As a conclusion to the third week into our Cognac-Expert Advent Calendar, we found a Grosperrin N°76 Grande Champagne Cognac. Jean Grosperrin began his career in the wine industry as a distiller in Lorraine in the early 1980s before moving to Cognac, where he became a broker in 1991 and a wholesaler in 1994. In 1999, he started bottling his own casks, leveraging strong relationships with both Cognac winemakers and traders. During his career, he discovered many rare, heirloom Cognacs stored in the region’s cellars, offering a glimpse into pre-modern winemaking traditions. This network allowed him access to some of the oldest and most sought-after eaux-de-vie. Jean retired in 2003 due to health issues.
Today, Grosperrin Cognac remains a family-run business, led by Jean’s son, Guilhem Grosperrin, since 2004. The house maintains rigorous standards, ensuring full traceability of dates and vintages. Cognacs are stored under state control in ORECO warehouses, bottled under the supervision of a bailiff, and sealed with traceable labels and certificates, preserving the integrity of each release.
Grosperrin N°76 Grande Champagne Cognac Review
From a now-inactive vineyard in the hills of Marancheville, the Grosperrin N°76 Grande Champagne Cognac was part of the remaining stocks from the estate that were released after his passing, allowing this cognac to reach a wider audience. Bottled at 50.1% ABV, it has been maturing since 1976 in a wide grain, lightly toasted cask stored in a relatively dry cellar. Expect to pay around €220 for a bottle.
Colour:
Old oak with a copper hue.
Nose:
Neat: The nose is bold and vibrant, showcasing rancio, orange liqueur, prunes, aged cedar wood, liquorice sticks, jasmine, and lilac blossoms. Rich notes of dark caramel, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, dragon fruit, and warm custard cream.
With water: A drop of water unveils dried fruits, vanilla pods, quince jam, and subtle hints of cinnamon, enhancing its elegance.
Palate:
Neat: The palate opens with a creamy, chewy texture and a touch of astringency. Flavours of butterscotch and a hint of cinnamon lead the way, followed by soft wood tones, zesty citrus notes of lemon juice, greengage, orange, and rich dark chocolate filled with raisins.
With water: The sweetness intensifies initially, with a touch of icing sugar, transitioning into the flavours of lemon meringue pie and black pepper, finishing with a drier and more refined mouthfeel.
Finish:
The finish introduces refreshing notes of eucalyptus and menthol, adding vibrancy to the lingering flavours of polished wood, orange, and chunks of brown sugar.
Comments:
The Grosperrin N°76 Grande Champagne Cognac is an impressive cognac from start to finish. The nose and palate begin beautifully, setting high expectations, but it’s the finish that truly shines, with vibrant, fresh notes of eucalyptus and menthol adding brightness to the experience. This cognac handles water exceptionally well, evolving into a more summery profile with a drier yet still excellent mouthfeel. Initially, I rated it a 7, but the stunning finish and remarkable transformation with water elevate it significantly—an easy 8.
Rating: 8/10
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a decent picture for this bottle, so I used the placeholder one from Cognac-Expert.
