Cognac "Biscuit": history, technology, products and taste features

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Cognac "Biscuit" is the brainchild of the French cognac house "Biscuit", which has existed for about two hundred years and is distinguished by a non-standard approach to production.

A bit of history

The history of the French Biscuit cognac began in 1819, when the young and ambitious Alexander Biscuit used his family heritage and experience to found a cognac house in Jarnac.

The family had extensive vineyards and distillation since 1750, but only Alexander wanted to gain independence by founding his own brand.

Later, Adrian Dubouchet joined Alexander and became his partner. In addition, Dubouchet was also Alexander's son-in-law. The resulting company was named after the two partners. In 1991, Bisquit joined another cognac house and was taken over by Pernod Ricard as Renault-Bisquit.

Since 2009, Bisquit cognac house begins a new period in its development history: the house was bought by the South African group Distell. The newly minted owner bought and restored the Chateau de Lignieres, built at the end of the 19th century. In 2010, the cognac house startedselling its line in South Africa.

Technology Features

Every year, from November to March, Denis Lauratat sommelier and qualified distillers create the "water of life" - cognac spirit, which is further transformed into high-level cognac. Double distillation took place in Charente alambicas. Cognac "Biscuit" is created only from Ugni blanc grapes, which are harvested in the local region.

A characteristic feature of the production of Biscuit cognac products is a rather long distillation. This technique allows you to get more rounded, full-bodied and aromatic spirits.

Tasting Rules

Sommelier Denis Lauratat developed a tasting ritual that allows you to immerse yourself in the taste and aroma of Biscuit cognac.

According to Denis, the common way of drinking noble cognac with pieces of ice or warming a glass of cognac in hand cannot give a full taste and disclosure of aromas.

The temperature regime of the alcoholic drink is also important, because if the drink is too warm, then all the lightest aromas will simply disappear without a trace and break the harmony of the drink. Warm cognac becomes more alcoholic in taste, which does not add positive emotions during the tasting period.

The ritual of tasting Biscuit cognacs is simple, but exquisite. To ensure the perfect temperature of the drink, it is customary to use a special spoon. The spoon has a hole and a stainless steel insert on whichput an ice cube. After that, the Biscuit cognac is slowly poured onto ice. In this way, it is possible to achieve a quick cooling of the drink without getting excess water into it.

Types of cognac "Biscuit"

Cognac is usually distinguished by exposure, degree and grape variety. In the Biscuit line of cognacs, we see a standard strength of 40 degrees. We will consider three classic versions of cognacs of different aging periods, which are presented in the Biscuit line.

Biscuit Classic VS

Cognac "Biscuit Classic" refers to the youngest drink in the entire line. Spirits are used for assemblage from Fain-Bois and Finn-Champagne, aging in barrels for at least 3 years.

It is worth noting that Fain-Bois spirits (aka Fin-Bois) age quickly, so even young cognacs turn out to be round and without excessive alcohol content. The region is characterized by a fruity taste and a slight floral aroma.

Fine Champagne is more suited to long aging and is used neat for elegant, expensive cognacs. Fine Champagne is a combination of the two cognac regions of Grand and Petit Champagne.

Cognac "Biscuit Classic" has mainly Feng-Bois spirits (85%) in its composition, therefore it has an apple-pear aroma. The aroma is so sweet that somewhere you can feel candied notes and a distant reminder of vanilla.

All this is reflected in the aftertaste, the drink does not burn the mucous membranes of the mouth or nose. He's great for his class.

VSOP Biscuit

Excellent cognac, minimum age of spirits from 8 years. Compared to other producers, most often in this category you can find cognacs with a minimum age of 6 years.

Reviews of the VSOP Biscuit cognac are positive. They say that the product is devoid of fruity notes, but has a noble woody and floral hue, which is reflected in both the taste and aroma of cognac.

Biscuit XO

Excellent brandy with a minimum age of spirits from 30 to 35 years. The assemblage consists of spirits of Fine Champagne, which fit perfectly into this age category.

Taste features and aroma are typical for Extra cognacs. You can feel the roundness, the complete absence of alcoholism and sharpness. The aroma and taste of oak barrel wood, spices, chocolate notes, nutty flavor and candied fruits are distinguished.

Conclusion

If you need high quality cognac, then the choice in favor of Biscuit cognac products will be justified. The drink is ideal both for a gift and for personal use.