Subtle Spirits
Cognac Grande Champagne

Ancêtres is a multi-vintage (1990-1994) single-cask barrel of cognac bottled at a cask strength of 49.5% abv. It was bottled in France - as legally required - in November 2024 and labeled 30 years old, the age of the youngest vintage in the cask. It yielded 250 bottles.

While only a few single-casks have come from Dudognon to the US, virtually none were at cask strength, and this is the oldest single-cask of Dudognon to come out of the domaine. The labels were hand-applied, and a custom Pantone color wax dipping was added after arriving in the US.

Tasting Notes:

This spirit is gentle at first glance, with impressions of Manuka honey, pipe tobacco, gingerbread cookies, marzipan, roasted almonds, and sandalwood. Depending on the glass you use, I prefer a Burgundy glass; it opens up, and more bright grape aromas emerge. The palate is rich and viscous, enhanced by the higher bottling proof, and it has strong backbone and structure but remains vivacious and brimming with refreshing acidity. Flavors of dried golden raisins, ginger, cigar leaf, honey, and exotic spices. As it opens up, it constantly changes, bouncing between bright fruit and savory potpourri spices.

Aromas: Subtle impressions of Manuka honey, pipe tobacco, gingerbread cookies, marzipan, roasted almonds, and sandalwood. Depending on the glass, and as it opens up, more bright grape aromas emerge.

Palate: Rich and viscous, enhanced by the higher bottling proof. Notes of dried golden raisins, ginger, cigar leaf, honey, and exotic spices.