A century. That’s the age of this Grande Champagne cognac. A century is a period of 100 years, a significant unit of time that allows us to reflect on historical, cultural, and scientific advancements. The term comes from the Latin word centum, meaning ‘hundred’. Centuries are often used to measure the progress of civilisations, identify eras, and study the impact of human activity on the world. For instance, the 20th century (1901–2000) and the 21st century (2001-present) have been marked by extraordinary changes and developments, shaping the modern era. Let’s reflect quickly on what has happened since 1924, when this Famille Cabanne Lot 24 Cognac was distilled, three generations ago.
Many Major Events Since 1924
Since 1924, the world has undergone seismic shifts that have redefined societies. The 1930s marked the height of the Great Depression, a catastrophic global economic crisis that left millions unemployed and reshaped policies worldwide. This turmoil contributed to the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe, ultimately leading to World War II (1939–1945), a conflict that involved nearly every corner of the globe. The war resulted in devastating loss of life, widespread destruction, and the Holocaust, which stands as a sombre reminder of humanity’s capacity for both cruelty and resilience. Its aftermath brought significant change, including the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 to promote peace and prevent future conflicts.
The latter half of the 20th century was characterised by geopolitical tensions during the Cold War (1947–1991), which divided the world into opposing blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. This era also saw remarkable advancements in science and technology, from the discovery of DNA structure in 1953 to the space race that culminated in the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. The civil rights movements in the United States, South Africa, and beyond fought to dismantle systemic racism and secure equal rights. Similarly, decolonisation efforts across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean freed millions from colonial rule, reshaping the global order and fostering a wave of new nations and cultural identities.
As the 21st century dawned, globalisation became a dominant force, creating interconnected economies and cultures. However, this period has also highlighted significant vulnerabilities. The September 11 attacks in 2001 transformed global security and geopolitics, leading to protracted conflicts in the Middle East. The 2008 global financial crisis exposed the fragility of economic systems, while the ongoing climate crisis has become a defining challenge of our time. Technological breakthroughs, such as the rise of social media, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy technologies, have redefined daily life but also introduced new ethical and societal dilemmas.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, marked one of the most significant disruptions of the modern era. It upended economies, strained healthcare systems, and altered how people work, communicate, and interact. Amidst these challenges, humanity has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and innovation, developing vaccines in record time and embracing new ways of working and living. As the 21st century progresses, the world faces the dual task of leveraging technology to address pressing global issues while fostering cooperation and sustainability to build a more equitable future for all.
But now, let’s take a brief pause and contemplate the meaning of a century-old cognac.
A Century-Old Cognac
A century-old cognac represents more than just a rare and exquisite spirit; it is a tangible connection to the past, a liquid time capsule that carries with it the history, craftsmanship, and heritage of its time. Such a cognac encapsulates the artistry of a bygone era, crafted by hands that adhered to traditional methods and harvested grapes grown in vineyards untouched by modern techniques. The very act of opening such a bottle evokes a sense of reverence, as it bridges the gap between the past and the present, offering a sensory experience of a world long gone.
The year 1924 was a period of recovery and transformation. The aftermath of World War I was still evident, and Europe was rebuilding itself both physically and culturally. Cognac distilled that year might have been made with grapes from vines that survived the phylloxera epidemic that devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century. The distillation process would have been carried out using traditional copper pot stills, and the spirit would have been laid to rest in oak casks, with no knowledge of how profoundly the world would change in the century to come. Over the decades, the cognac has matured, absorbing the rich flavours of the wood while developing complexity and depth that only time can provide.
Opening such a bottle today is an invitation to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring quality of craftsmanship. The liquid inside has likely taken on an extraordinary profile – layers of dried fruits, spices, and a deep rancio character, a hallmark of extremely aged cognac. Sipping it is akin to tasting history: the roaring 1920s, the struggles of the Great Depression, the upheaval of World War II, and the transformative decades that followed are all encapsulated in that amber elixir. Every drop tells a story, inviting us to imagine the hands that crafted it, the barrels that nurtured it, and the generations that preserved it.
Moreover, a 1924 cognac is more than just a luxurious indulgence; it symbolises patience, legacy, and the power of tradition. It serves as a reminder of the dedication required to create something meant to outlive its creators. Whether savoured alone – as I’m doing right now, or shared during a momentous occasion, as I did, opening it at Christmas to enjoy this with my father, a century-old cognac distilled in 1924 is not just a drink – it’s a tribute to the passage of time, the resilience of human endeavour, and the enduring art of cognac making.
Famille Cabanne Lot 24 Cognac Review
This Famille Cabanne Grande Champagne Lot 24 Cognac, distilled in 1924, was partially bottled in 2024 in 20 cl and 70 cl bottles. Over the course of its century-long maturation, its alcohol content naturally diminished to 46.2%. Hand-bottled and labelled at the Cabanne estate, it was carefully preserved without any chill filtration, ensuring it remains as natural as possible. Crafted entirely from Ugni Blanc grapes, this cognac has spent its long ageing process in a humid cellar along the Charente River, resting in oak barrels from Seguin Moreau and Taransaud cooperages, with a coarse grain and medium toast. As noted, this bottling represents just a portion of the cask, as not all was bottled. A part of it continues to mature, with Alexis Cabanne, CEO and cellar master of Famille Cabanne, eager to observe how it evolves and which new aromas will emerge over the coming years. Unfortunately, this first release is now sold out.
Colour:
Burnt umber.
Nose:
Neat: The nose unfolds with a symphony of tropical fruits and cooked apricots, followed by layers of old leather and the delicate aroma of tobacco leaves. A captivating rancio emerges, showcasing the hallmark of exceptional age, intertwined with subtle hints of turpentine, spiced orange peel, and the richness of quince jam. Every note is elegantly composed, exuding a sense of refined balance and maturity. This Famille Cabanne cognac carries the unmistakeable marks of time without ever being overburdened by the wood, preserving a vitality that is nothing short of remarkable.
Palate:
Neat: The palate is a dance of flavours, beginning with a vibrant sourness from tropical fruits, led by passion fruit, seamlessly intertwined with the elegance of polished aged wood. The age is evident, yet the spirit remains luminous and full of life, displaying remarkable resilience and balance. Spices mingle gracefully with notes of orange, apricots, and yuzu, complemented by the richness and bitterness of roasted coffee beans. Then, as we take our time going back to this, nuances of roasted pineapple, crystallised forest honey, and old herbal liqueurs emerge, all enveloped in the soft, aromatic embrace of sandalwood.
Finish:
The finish is a testament to time, where the fruits and noble exotic woods linger endlessly, weaving a harmonious tapestry of richness, refined woodiness, and vibrant fruitiness. Subtle hints of eucalyptus and menthol emerge gracefully, accompanied by the delicate aroma of an aged cigar. Even minutes later, the palate remains alive with a warm pepperiness, intertwined with the enduring notes of cedar and sandalwood. Whispers of passion fruit linger like a gentle echo, a final reminder of the cognac’s extraordinary complexity and elegance.
Comments:
Perfection may not be of this world, but this is likely as close as it gets. Despite its extraordinary age, the vitality of this Famille Cabanne Lot 24 Cognac stands as a remarkable manifest in the exceptional ability of Grande Champagne cognacs to age gracefully over the decades. This century-old cognac is not merely a drink, but a profound experience – one that encapsulates the very essence of time, craftsmanship, and heritage. Every sip invites reverence for the delicate balance of fruit, wood, and age, with each layer unfolding like a story passed down through generations. Its extraordinary complexity and refinement stand as a testament to the artistry of its makers and the patience of those who allowed it to mature into perfection. As its symphony of aromas graces your nose, the liquid dances on the palate and the finish lingers with grace. It is clear that this cognac is a rare treasure, an embodiment of myth and memory. It is the kind of spirit that transcends the ordinary, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining timeless in its beauty. I now find myself almost regretting having been so reasonable in acquiring only a 20 cl bottle, but the thought of this cognac still maturing in its casks, waiting to be savoured again in the future, fills me with hope. I look forward to the possibility of once more experiencing its magnificence whenever that moment may come.
Rating: 9.5/10
Bottle image courtesy of Cognac-Expert. Feature image courtesy of Famille Cabanne.
