More Drams, Less Drama

Vaudon 75/78/80 Grape of the Art Cognac

3rd December 20243rd December 2024Coldorak

The second cognac from my 2024 Cognac Expert Advent Calendar is a multi-vintage Vaudon Lot 75/78/80, bottled by German independent bottler Grape of the Art. Vaudon’s estate spans 60 hectares, primarily in the Fins Bois region, the largest Cognac production area. Their history dates back to 1771 when François Gaborit passed the domain to his son-in-law, Pierre Nalbert. Significant expansion occurred in the 20th century under Denis and later Pierre Mousset. Further growth followed when Pierre Vaudon married Anne-Marie Mousset, uniting two winemaking families.

Vaudon produces both single-cru Fins Bois cognacs and multi-cru blends with the neighbouring Grande Champagne region. Today’s review focuses on this multi-vintage, single-cru Vaudon 75/78/80 Grape of the Art.

Claude Thorin Esprit Grande Champagne Cognac

2nd December 20243rd December 2024Coldorak

The 2024 Cognac Expert Advent Calendar begins with Esprit, a Grande Champagne cognac from Claude Thorin. The Thorin story dates back to 1879, when the family vineyard was first established. Shortly after, phylloxera devastated much of the Charente region. In 1950, André Thorin replanted vines and began rebuilding the estate, initially focusing on parcels in Mainxe, part of the prestigious Grande Champagne cru.

Since the 1990s, Claude Thorin has expanded the estate to 84 hectares, introduced his own cognac range, and joined the independent winegrowers’ association. The property is located in Segonzac, at Biard. In 2021, a new generation – Elise and Mathilde – joined, with Elise overseeing production and Mathilde managing sales.

So, my first review of the month is for the Claude Thorin Esprit Grande Champagne Cognac. Let’s see if switching from my usual whisky advent calendar to a cognac one this year was a good choice!

What Is Cognac?

1st December 20243rd December 2024Coldorak

As I will begin and enjoy (I hope), starting tomorrow, my first Cognac Advent Calendar, I thought it would be useful to take the time to explain here what is Cognac. This renowned and prestigious variety of brandy has a storied history rooted in the Charente region of France. Known for its refined flavours, complexity, and artisanal production methods, cognac holds a revered position in the world of spirits. Its name is legally protected, ensuring that only brandy produced under strict guidelines in the Cognac region can carry this prestigious title. From its historical emergence as a trade commodity to its modern status as a symbol of sophistication, cognac’s legacy is rich and multifaceted. This article explores the origins of cognac, its historical significance, and the meticulous process that defines its creation.

Ardnahoe 5-year-old Inaugural Release

30th November 20243rd December 2024Coldorak

Ardnahoe, a young Islay distillery founded in 2017, sits between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila, offering stunning views of the Sound of Islay with Mull and Jura in the background. Owned by independent bottler Hunter Laing, it boasts Scotland’s longest lyne arms at 7.5 metres and uses wooden worm tubs for condensation. They waited until their whisky reached five years to launch their Ardnahoe 5-year-old Inaugural Release earlier this year – better late than never for me to finally taste and review it!

Signatory 100 Proof Exceptional Cask #1, #2 and #3

Aultmore / Glenburgie / Macduff 100 Proof Exceptional Casks Signatory Vintage

28th November 202427th November 2024Coldorak

Part of the recent and ever-growing series 100 proof from Signatory Vintage, the independent bottler released a few bottlings as an ‘Exceptional Cask’ subseries. We review the first three whiskies bottled in this series: an Aultmore 2007, a Glenburgie 2008 and a Macduff 2007 100 Proof Exceptional Casks, Edition #1 to 3, from Signatory Vintage.

Domaine de Charron 1996 2008 Swell de Spirits Bas-Armagnac

Domain de Charron 1996 & 2008 Swell de Spirits

22nd November 202422nd November 2024Coldorak

Although Domaine de Charron traces its origins back to the early 20th century, its journey into Armagnac production truly began decades later. In 1985, Fernand Lartigue considered uprooting the vines on his grandmother’s plot in Perquie. However, his sons, Claude and Jacques, stepped in to acquire the 2-hectare vineyard, preserving the Baco vines and reviving Armagnac production. The vineyard’s care was entrusted to a neighboring winemaker, whose expertise ensured the creation of high-quality, natural wines from the start.

Thanks to our friends at Swell de Spirits, I’ve received samples of two Domaine de Charron Armagnacs as part of a box featuring malternatives and spirits. Let’s dive into these two releases, Domaine de Charron 1996 and 2008, bottled by Swell de Spirits.

Jean-Luc Pasquet Lot L.70 'Le Cognac d'Arlette' Petite Champagne Cognac

Cognac Jean-Luc Pasquet Lot L.70 Petite Champagne

15th November 202415th November 2024Coldorak

Domaine Jean-Luc Pasquet is both a producer of Cognac and a bottler of cognacs crafted by small-scale winemakers. The estate is managed by Jean and Amy Pasquet, the son and daughter-in-law of founder Jean-Luc Pasquet. On one hand, they produce an organic range of cognacs, with organic practices dating back to 1998. On the other, they consider themselves “treasure hunters,” seeking out hidden gems from small winemakers’ cellars and independent distillers. It’s this latter role that brings JLP to More Drams today, as I review their latest find, the Jean-Luc Pasquet Lot L.70 ‘Le Cognac d’Arlette’ Petite Champagne Cognac, bottled in their ‘Trésors de Famille’ range.

Bimber Shoulders of Giants Second Release

8th November 20248th November 2024Coldorak

Bimber returns with a second round of releases in its ‘Shoulders of Giants’ series. Eight new ‘Giants’ have been introduced, joining the original six from the first batch, along with fresh country exclusives – this time with Germany and Belgium joining the UK and Poland. With samples from all eight of these new expressions kindly sent by Bimber a few weeks ago, let’s dive into a review of this Bimber Shoulders of Giants Second Release.

Teeling 21-Year-Old Rising Reserve No.3

19th October 202419th October 2024Coldorak

For a change, we’re reviewing a whiskey that’s actually still available and not already sold out, long gone, or marked up threefold on the secondary market. Hard to believe, right? Recently, I was working as an exhibitor for a Scottish independent bottler at the Nantes Spirits Festival, a whisky show. It has nothing to do with this Teeling, I know, but one of the perks of being an exhibitor is the chance to sample a few whiskies and malternatives before or after the event opens to the public—or even during a quick break. Who needs food when you can savour some good or even exceptional whiskies and cognacs, right? Anyway, while I was pouring my own whiskies for Baptiste Charron, the French Teeling ambassador, we got talking, and he introduced me to the Teeling 21-year-old Rising Reserve No.3, which I’m reviewing today. I was lucky enough to take a sample home with me to taste it again, with time and a fresh palate. But first…

Bimber Shoulders of Giants

22nd September 202412th November 2024Coldorak

Bimber recently introduced* a new series, ‘Shoulder of Giants’, a tribute to the thinkers, innovators, and visionaries who have shaped history. While the connection to whisky may not be immediately obvious, perhaps these celebrated figures were whisky enthusiasts – though, in the case of Nicolaus Copernicus, who passed away in 1543 in Poland, it’s unlikely he ever had the chance to enjoy a dram! Regardless, this theme is as fitting as many others embraced by distilleries, and the labels are nothing short of stunning. Thanks to Bimber Distillery, we didn’t just have the last Spirit of the Underground batch, we also have all six expressions from the ‘Shoulder of Giants’ series in front of us – three exclusive to the UK and three to Poland. Let’s dive in and explore what each of these whiskies has to offer.