Prunier Vintage 1986 Fins Bois Cognac

Prunier Vintage 1986 Fins Bois Cognac: a Supple, Sweet and Spicy Blend to Savor With Every Sip

Prunier Vintage 1986 Fins Bois Cognac celebrates a certain finesse that can only be found in a Fins Bois blend; a sweet and spicy piece of history told through the inimitable savoir-faire of the historic house of Prunier. 

The Ugni Blanc grapes used in this vintage were harvested on the clay and stone soils of the Fins Bois terroir back in 1986 and the distilled eaux-de-vie were then left to age in old oak casks for over 25 years before finally being bottled in June 2012. 

A limited edition of only 535 bottles, this rare Cognac from the famous Fins Bois cru has gained momentum and popularity amongst connoisseurs thanks to its sweet palate and subtle spice on the nose. Described as a "superb sipping Cognac", it's even rarer to find a vintage from this specific growing region, the eaux-de-vie from which are mostly used in younger blends.

The legal requirements to receive a vintage status are relatively strict and difficult to achieve for Cognac producers. The seal of a single year demijohn must only be broken by a sworn representative before being bottled, and therefore none of the Cognac stored inside can be touched, tasted or removed throughout the aging process.

Thanks to this natural method of allowing the Cognac to fully express itself, untouched by human hands for over three decades, the 1986 Vintage Fins Bois has a higher ABV of 55% and is therefore considered a natural cask strength Cognac.

The strict processes of aging, distillation and bottling have all taken place in a bonded warehouse in order to ensure authenticity, with Prunier's attention to detail stretching to every single step of production.

Presentation of the Bottle

Prunier vintage bottles are inspired by a 19th century design developed by the ancestors of current manager Claude Burnez. Each bottle is blown semi-manually by French artisans using traditional methods and therefore every single one is unique with its cascade of bubbles trapped inside. 

Each bottle is sealed with wax, replicating the strict process of sealing the demijohns to protect and prove the Cognac's vintage status. The 1986 Vintage Fins Bois Cognac boasts a golden yellow wax seal with parchment-colored and yellow detailing on the body of the bottle and each of the 535 limited editions has been individually numbered on the label. 

The bottle comes with a stunning wooden box adorned with the Maison Prunier logo for display, storage or gifting purposes.

How to Enjoy

As with many vintage Cognacs like this, it’s best to enjoy it neat, perhaps with friends or loved ones to celebrate a particular anniversary or birthday from this year. 

Leave the Cognac for a few minutes once it’s poured into a traditional tulip glass, and make sure to swirl the glass in order to increase aeration, appreciate its nutty aromas and enjoy the plethora of flavors on the palate.

If you feel this vintage may be a little strong for your tastes, you're welcome to add a few drops of water. It makes a delightful digestif, especially when enjoyed alongside a cigar or an espresso. Its notes of pastry on the palate with sweet toffee would certainly pair well with a dark chocolate tart or mousse, or perhaps a rich coffee-flavored dessert.