A Century in a Glass: Unveiling the Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100 Year Old Cognac

Hermitage Cognac, the distinguished independent cognac house, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100 Year Old Cognac, believed to be the world’s oldest barrel-aged cognac ever released. With only 68 one-litre decanters available, this exquisite offering is crafted for cognac connoisseurs, collectors, and investors, and presented in luxurious, hand-crafted Cumbrian Crystal decanters, retailing at a modest £24,900 each. Yes, you read that right – £24,900. At that price, it even comes with its own gasp!

The Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100 Year Old Cognac takes its name from the "Siècle d’Or", the Golden Century of France, and is one of the finest old cognacs from the past century. It stands unparalleled in its age bracket, and it is believed no other Premier Cru, Single Estate cognacs of this age have ever been bottled. Think of it as the wise elder in the cognac family – it’s seen things.

Commenting on this limited-edition release, David Baker, Founder of Hermitage Cognac, said, “I am delighted to offer this priceless masterpiece of cognac history to the global market. Provenance and time are the very essence of this 100-year-old cognac, and I hope those who purchase it will indulge in one of the finest luxury spirits available.”

David adds, “This cognac is one of only a very small quantity aged in cellars in the heart of the Premier Cru of Cognac, known as Grande Champagne. Untouched and unblended, this vintage cognac has aged for 100 years in Limousin Oak Barrels. This exceptionally long ageing period has created a wide complexity of rich flavours and aromas, found only in the finest and oldest cognacs. The balance and depth of flavour is a masterpiece of smoothness and quality. Expect flavours of cocoa, burnt toffee, mushroom, ginger, candied fruit, and kumquat, all enveloped in an intensely rich rancio found only in the rarest of cognacs.” In other words, it’s like a flavour explosion that went off a century ago and is still going strong.

The Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100 Year Old Cognac is produced from Ugni Blanc grapes, cultivated in the region of Lignières Sonneville, situated in the heart of Grande Champagne and renowned for its exceptional terroir and production of some of the purest cognacs. Distilled in the Segonzac area using traditional copper Alembic Charentais stills, this exclusive cognac epitomises the quality and craftsmanship of a bygone era. It’s like time travel in a bottle, minus the jet lag.

Presented in stunning one-litre crystal decanters made by Cumbria Crystal, the last producer of completely hand-blown and hand-cut luxury English crystal in the UK, each decanter is engraved with gold leaf and individually numbered on the bottom. Each decanter takes approximately two weeks to complete, and the meticulous craftsmanship culminates in an opulent wooden presentation box. This box includes a letter from Hermitage Chairman David Baker and a leaflet providing information about the cognac. It’s the perfect gift for someone who has everything – including impeccable taste.

Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100 Year Old Cognac

Tasting Notes:

• Colour: Rich Tan
• Aroma: Cocoa, dried fig, burnt sugar, truffle, and cloves
• Flavour: A complex and rich profile featuring cocoa, burnt toffee, mushroom, ginger, and candied fruit, with a long kumquat fruit finish

RRP: £24,900 for one litre decanter
ABV: 40.5%

The Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100 Year Old Cognac is available for purchase at www.hermitagecognac.com.

So, if you've ever wondered what a century tastes like, here's your chance to find out – and perhaps flaunt it at your next dinner party! After all, nothing says "I've arrived" quite like a £24,900 bottle of cognac. Cheers to the golden age!