Francois Voyer Grande Champagne Cognac 1993
Cognacs that are slowly diluted and bottled at 40% ABV are currently the most widely available. More recently a new category is emerging. Cask Strength (brut de fut) Cognac is a term used to describe a cognac that has been bottled straight from the cask. It means that the alcohol content is at a naturally reduced level, which can vary depending on the length of time it has spent aging, the specific barrel and the cellar conditions in which it was aged (humid or dry). These kinds of bottlings are bringing a traditional spirit to a new market, in particular, lovers of rum and single malt. Distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2023, Voyer's limited edition could be classified as XO, derived from a single barrel with a yield of 650 bottles at an impressive 53.6%. It's not only the most deeply coloured cognac from this house, but also heavier and woodier on the nose than any other of Voyer’s offerings, gathering definition with the thickness of fruit cake. There's even more power and depth on the palate in a fabulous oak-fruit extravaganza heightened by wood spices, slightly grippy tannins and a delectable tang. The finish turns Armagnac-like, accenting dried fruits, especially dates and figs.
Critical Acclaim
90 Vinous
From a 25-year-old single cask, selected from the Voyer family in Grande Champagne. Amber on the nose, with wet earth scents at first, then leather, then aromas like bananas Foster. On the palate, there’s earth and clay, dried cherries and tropical fruit. Pleasant and drinkable, but a bit unfocused.