At Whisky Live 2025 in Paris (last weekend), cognac house François Voyer presented a new release: a Lot 46 Grande Champagne. It has been transferred to a glass demijohn in the 1990s after at least 40 years in a chai humide.
Cognac François Voyer Lot 46 – Grande Champagne (48,3%, OB 2025)
Nose: very forthcoming, with an impressive vibrance. Fresh citrus and minty notes up front, with hints of furniture polish and eucalyptus. Behind this I find generous tangerines, pineapples and some preserved peaches, along with hints of orange blossom and herbal honey. Then whiffs of jasmine and old potpourri. There’s a darker hint of tea and oriental spice in the distance, but otherwise this is a fairly high-pitched profile. Such aromatic elegance after all these years!
Mouth: a fruit explosion. Very juicy citrus notes, like lime and pink grapefruit, along with mango and drops of passion fruit syrup. Then orange peels and hints of Earl Grey , as well as growing spearmint and a light mentholated note. Hints of liquorice, some herbal tea and a subtle leafy note (tobacco) in the background, adding more depth. Towards the end a little leather and beautiful rancio too.
Finish: long, with more orange peels now, generous minty notes and herbs, as well as some fruit jellies and a hint of cedar.
Beautifully vibrant on the nose, which stays light and seductive. A bit more depth on the palate, with a nice power after all these years, but still plenty of fruits as well. No signs of tiredness at all. Truly excellent cognac which checks all the boxes for me. Not sure when this will be available in stores, please check with François Voyer.