First aquavit made in Cognac launches

Bache-Gabrielsen has expanded its repertoire with the launch of what is thought to be the first aquavit made in Cognac.

The spirits maker, known for its Cognac portfolio, worked with Cognac-based microdistillery Audemus Spirits to create the expression, which joins Bache-Gabrielsen’s Distillations range. The range, which experiments with spirits from different origins, first launched in 2017 with the bottling of Bache-Gabrielsen’s American oak-aged whisky. The aquavit combines two spirits: the first has been distilled in a traditional Cognac still with several botanicals including caraway, green anise and coriander; while the second spirit was distilled in a vacuum glass still with angelica. “The caraway and the coriander form the core of the spirit, bringing structure and body,” said Miko Abouaf, the founder of Audemus Spirits who worked with Bache-Gabrielsen’s cellar master Jean-Philippe Bergier on the project. “Fennel and the anise add sweetness, softening the aquavit. Finally, the angelica, conserving its freshness through the vacuum distillation, gives the signature finesse to the assemblage.” The expression has been bottled at 42% abv and carries an RRP of €39 (US$45).