Francois Peyrot "Heritage" Grande Champagne Cognac

Notes

The French have never really understood the American fascination with age statements. Are we really willing to pay more for a number? In Cognac, the rarest and oldest brandies are never quantified with a minimum age statement, but rather with names like "Reserve Rare," "Paradis," or "Heritage." While shopping in the big houses might still cost you a healthy $600 or more, our spirits buyers have been able to track down a shining jewel in the middle of the Cognac countryside. Francois Peyrot Cognac is a single estate producer that has been quietly offering K&L customers high-quality value for the last few years. When our staff recently tasted the 50 year old Heritage a hush crept over the tasting bar. A rich, spicy, full-bodied, vanilla and caramel-laden, long-finishing Cognac had just taken the breath out of our staff, especially after they heard what it would cost. Our Bourbon fans in the store have also been thinking of crossing over to the Peyrot Heritage, considering all the wood spice and robust flavor reminded them of their favorite, impossible-to-get, mature Van Winkle expressions.This is a bold brandy. For less than $200 a bottle we've been able to acquire a small batch of this 50 year old superstar. While you won't find the number "50" anywhere on the bottle, we have assurance from Peyrot that it has indeed spent five decades in wood. Putting the number "50" on the bottle would only add another $500 to the price anyway. We're much happier knowing our little secret.