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Bisquit is a cognac house that, despite its almost 200-year history, is considered young compared to its competitors. Cognac of this brand was preferred by many representatives of monarchic families and politicians: King George IV, Nicholas II, Winston Churchill. In the time of George V, the company acquired the right to be called “the official supplier of the royal court.” Export of brand products exceeds 3 million bottles per year.
Historical reference. Bisquit’s history begins in 1819, when 20-year-old Alexander Bisquit used family heritage and experience to create a cognac house in Jarnac. The family owned more than 200 hectares of vineyards and, since 1750, two generations of his ancestors were engaged in distillation, but before Alexander, no one tried to gain independence by creating his own brand. Subsequently, his son-in-law Adrian Dubouchet entered the business as a partner, and the company received a new name – Bisquit Dubouché Et Cie.
In 1991, Bisquit merged with another cognac house and came under the control of Pernod Ricard as Renault-Bisquit. In 2009, a new stage in the history of the company began: it was acquired by the South African group Distell. The new owner bought and restored the Château de Lignier built at the end of the 2010th century. In XNUMX, the cognac house launched its products in South Africa.
Technology features
Every year, from November to March, cellar master Denis Lauratat and highly professional distillers create eau de vie – cognac spirit, which then turns into premium cognac. Double distillation is carried out in Charente alambicas. Cognac is made only from Ugni Blanc grapes harvested in the Charente region.
A specific feature of the production of Biscuit cognacs is a longer distillation – on average, the process lasts an hour longer than in other cognac houses. This method allows you to achieve a special smoothness and aromatic richness of the drink.
Awards
Bisquit is the first cognac house, the entire range of which for six years in a row has been awarded the most prestigious tasting competitions held in the capital of Great Britain.
International Wine and Spirits Competition, Лондон:
- 2011 – 3 silver (Bisquit VS Classique, Bisquit VSOP, Bisquit XO) medals;
- 2012 – 2 gold (Bisquit VSOP, Bisquit Prestige) and 2 silver (Bisquit VS Classique, Bisquit XO) medals;
- 2013 – 4 silver medals (Bisquit Prestige, Bisquit VS Classique, Bisquit VSOP, Bisquit XO);
- 2014 – Silver Outstanding (Bisquit VS) and 3 silver medals (Bisquit XO, Bisquit Prestige, Bisquit VSOP);
- 2015 – gold (Bisquit XO), 3 silver (Bisquit Prestige, Bisquit VSOP, Bisquit VS) medals and Silver Outstanding (Bisquit XO Rose Gold) award;
- 2016 – gold (Bisquit XO Gold), 2 silver (Bisquit Legende, Bisquit VSOP) medals and 4 Silver Outstanding awards (Bisquit Interlude, Bisquit Prestige, Bisquit VS, Bisquit XO).
International Spirits Challenge, Лондон:
- 2016 – 6 silver (Bisquit Interlude, Bisquit Prestige, Bisquit Legende, Bisquit VS, Bisquit XO, Bisquit XO Gold) and bronze (Bisquit VSOP) medals.
The Cognac Masters:
- 2012 – gold medal (Bisquit VSOP);
- 2013 – the highest award Master (Bisquit VSOP);
- 2014 – the highest award Master (Bisquit Prestige), gold (Bisquit VS) and silver (Bisquit VSOP) medals.
International Spirits Competition:
- 2013 – gold medal (Bisquit VSOP).
Interesting Facts
Collection prices for especially rare and old cognacs often reach cosmic levels. However, Biscuit House surpassed everyone by exhibiting at a charity auction in Cape Town… an empty bottle, which was purchased for a record amount of € 19. However, this is a real work of art: the well-known designer Benedict Malte was involved in the work on the packaging of L’Origine. The crystal decanter is enclosed in a white leather case: opening like a flower, it can simultaneously serve as a stand for four “tulip” glasses.
The buyer made the right decision: along with the bottle, he received a business class ticket to Paris and a unique opportunity to choose 50 ml of cognac from the oldest storage.
How to drink Cognac Bisquit
Maitre de che Denis Lauratate has developed a serving ritual that demonstrates the best way to enjoy Bisquit Cognac. In his opinion, the tradition of drinking cognac with ice cubes or warming the glass with the warmth of the palms does not allow for maximum pleasure. The temperature of the served drink is very important: when it is raised, light aromas disappear too quickly, which upsets the balance of the bouquet. Warm alcohol, in addition, acquires a more aggressive taste.
The Bisquit Cognac Perfect Serve ritual is simple yet sophisticated. To ensure the ideal temperature, a special spoon with a hole and a stainless steel plate is used, on which an ice cube is placed before the cognac is carefully poured onto it. In this way, it is possible to quickly cool the drink and avoid dilution.
Types of cognac Biscuit
Bisquit VS Classic, 40%
The best-selling and youngest cognac of the line: Fin Bois and Fin Champagne spirits are used in the assemblage, aged for 3-5 years before bottling. The basis of the bouquet is aromas of fresh pear, plum and blackberry, which are mixed with deeper notes of spicy spices and vanilla. In a rich velvety taste, tones of almonds, orange marmalade, oatmeal cookies and nutmeg appear. The soft aftertaste warms, but does not burn. Cellar Master Denis Lauratat’s recommendation: Drink neat or use as the base for your signature Bisquit Summit cocktail.
Bisquit VSOP, 40%
The flagship product of the brand, which has won numerous awards at international exhibitions and competitions. The assemblage uses distillates with a minimum exposure of 8 years. It has a complex bouquet, with leading tones of sweet balsam, white cherry, linden honey and dried apricots. When scrolling the snifter, notes of sandalwood, tanned leather and pine nuts appear. The taste is delicate, combining spicy tones with the sweetness of mango, caramelized plums and chocolate chips. For a more complete enjoyment, it is recommended to use it in its pure form.
Bisquit XO, 40%
Titled drink, assembled from Grand and Petit Champagne spirits, aged 20-35 years. Notable for its rich bouquet, successively revealing fruity and woody tones: tones of pear apple, prunes, dried apricots, white raisins make their debut, later soft notes of oak, cedar wood, old pipe tobacco are added. If there are dried fruits in the aroma, then fruit marmalade and liqueur candy filling appear in the taste. Medium-long aftertaste, sweet, but not cloying, with a slight bitterness of black coffee.
Bisquit Prestige, 40%
The decoration of the brand’s collection is cognac of the Napoleon category. The spirits included in the assemblage have matured in oak barrels for at least 15 years. In 2009 he was recognized as the best in class at the IWSC competition. Floral and fruity aromas are recognized in the bouquet: yellow garden rose, berry juice, passion fruit, dried figs. When shaking the glass, a wave of more brutal shades arises: suede, green tobacco leaf, old wood. The taste is devoid of caramel, with a slight hint of astringency. White chocolate and hazelnuts are guessed in the long aftertaste.
