French Spirits

Producer Description 

A subtle blend of more than 20 French eaux-de-vie : golden amber in color with a refined bouquet of oak and hints of honey, hazelnut, almond and walnut. The taste is smooth, round and well-balanced.

Drinking recommendations: Raynal VSOP can be savored in a snifter glass, neat or on the rocks, yet its strong aromas enable any blend with mixers such as soda, water or fruit juices. Depending on your mood, you can also enjoy a variety of delicious cocktails with Raynal VSOP.

Producer Description 

Created by Pierre Frapin 100 years ago, Fontpinot cognac has always been a delight to demanding epicureans. As opposed to a ubiquitous passion for planning, roots of the pleasure of tasting continue to work serenely and unstoppably at Frapin. To celebrate the centenary, Cognac Frapin is publishing a limited-edition anniversary packaging. Inspired by the original version, the label brings up to date the symbols of ownership and the colors popular during the Roaring twenties. The bottle is presented in a rough wooden box inspired by the straw-lined crates used at the time.

A real treasure of Cognac Frapin, Fontpinot XO can lay claim to the Chateau appellation because it is made exclusively from grapes harvested, distilled, aged, and bottled at the Chateau Fontpinot. Distillation over lees and a long aging in dry cellars provide its distinct character.

With an average age of over 20 years, this expression has a nose of candied fruit, marzipan, and rancio. The long aging brings toffee, almond butter, and spice to the palate before a long, elegant finish.

Producer Description 

Each bottle of Domain De Canton begins with a selection of only the finest, fresh baby Vietnamese ginger. It is then blended with herbs, spices and cognac to unlock it's fresh essence.

Producer Description 

A blend of 3 eaux-de-vie sourced from the most famous french wine regions our VSOP has become a worldwide reference point for brandy due to its unique and distinctive flavor. Carefully handcrafted and aged in french oak our vsop has a superior smooth and velvety taste with hints of almond and walnut and a long finish of candied fruits and ginger. 

Producer Description 

Grey Goose L'Orange Flavored Vodka is made from the essence of oranges harvested year round. As with the superior bread making wheat used to make Grey Goose Vodka, Cellar Master François Thibault insists on only the finest oranges to produce the best possible orange vodka. Essential oils from the fresh fruit are mixed with the wheat spirit and distilled to achieve the signature vibrant citrus character of Grey Goose L'Orange Flavored Vodka.

Grey Goose L'Orange Flavored Vodka with its essential orange oils from the finest Floridian oranges give this flavored vodka a fresh essence with a hint of blossom. The smoothness of the spirit stems from the vodka ingredients. Created from only the finest French wheat and limestone-filtered spring water it opens up to reveal a vibrant, light and mouth-watering taste. On the palate, the full citrus flavor of the orange vodka is followed effortlessly by a clean, long and refreshing finish - the signature characteristics of Grey Goose L'Orange Flavored Vodka.

Producer Description 

Born from the cask and named after a royal approval, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is a truly distinctive cognac; particularly smooth with a blend of uniquely oaky eaux-de-vie.

This unique blend of Rémy Martin1738 Accord Royal commemorates the reward of excellence bestowed on Rémy Martin by King Louis XV of France in 1738.

Particularly smooth, with a blend of uniquely oaky eaux-de-vie. The long and particularly soft barrel toasting brings extraordinary smoothness to 1738 Accord Royal, as well as subtle notes of toasted bread, vanilla and brioche.

1738 Accord Royal can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.

CLASSIC COCKTAIL

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is especially recommended for classic cocktails such as the Sidecar, the Collins, or in signature cocktails made by the most talented bartenders. 1738 Accord Royal mixes marvelously with citrus flavors.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Juicy peach nectar and wild strawberry meet vibrant acidity and a floral flicker on the exit. Even the rosy hue is just calling out for mixing with bubbles or gin. Sip or mix.

Producer Description 

Citadelle Rouge, infused with delicious cranberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, and rhubarb, offers a delightful journey through time. Experience the true essence of natural flavor!

Citadelle Rouge is fresh, crystal-clear, and aromatic. This dry gin is built on the foundation of Citadelle Gin’s 19 original botanicals, enhanced by juicy, tangy berries and the distinct sharpness of rhubarb. Fruity and completely natural, this essence of red fruits swirls in the mouth and remains clear in the glass!

Producer Description 

Experience the excellence of Ferrand Dry Curacao. Yuzu Late Harvest, a masterful creation featuring meticulously chosen yuzus from L'Agrumiste.

Allow yourself to be captivated by its irresistibly alluring fragrance, expertly harmonizing with the Ferrand Cognac foundation.

Through the late harvest approach, delightful pastry undertones are introduced, promising a remarkable culinary voyage for your palate.

Embrace your ultimate cocktail companion, delivering a refreshing and invigorating sip.

Discover the perfect blend for a crisp, revitalizing indulgence!

Producer Description 

Dark amber color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate covered candied orange, baked apple tart, apple cider, baking spices, clove, and sandalwood with a tannic, crisp, bone-dry medium body and a warming, medium-long finish manifesting notes of candied orange, cocoa nips, peanut brittle and toffee, and lemon zest. Grilled apple topped with cinnamon, this is lively and delicious, and perfect for fall cocktails.

Producer Description 

The recipe for Mathilde Orange XO dates back 200 years. Sweet orange peels are first macerated in a grape spirit and then distilled. A refined and aged brandy is added to the orange peel distillate and the spirit is then aged before bottling.

The result is a liqueur with a refined nose, with an intense orange aroma and a hint of vanilla. The flavor is powerful, the aromatics are potent and the body is rich. The spirit gives remarkable length on the finish and an overall voluptuous, round taste. 

Producer Description 

Chateau du Breuil 20 years XO XL from France, is the extra large variant with a capacity of no less than 2 liters! It is a soft calvados that is rich in full aromas. Chateau du Breuil 20 years XO is a mixture of different Calvados varieties, which are at least 20 years old. This combination makes the taste of the calvados sublimely soft with a nice sweet aspect. 

Producer Description 

The Tradition collection places the Hardy style, where smoothness is king, within the reach of every cognac connoisseur. Hardy VS has an elegant pale appearance with hints of gold. This harmonious alliance of the four finest cognac crus reveals floral notes, and offers a subtle balance between freshness and smoothness.

A select blend of cognacs aged for a minimum of five years in Limousin oak. Medium bodied and well balanced. 

Producer Description 

Nuance and complex, this shows a floral lilt up front, sequeing into more substantial vanilla and honey aromas.

The palate is relatively dry, with cocoa and leather lightening to ginger spice and hints of tropical fruit.

Producer Description 

Normandy distillate made from apples and aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. It exudes a crisp and very fruity aroma, as well as a refreshing, slightly spicy, but slender taste.

Multiple medalist of the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, which confirms the prestige and unusual quality that the distillery manages to regularly keep in its bottles. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

This special and rare cuvee has been bottled especially for Christmas from its oak cask.

This Petite Champagne originates from an old family reserve handed down from father to son beginning with the house's creation in 1872 by Edouard Normandin's great, great grandfather, Jules Normandin.

Normandin Mercier cognacs are matured in the family chateau’s traditional cellars near the town of La Rochelle, the historic medieval port that made Cognac famous many centuries ago. The proximity of the ocean, the natural regulation of hygrometry and oceanic temperature all favor the ageing of the cognacs, giving them fullness, elegance and a unique character.

Vinous 98 Points | One of the finest examples of 100% Folle Blanche in all of Armagnac. This 31-year-old is light copper, with a complex floral bouquet of rose and almond blossom along with aromas of fig and candied orange that roll onto the palate, developing seamlessly into gingerbread on the midpalate and finishing fresh with notes of mint and licorice and that go on forever. Pretty, delicate, yet still dense and intense. A beautiful spirit that justifies its price.

Producer Description 

Domaine Boingnères is, by and large, considered the benchmark of brandy from the Bas-Armagnac. The estate was acquired in 1807 by Jean- Baptiste Boingnères, ancestor of current proprietor, Martine Lafitte. Located in the small commune of Le Frêche, the area has perhaps the best growing soil of the region. The Boingnères estate vineyards cover 21 hectares, 13 of which are planted in Folle Blanche, 4.5 in Colombard, and 4 in Ugni Blanc. Martine’s focus on brandy distilled from Folle Blanche reflects her commitment to the noble varieties, though a Boingnères bottling of Baco can sometimes be found—an echo of distillation from her father’s time.

Much of the oak at Boingnères comes from the Gascon forests. Martine contracts trees every year, and the staves are air-dried next to one of the Boingnères chais. The staves are then fabricated into 420-liter barrels by the local tonnelier, Gilles Bartholomo. Gilles’s grandfather actually made the barrels for Martine’s grandfather more than 60 years ago! The barrels are stored in one of two chais, both of which are relatively dry. Consequently, the alcohol level descends very slowly, and even after 20 years, some barrels have only lost 3 degrees of alcohol!

Armagnac is traditionally bottled without being reduced in alcohol, and as Martine Lafitte is a strict traditionalist, the Armagnacs at Boingnères are released at cask strength to ensure their absolute purity.

The 1985 Cepage Noble is distilled from approximately one-third each of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche (exact proportions will vary lot to lot) and aged in used, 420-liter French oak casks. The current lot was bottled in 2021. A nose of vanilla custard and maple syrup transitions to a palate of leather and tobacco leaf. A whisper of banana pudding gives way to lemon oil and a hint of copper on the finish. 49% ABV.

Producer Description 

Domaine Boingnères is, by and large, considered the benchmark of brandy from the Bas-Armagnac. The estate was acquired in 1807 by Jean- Baptiste Boingnères, ancestor of current proprietor, Martine Lafitte. Located in the small commune of Le Frêche, the area has perhaps the best growing soil of the region. The Boingnères estate vineyards cover 21 hectares, 13 of which are planted in Folle Blanche, 4.5 in Colombard, and 4 in Ugni Blanc. Martine’s focus on brandy distilled from Folle Blanche reflects her commitment to the noble varieties, though a Boingnères bottling of Baco can sometimes be found—an echo of distillation from her father’s time.

Much of the oak at Boingnères comes from the Gascon forests. Martine contracts trees every year, and the staves are air-dried next to one of the Boingnères chais. The staves are then fabricated into 420-liter barrels by the local tonnelier, Gilles Bartholomo. Gilles’s grandfather actually made the barrels for Martine’s grandfather more than 60 years ago! The barrels are stored in one of two chais, both of which are relatively dry. Consequently, the alcohol level descends very slowly, and even after 20 years, some barrels have only lost 3 degrees of alcohol!

Armagnac is traditionally bottled without being reduced in alcohol, and as Martine Lafitte is a strict traditionalist, the Armagnacs at Boingnères are released at cask strength to ensure their absolute purity.

The Reserve Speciale is distilled from approximately one-third each of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche (exact proportions will vary lot to lot) and aged in used, 420-liter French oak casks for a minimum of 5 years (again, age range will vary lot to lot). Aromas of melted marshmallow and orange zest are joined on the palate by fire and tannin. A savory finish of Castelvetrano olives and umami concludes this fascinating flavor arc. 48% ABV.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points | The palate is balanced between the citric acid, alcohol, Cognac and wood, with the Cognac always prevailing. Concludes with finesse, a sweet-sour presence, and an incredibly lush texture.
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Producer Description 

Introduced in 1927 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Grand Marnier Maison, Cuvée du Centenaire is an exceptional blend of refined XO Cognacs from the Grand Crus of Grande and Petite Champagne combined with the essence of wild tropical oranges.

Pernod Absinthe Original Recipe is back after 100 years of ban. In 1805, Henri Louis Pernod founded Pernod Fils, France’s first distillery. After 200 years, Pernod continues to distill absinthe the traditional way, remaining faithful to its 19th century roots.

The recipe for Pernod Absinthe dates back to the 1790s, when Dr. Pierre Ordinaire created a distilled medicine in Switzerland. The recipe was given to Henri Louis Pernod after a business dea

This original recipe makes you re-taste the flavors of the pre ban absinthe, which was appreciated by the greatest artists at this time. It is made according to traditional processes: wormwood plants from Pontarlier, distillation from grape neutral spirit and green natural coloration. Pernod Absinthe has been elected best absinthe at the SFO Awards in 2013 and is appreciated for its finesse, freshness and complexity. Absinthe lovers who have been waiting for a long time for this great return of Pernod Absinthe original recipe will be delighted. 

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast: 96-100 Points | A blend of original Benedictine and Cognac. Smells assertively of herbs, honey, quinine and baking spices with added aromas of black tea and tobacco. Entry tastes of tea, sage, fennel and a touch of quinine; the Cognac emerges at midpalate, lending a layer of elegance and genuine distillate presence. Finishes like a champion, long, semisweet, intensely herbal, mildly spicy and satiny. 

Producer Description 

B&B Liqueur is comprised of two parts - subtle, spiced Benedictine Liqueur and fine French cognac. It's a balance of flavors in a pour that tastes smooth yet finishes bold. The rich, noble notes of B&B are perfectly enjoyed neat in a snifter, yet are equally appealing in a fine selection of cocktails.

Producer Description 

Claque-Pépin Calvados Hors d’Age is crafted from a blend of old Calvados. Aromas of flowers on the nose with flavors of fruit, pear, and vanilla and a slight hint of oak on the palate with a long finish. 

Producer Description 

An elegant bouquet featuring pear and baking spice, underpinned by nuances of honey, cedar, and lemon peel, alongside a subtle almond backdrop.

A lighter expression of Calvados, presenting a dry palate that gracefully marries the sweet notes of honey with the earthiness of cedar, the zesty character of lemon peel, and the nuttiness of almond.

The finish introduces a delicate interplay of lavender, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne.

Producer Description 

This superb blend displays flavors or cocoa, spices, vanilla, raisins, walnut and cinnamon. Its finish is long, silky and rich with excellent persistence and integration. An great Armagnac for any occasion!

Based largely in the Gers department and somewhat towards the west in the Landes area, Bas-Armagnac is probably the most famous of the region’s zones. It consists of 8,000 hectares of which 3,500 are used to produce Armagnac. As the name suggests, it has a lower altitude than its neighboring zones at between 60 to 120 meters above sea level. Most of its soil is referred to as “sables fauves”, which refers to its composition of rusty-colored sand. Meanwhile, there is a strong presence of “boulbène” soil, which is rich in clay and silicates. Thanks to these unique characteristics, the Bas-Armagnac region has been able to resist multiple phylloxera outbreaks.

Armagnac Marquis de Puysegur is one the oldest estates in Armagnac in the heart of the Bas Aramagnac region. Armagnac was made by the Chateau as early as the 1500's. Jacques de Chastenet de Puysegur was the first to introduce Armagnac to King Louis XIII of France. These brandies, aged in oak cask in their cellars take on the particular amber color and subtle aromas which are characteristic of Armagnac.

Armagnac Marquis de Puysegur still honors the name of its prestigious ancestors. Coming from their own vineyards in the Lower Armagnac, the soils are renowned for their tawny sand soil. The best suited wines, from the Baco, Ugni Blanc, and Folle Blanche grape varieties, are selected then distilled in their column stills.

This procedure provides traditional rich and typical aromas. Armagnac is a distinctive style of French brandy produced in the region of the same name in the heart of Gascogny. The officially demarcated area for the production of Armagnac encompasses three districts which lie in the "departments" of Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne. The Bas-Armagnac produces the highest quality, most refined and complex Armagnacs.

Grapes : mainly Baco and some Ugni blanc. (Baco 22A, which was the first grape for distillation until it was replaced by Ugni Blanc in the 70’s.

Barrels : oak barrels of 400L. The oak is coming from the Monlezun-d’Armagnac forest and is local Gascon oak called aka Black oak.

Winemaker Description 

This sippable, dark gold Cognac offers aromas of butterscotch, dried apricot and golden raisins. The flavors grow even bolder and rounder on the exit, warmed by a cinnamon spark.

Floral, fruity aromas lead to hints of toffee, anise.

Distilled entirely from fruit grown in Cognac’s Petite Champagne appellation & aged a minimum of 7 years in French oak, this is an elegant, fresh brandy from a historic family-owned house. 

Producer Description 

Bursts of summer florals typical of this region. Linden flowers, elderflower and apple blossom are followed by ripe orchard fruits. Freshness and youth. On both the nose and palate, enjoy the combination of fruits and floral - pears, apples, and a hint of linden flowers. 

Light yellow colour, vine flower and fruity taste (pear, apple). Powerful but round and smooth, Light and delicate tannins.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Light and elegant, the mellow aroma hints at vanilla, oak and orange peel. The palate is relatively dry, with oak leading the way. Subtle shadings of vanilla and brown butter chime in, plus hints of orange peel and cinnamon bark on the feather-light finish. Sip or mix.

Producer Description 

Eric Artiguelongue was a Cellar Master at a renowned Armagnac estate for years, but branched out on his own in 2005 to create his own line. With over three decades of experience with maturing and blending, he offers some of the appellation’s best kept secrets.

Eric purchases tiny amounts from small grower-distillers, which are aged in Gascony oak barrels and stored in glass to maintain their prime condition. Eric bottles the Armagnacs himself, with no manipulation and no use of boise, caramel, or sweeteners.

The VSOP is a blend of 80% ugni blanc, 10% colombard, and 10% folle blanche, with each varietal separately fermented and then single distilled in pot-column hybrid stills before spending 5 years in oak. It is vibrant and bright in character, with subtle wood tannin influence and a nose of prune, quince, and candied orange peel. A long finish with a touch of walnut skin astringency is accented with fig and cocoa hints, remaining delicate and dry.

Producer Description 

Aroma makes a good showing following aeration as succulent, scents of almonds, toasty oak, lanolin, light toffee and paraffin entice the olfactory sense. Marquis de Sauval XO is an aged, sweeter style of Armagnac. This has notes of toffee, honey and nuts.

Expert Review - 1996

Ultimate Beverage Challenge  89 Points | Very Good, Strong Recommendation.

Producer Description 

Fully respect each vintage’s respective terroir and ensure its perfect expression.
No blending of domains or vintages in order to preserve the specificities,
No « reduction » that would dilute the alcoholic or aromatic strength and the nuances of the terroir by adding « petites eaux » in order to not betray the typicalities.

Each Bas-Armagnac is strictly itself, with the name of the domain of origin, its vintage and the bottling date which tells its real age as eaux-de-vie stop aging once bottle.

The color of this 1996 vintage is gold with pretty brown highlights. Nose: The nose is very fruity carried by notes of quince, fig, orange jam and verbena. Tannins on the palate that are still young but very delicate. Finale: A beautiful length in the mouth characterizes this Darroze 1996 Armagnac.

Bas-Armagnac, whose capital is Eauze, is to the west of the appellation. It runs in the Landes and the western part of the Gers. It represents 67% of the areas identified in Armagnac. In this part of the land, the soils are sandy loam, called “tawny sands”. Bas-Armagnac eaux-de-vie are delicate and very fruity.

Producer Description

Golden color with yellow tints. A beautiful nose with candied fruit (dates, prune), dried fruit (apricot, fig) and spices (vanilla, butterscotch). On the palate, the tannins are silky. The aromas of citrus (orange peel, tangerine) dominate. Beautiful length.

A unique expression of the terroir of the Grand Bas Armagnac, combining spices and woody notes.

Guy Deyres worked in the Bas Armagnac region for almost 40 years before passing on his passion for and the secrets of his craft to his son Jean-Luc, the current owner of Domaine de Rieston. Domaine Au Martin, with its sandy soils and baco grapes, is located in the ‘magical’ Grand Bas Armagnac sector and we consider ourselves lucky to exclusively present its armagnacs. We work with M Deyres senior (Domaine Au Martin) and Mr. Deyres junior (Domaine de Rieston).