Last Drop releases 70-year-old Cognac

by Amy Hopkins

British spirits bottler The Last Drop Distillers has released its second Cognac – a 70-year-old expression called 1947 Hors d’Age Cognac.

Joining the Sazerac-owned company’s Limited Bottling collection, 1947 Hors d’Age Cognac originates from the Charente region of southwestern France. It is the result of one of the first post-World War II distillations by a local wine and Cognac-making family. Traditionally distilled in a small copper still, the expression is said to have a “fresh, young and delicious” character with aromas that “have the richness of summer flowers”. It is presented in a The Last Drop Distillers deep red leather case with its own 50ml miniature, as well as a certificate of authenticity, a leather-bound tasting booklet and a custom-made stopper. “First, the nose, [a] waft of old roses, but charged with a touch of citrus,” said Tom Jago, founder of The Last Drop Distillers. “The complexity of sensations stems from that history: distilled in 1947 in a small, ancient copper still, burning wood or charcoal, it’s rich in the imperfections that mark the exceptional from the simply fine Cognac. “In the mouth, you will find great complication. First, rich old preserved fruits. Then, a burst of flowers. Finally, the bite of the ancient eau-de-vie – the ‘fire’ that belongs only to Cognac.” The ninth release in the Last Drop Distillers Limited Bottling collection, 1947 Hors d’Age Cognac follows the recent launch of the 1972 Lochside Single Grain Scotch Whisky. Just 186 bottles of the Cognac are available at an RRP of £3,200 (US$4,133).