D'usse VSOP Cognac 75cl

Product Information

Prousaefs praised this flight: “A remarkable example of what Cognac has to offer as an XO. Depth, character and attention to detail across the whole category.” The spirit’s versatility shone through the medal-winning expressions Read more about Jay Z's exclusive collaboration with this Cognac brand on our blog here. Jay Z is quite the businessman, having already founded Rocawear and Roc Nation. The Château de Cognac: Home of D’USSÉ Cognac The first single barrel release offered by the house, D'USSÉ 1969 Anniversaire Limited Edition Cognac is produced from a French oak tierçon that has been aged in the Château de Cognac cellars. This 1969 Grande Champagne vintage was also produced from a single eau-de-vie, making it a rare glimpse into the history of the most prominent Cognac region. Upon being discovered in the D'USSÉ cellars, Cellar Master Michel Cassavecchia continued to let it mature, waiting for the right moment - which turned out to be the 50th birthday of D'USSÉ co-owner, the hip-hip mogul Jay-Z. After such an extended maturation, there was only enough of the liquid remaining to fill an estimated 150 to 200 diamond-shaped crystal decanters. Jay-Z decided to individually number the first 50 decanters, which were presented to his family and close friends, with only the remaining bottles for general sale. The liquid comes from one of the oldest Cognac houses in France, Château de Cognac. It was bottled from a rare single barrel and was matured for decades in a 200-year-old cellar.

The Dussé brand takes the symbol of the Cross of Lorraine - that's probably why you might know it as the Cognac with a cross on the bottle. It represents the French emblem of courage, honor, and perseverance. They have adopted a symbol of French history for their own. The bottles from this Cognac house, therefore, looks particularly medieval, royal and rustic. Nose: Spirited and aromatic. Woody and spicy notes of cinnamon and cloves mingle with fruity aromas. Aging: D'Ussé XO ages for a significantly longer time, and matures 10 years in oak barrels, whereas the VSOP version only matures for precisely four and a half years. D'Ussé Cognac VSOP matures for a minimun of four and a half years in the cellars of the Château. The result is a versatile and delicate Cognac with notes of citrus, dried fruits, caramel, and honey. D’USSÉ Cognac is owned by Bacardi, which is the largest family-owned spirits company in the world, alongside Grey Goose, Dewar’s Scotch Whisky and Bombay Sapphire Gin.

NOT BAD, NOT GREAT

With such high praise throughout the competition, how could any newcomers to the category not be tempted to give Cognac a go?

The XO Single Estate round that followed created another Master winner: Cognac Frapin 15 Years Old. It made a positive impression on Kiely’s panel for its “nicely balanced fruit, spice and wood influence” with a “well-integrated higher-ABV and long finish”. Bates added: “This is lovely, lovely, lovely – really delicious.”Think of the versatility,” says Marshall. “Don’t limit cognac to one time of year. Realize it works in so many different ways. That’s why we taste through different ages and expressions. Maybe use a VS for longer drinks like Highballs, and VSOP in a Sidecar. Think about cognac with food [pungent cheeses, dark chocolate, berries, oysters, and other seafood]." Try storing it in your freezer, where “it gets more viscosity, and the perception of the alcohol is lowered,” suggests Marshall—a great technique for summer. Most of all, be assured, she says, “there is a cognac for every palate." According to Men's Book, Casavecchia was excited for his collaboration with D'USSÉ because most cellarmasters merely continue the traditions laid down before them and maintain the "house style." However, in this instance, he was able to build a new spirit from the ground up. He intentionally made a product that is approachable but with the depth of flavor that a connoisseur could appreciate. Overall: Compared to the standard VSOP, the D'Ussé XO is on another level. It's a fantastic long-aged, full-bodied Cognac with a lot of character.