between you and Super SARL (Cognac-Expert.com). You may not assign or transfer any of your rights or obligations under these Terms to any third party without our prior written consent. We may transfer our rights and obligations (for instance, in case of a business sale or reorganization) to another qualified entity, provided this does not reduce your rights. We will inform you in such a case if required.

13.4 No Waiver:

If we do not enforce a provision of these Terms or delay in enforcing it, that does not mean we waive our right to do so later. Any waiver of rights in a particular instance must be explicit and in writing, and it will not apply to any other instances or rights.

13.5 Severability:

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a competent authority or court, that provision will be deemed severed and the remainder of the Terms will continue in effect. We will, in good faith, modify the invalid provision to reflect the original intent as much as possible, in a lawful manner.

13.6 Entire Agreement:

These Terms, along with any expressly referenced documents (such as the Privacy Policy or any specific promotion terms), constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the subject matter (use of Site and purchase of products). They supersede any prior agreements or communications (whether oral or written) related to the same. In entering this agreement, neither party is relying on any statement or promise not expressly stated in these Terms (except in case of fraud or misrepresentation).

13.7 Language:

The official language of these Terms is English (unless we have provided an official French version, which would be equally binding). Any translations are provided for convenience. In case of a conflict between the English text and a translated text, the English (or French, if specified as governing) text will prevail.

13.8 Customer Service and Support:

For any questions or issues regarding these Terms, orders, or any products, please contact our Customer Service:

• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 135 Rte de Bordeaux, Le Moulin de l’Abbaye, 16400 La Couronne, France

We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and will do our best to resolve any concerns amicably and efficiently.

14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

14.1 Consumer Mediation

In accordance with Article L.612-1 of the French Consumer Code, any consumer has the right to seek an amicable resolution via mediation within one year from the date of a written complaint to the professional, subject to Article L.612-2. SUPER SARL has appointed SAS Médiation Solution, registered under number 16793/VM/2507, as its Consumer Mediation entity. To contact the mediator, the consumer may submit a request:

By post:

SAS Médiation Solution, 222 chemin de la bergerie, 01800 Saint-Jean-de-Niost, France

By email:

[email protected]

Online via:

https://www.sasmediationsolution-conso.fr (“Saisir le médiateur” form)

The request must include: the applicant’s postal, phone, and e-mail contact details; the professional’s name and address; the registration number with SAS Médiation Solution; a brief description of the dispute; copy of the prior written complaint; and all relevant supporting documents.

14.2 Governing Law:

These Terms and any contracts for purchase of goods or services through our Site are governed by the laws of France. However, if you are a consumer resident in another country, you also enjoy the protection of the mandatory consumer protection laws of your country of residence (per EU Regulation 593/2008 “Rome I” and similar international principles) in any case where those laws provide a higher level of protection than French law. This clause does not deprive consumers of the rights afforded to them by such mandatory provisions.

14.3 Jurisdiction:

In the event of a dispute, we encourage you to contact us first to seek an amicable solution. If a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, you may bring legal proceedings regarding your order or use of the Site in the competent courts as determined by applicable law.

• For consumers: You may choose to file a claim in the French courts or in the courts of your country of habitual residence if it provides jurisdiction. France will generally be the forum for any dispute with Super SARL, subject to any overriding rights you have to sue in your home country. (In France, the competent courts will be determined by the Code of Civil Procedure; since our company is based in La Couronne, Charente, normally the courts of Angoulème would have jurisdiction, unless local law provides otherwise.)
• For business customers: Any dispute shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Angoulème, France, unless otherwise agreed.

14.4 Litigation Language:

All proceedings shall be conducted in either French or English. If documents need translation, each party will bear its own translation costs unless otherwise decreed by the court or mediator.

14.5 U.S. Customers:

Given our significant customer base in the United States, we note that all sales are contracts entered into in France and subject to French/EU law. By purchasing, you agree that any legal action will be brought in accordance with Section 14.2. We do not currently offer arbitration agreements; thus, U.S. customers are not required to arbitrate disputes (and class action waivers do not apply outside any specific agreement). However, by agreeing to French jurisdiction, you understand that class actions are generally not a mechanism in French courts and any claims would typically be on an individual basis.

14.6 Costs:

Each party will bear its own costs of legal proceedings, except as otherwise provided by law or decided by the adjudicator. Under some consumer protection laws, if you prevail substantially, you might recover reasonable attorneys’ fees.

15. Final Provisions

15.1 Protection of Minors:

In addition to Section 2.1, we reiterate: The sale of alcoholic beverages to minors is strictly forbidden by law. By accepting these Terms at checkout, you confirm that you are over the legal age for alcohol purchase. We use age verification steps to uphold this, and any attempt to circumvent these protections will result in termination of service and potential reporting to authorities. Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful – please enjoy our products responsibly. “L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération.”

15.2 Imprint & Company Info:

Cognac-Expert.com (Super SARL) is registered in France under SIRET 538 624 495 00023, with share capital of 35.003€. VAT ID: FR 538 624 495. Managing Directors: Johannes Maximilian von Olfers. Our registered address and contact are provided in Introduction and Section 13.8.

15.3 Changes to Terms:

We may update these Terms from time to time (for example, to reflect changes in law, new services, or improvements). When we do, we will post the new version on the Site and update the “Last Updated” date. For significant changes, we will also notify active account holders via email or a notice on the Site. Continued use of the Site or services after updates constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to the revised terms, you should stop using the Site and (if you have an account) may request account deletion or cancel any subscriptions per Section 8 before the new Terms take effect. The version of Terms at the time of your order will generally govern that purchase, unless a change in law requires retroactive application or you consent to the new Terms for an ongoing subscription.

15.4 Customer declarations:

By accepting these Terms, you confirm that: (a) you have read and understood these Terms; (b) you are of legal age and capacity to enter this agreement; and (c) you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations in connection with your use of Cognac-Expert.com.

Thank you for reading our Terms and Conditions. We value your business and trust. If you have any questions or need clarification on any part of these Terms, please reach out to us before making a purchase.