Over 100 Year Old Cognac: The Story of Berry Brothers & Rudd's Grande Champagne des Héritiers

If you're a connoisseur of fine spirits, you might have heard of Berry Brothers & Rudd's Grande Champagne des Héritiers, a rare cognac that has been aged for over a century. This cognac is not only one of the oldest in the world but also one of the most prestigious. In this article, we'll explore the story behind this remarkable spirit and what makes it so special.

The History of Berry Brothers & Rudd

To understand the significance of the Grande Champagne des Héritiers, we need to take a step back and explore the history of Berry Brothers & Rudd. This company was founded in 1698 by Charles Berry and his widow, Mary, who inherited £100 from Charles' father. Initially, the company operated as a grocer's shop, but Charles soon began importing and selling wines from France and Spain.

Under Charles' leadership, Berry Bros. & Rudd quickly established a reputation for quality and expertise in the wine and spirits trade. The company's customers included the British royal family, as well as many other prominent figures in British society. Today, Berry Bros. & Rudd is one of the oldest and most respected wine and spirits merchants in the world, with a reputation for exceptional quality and expertise that has been built over more than three centuries.

The Grande Champagne des Héritiers Cognac

The Grande Champagne des Héritiers is a choice cognac that was distilled in 1848 from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne region of France. It was then aged for over a century in oak barrels, which has allowed it to develop a rich and complex flavor profile. This cognac is bottled at natural strength, which means that it has not been diluted with water or any other substance. It has an ABV of 30.2% (60.4 Proof/52.9 Imperial Proof) and comes in a 68cl bottle.

The name "Grande Champagne" refers to the region where the grapes used to make the cognac were grown. This area is known for producing high-quality grapes that are used to make some of the finest cognacs in the world. The term "Héritiers" means "heirs" in French, which is a reference to the fact that this cognac was produced by Berry Brothers & Rudd, a company that has been in operation for over three centuries and has been passed down through generations of the Berry family.

The Significance of the Grande Champagne des Héritiers

The Grande Champagne des Héritiers is not just any cognac – it's a piece of history. This spirit has been aged for over a century, which means that it has been in the barrel longer than most people have been alive. This extended aging process has allowed the cognac to develop a complex and nuanced flavor profile that is unlike anything else on the market.

Additionally, the fact that this cognac was produced by Berry Brothers & Rudd adds to its prestige. This company has been in operation for over three centuries and has built a reputation for exceptional quality and expertise in the wine and spirits trade. The fact that they produced a cognac that has been aged for over a century speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and their dedication to the craft.

How to Enjoy the Grande Champagne des Héritiers

If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle of the Grande Champagne des Héritiers, you might be wondering how best to enjoy it. First and foremost, this cognac should be sipped slowly and savored. The complex flavor profile is best appreciated when the cognac is sipped neat or with a small amount of water.