The business ofCognacis one rife with history, steeped in tradition and meticulous craft, and fueled by deep appreciation and respect within the spirits world. Courvoisier XO also met the Master criteria, delighting the judges’ palates with “caramel and woody spices, a hint of chocolate-coated raisins, rancio and old furniture polish”, and a “hint of gingerbread” at the end.

The fourth Master medal of this flight went to Rémy Martin XO. With aromas of “coffee, chocolate and waxy furniture polish”, leading to “soft baking spices, soft fruit and elegant wood spice” on the palate, the judges were hugely impressed. Aging: D'Ussé XO ages for a significantly longer time, and matures 10 years in oak barrels, whereas the VSOP version only matures for precisely four and a half years. Bottle number one of D’Ussé 1969 Anniversaire Limited Edition Grande Champagne Cognac will be sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on 13 March. Overall: Compared to the standard VSOP, the D'Ussé XO is on another level. It's a fantastic long-aged, full-bodied Cognac with a lot of character. D'Ussé Cognac VSOP matures for a minimun of four and a half years in the cellars of the Château. The result is a versatile and delicate Cognac with notes of citrus, dried fruits, caramel, and honey.Think of the versatility,” says Marshall. “Don’t limit cognac to one time of year. Realize it works in so many different ways. That’s why we taste through different ages and expressions. Maybe use a VS for longer drinks like Highballs, and VSOP in a Sidecar. Think about cognac with food [pungent cheeses, dark chocolate, berries, oysters, and other seafood]." Try storing it in your freezer, where “it gets more viscosity, and the perception of the alcohol is lowered,” suggests Marshall—a great technique for summer. Most of all, be assured, she says, “there is a cognac for every palate." Group two was chaired by Matt Chambers, spirits writer and co-founder of the Whisky For Everyone blog. He was accompanied by: Evan Prousaefs, bar manager at Sexy Fish; and Dr Winnie Bowman, Cape wine master, wine and spirits judge and writer. Five Gold medals, including one for “elegant” Jean Fillioux – Napoléon, and two Silver medals concluded the flight.

A full bodied, warming blend that refreshes and arouses the palate, in a symbolic decanter that is the perfect collector’s item. Distinctively smooth. The D'USSÉ VSOP Decanter Method: Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with coffee beans. D’USSE Julep D’USSÉJay-Z is now part owner of the D’USSÉ Cognac brand. Jay Z - D’USSÉ Cognac Ambassador and Part-Owner

The two-barred cross decanter is both cutting edge and wonderfully rustic. With a simple cork and no label on the cork... it is somewhat regal; an interesting mix of medieval, bourgeois and somehow a bit rough. The bottle is dome-shaped, with a coppery gold metallic Cross of Lorraine etched into it. Nose: Spirited and aromatic. Woody and spicy notes of cinnamon and cloves mingle with fruity aromas. D'USSÉ is the epitome of contemporary and tradition coming together in a cutting edge way. The uber-trendy D'USSÉ VSOP Cognac is the first of the D'USSÉ line, and Master Blender Michel Casavecchia weaves his magic by selecting only the finest eaux-de-vie aged for at least 4 and a half years in the dark cellars of the iconic Chateau de Cognac in France, which is also home to the historic Baron Otard producers. MichelCasavecchia, D’USSÉ’sMaîtredeChai(Cellar Master)is a man of immeasurable talent but few words…until you get him on the subject of Cognac. In conversation, it becomes immediately clear that after 25 years of working forChâteaude Cognac, his palate is one of unrivaled refinement anda product ofsharp training (though he’s certainly not one to brag).

Everyone has their favorite thing on the Thanksgiving table. For some, it's the green bean casserole. For others, it's the cranberry sauce. For me, it's the wine. For many, many reasons, wine is an absolute necessity on Thanksgiving. Whether your intentions are pure and you're looking for the perfect pairing that complements and highlights each and every rich and savory note and flavor in your Thanksgiving dishes, or you just need a few glasses to get you through dinner with your in-laws — whatever the reason, wine is important. They are located at the iconic Château de Cognac which was, in fact, the birthplace of François I king of France. Sitting on the banks of the Charente, you couldn’t get a more scenic spot for producing Cognac. With a design as striking and unique as the liquid inside, this expression is sure to take centre stage in many prominent Cognac collections. How to Enjoy D'USSÉ 1969 Anniversaire Limited Edition Cognac Selecting the perfect varietal for such a high-pressure dinner such as Thanksgiving, though, can be quite intimidating. Red or white? Light or robust? Fruity or earthy? Wine is a complicated language, and the pressure to understand it when you're already stressed about cooking and hosting is not an easy task to take on. That's why we're here with a few simple guidelines to help you select the perfect bottles to impress and please everyone around your holiday table.