With the single casks in the Journal des Kirsch series, we report on the experiences that French spirits have to offer: Excitement, surprise, great pleasure and variety. The latter is particularly true of the seventh edition: the innovative Jean-Luc Pasquet L81. A cognac traditionally produced by the Jean-Luc Pasquet family business from Fins Bois grapes, this treasure of a spirit was transferred to a freshly emptied CH Hampden cask after maturing for over 40 years in French oak. The result? An unprecedented dynamic between ester and rancio notes that reaches a new level of flavour. In return, the experimental Eau de Vie de Vin is happy to renounce its legal status as a cognac. This is reserved for brandies from the region, which are matured in French Limousin and Tronçais oak barrels or barrels pre-aged with grape products such as wine, sherry or port. This remarkable single cask was bottled at natural cask strength and without additives in 318 bottles. At a high 52.5% vol., the interplay of French oak and Hampden cask comes into its own. Classic Rancio notes are complemented for the first time by ester notes characteristic of the Jamaican rum icon, which lend fruity and tropical accents.

Collective #1 The Pioneers "In collaboration with cocktail genius Mr. Lyan, Berry Bros. & Rudd sought out a unique community of like-minded distillers from around the world. These distillers are united by their desire to create exceptional spirits while creatively challenging conventions to reduce their impact on our planet's natural resources." This Cognac from the Hasue Pasquet was distilled in 2017 and bottled in 2023 from Limousin Oak Cask #72. "Aromas of luscious, aged Sauternes and fruit sorbet drift from the glass, developing with time into a crisp minerality. The palate is heavenly. Flavors of fruit salad chews, peach skins, apricots, and mango, all with a squirt of lime juice, dance in perfect balance, massaging the senses. Peach, bubble gum, and sweet sake." notes linger on the finish."

Discerning connoisseurs associate the name Pasquet not only with the finest certified organic cognac, but also with exquisite vintage bottlings. The limited-edition creations in the Confluences range are a combination of exquisite snapshots from the second-generation-run house, which together form an even greater whole. Symphonie des Terroirs No. 2 is a multi-cru blend from three barrels, each from different terroirs: Grande Champagne L.57/62 (15%), Fins Bois L.81 (50%) and Borderies L.90s (35%). Balanced between the freshness of the Borderies, the roundness of the Fins Bois and the length of the Grande Champagne, the cognac expresses the character of each cru.