The Oldest Cognac Ever Tasted: A Journey Back in Time
If you’re a connoisseur of fine spirits, you’ve probably heard of cognac, the luxurious French brandy that dates back to the 17th century. Cognac is made from distilled white wine and aged in oak barrels, which give it a distinct flavor and color. It’s a sophisticated and expensive spirit reserved for special occasions.
But have you ever wondered what the oldest cognac ever tasted was like? Despite the rarity of such a specimen, some lucky people have had the opportunity to try it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of the oldest cognac ever tasted and how it tasted.
A Brief History of Cognac
Before we get into the specifics of the oldest cognac ever tasted, let’s first understand the history of this iconic spirit.
Cognac comes from the Cognac region in southwestern France, where it has been produced for over 400 years. The region’s unique climate and soil create ideal conditions for growing grapes, which are then made into wine and distilled into eau-de-vie (literally “water of life”).
To be called “cognac,” the eau-de-vie must meet certain requirements: it must be made from specific grape varieties, distilled twice in copper stills, and aged in oak barrels for at least two years. The longer the cognac is aged, the richer and more complex the flavor becomes.
The cognac industry has a deep and rich history, with many famous brands dating back over a century. But what about the oldest cognac ever tasted? Let’s find out.
The Oldest Cognac Ever Tasted
In 2017, a group of lucky sommeliers, wine experts, and spirits enthusiasts gathered in Paris for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to taste the oldest cognac ever discovered. The cognac in question was a bottle of Gautier 1762, which had been stored in a cellar for over 250 years.
Gautier is one of the oldest cognac houses in France, founded in 1755. The 1762 vintage is the oldest known bottle of Gautier and is believed to be one of the oldest cognacs in existence.
The bottle was discovered in a cellar in La Rochelle, France, in 2014. The contents of the bottle were tested and confirmed to be authentic cognac from the 18th century. The bottle was then scheduled for auction at Christie’s in New York City, where it sold for a staggering $144,000.
The bottle was then shipped to Paris for a private tasting event organized by La Maison du Whisky. The invite-only event gathered some of the world’s top spirits experts, including Charles Curtis MW, former head of wine for Christie’s Americas, and Doug Frost MW MS, a Master of Wine and Master Sommelier.
The Tasting Experience
So how did the oldest cognac ever tasted hold up after 250 years? According to those who tried it, the answer is “surprisingly well.”
Despite its age, the Gautier 1762 was still drinkable, although the flavor had obviously changed over time. The cognac was described as having a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla, prunes, and exotic spices. The texture was said to be silky and smooth, and the finish was long and mellow.
Charles Curtis, who led the tasting, described the Gautier 1762 as “one of the most complex and enchanting spirits I have ever tasted.” Doug Frost added that drinking a cognac from the 18th century was “like tasting history in a glass.”
The tasting experience was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and those lucky few who got to try the Gautier 1762 will never forget it. But what is it about cognac that allows it to last so long?
Why Does Cognac Last So Long?
Cognac is a spirit that improves over time, unlike wine, which generally deteriorates after a few decades. This quality is thanks to two factors: the distillation process and the aging process.
When cognac is distilled, it reaches a high alcohol content (around 70% ABV), which kills off any bacteria or yeast that could cause it to spoil. The high alcohol content also extracts more flavor and aroma from the grapes, creating a more complex and rich spirit.
After distillation, cognac is placed in oak barrels for aging. The oak imparts its own flavors onto the cognac, such as vanilla, spices, and tannins. Over time, the alcohol and water in the cognac evaporate through the walls of the barrel, creating a more concentrated and flavorful spirit.
The longer cognac is aged, the less alcohol it contains, which means it’s less likely to spoil. The oldest cognacs, like the Gautier 1762, have spent over two centuries in barrels, which has allowed them to develop a rich and complex flavor profile that can’t be replicated by younger cognacs.
Conclusion
The Gautier 1762 is a testament to the incredible longevity of cognac. Despite being over 250 years old, this cognac still had a rich and complex flavor that surprised and delighted those who tasted it.
While most of us will never have the opportunity to try such a rare and expensive spirit, knowing that it exists is a reminder of the incredible history and tradition of cognac. It’s a spirit that has stood the test of time, and we can only imagine what new treasures are yet to be discovered in the cellars of France.
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