INTERNATIONAL. Bacardi Global Travel Retail Division has launched what it hails as the rarest ever Baron Otard Cognac – the Fortis et Fidelis.
This exclusive blend includes some of the oldest and rarest eaux-de-vie from the historic cellars of Château de Cognac, home of Baron Otard Cognac since 1795.
It is presented in a crystal carafe handcrafted in France by Saint-Louis, one of the world’s leading crystal glass makers.
The Baron Otard Fortis et Fidelis Cognac will be available at select travel retail outlets worldwide starting in December priced at US$4,500.
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“Fortis et Fidelis”, the motto of the Otard family meaning “strength and loyalty”, is a tribute to Baron Jean-Baptiste Otard |
“Fortis et Fidelis”, the motto of the Otard family meaning “strength and loyalty”, is described as a fitting tribute to Baron Jean-Baptiste Otard who in 1795 acquired the only château in the town of Cognac knowing that it would offer the perfect ageing conditions for his Cognac.
Commenting on the launch, Baron Otard Cognac Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Jouhaud commented: “We are extremely proud of the incredible heritage of Baron Otard Cognac so when we decided to create a Cognac to celebrate our founder, Baron Jean-Baptiste Otard, we felt that this would be the ideal opportunity to create the ultimate expression of Baron Otard Cognac.
“For any Cognac house, travel retail is of paramount importance and Baron Otard is no exception. It’s crucial that we showcase our very best Cognacs to new and existing consumers and Fortis et Fidelis is an exquisite Cognac which perfectly represents the exceptional quality of Baron Otard. We hope it will stop travellers in their tracks.”
To create the Fortis et Fidelis, the cellar master for Baron Otard personally selected the eaux-de-vie one by one before laying the blend down to age in the cellars of Château de Cognac. Here, the thickness of the ancient walls and the proximity of the River Charente are said to guarantee a constant temperature and ideal humidity.
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The decanter was designed by Cristallerie Royale de Saint-Louis and leading French designer Christophe Pillet | |
Baron Otard Cognac describes the tasting notes: “Nosing Fortis et Fidelis reveals dominant plum fragrances and hints of walnut. Smooth spices, in particular nutmeg, intensify the combined aromas, while a sweet hint of candied orange mingles with a robust leather scent in the finish.
“On the palate, the great maturity of Fortis et Fidelis rolls out a wealth of flavours. Delicate hints of prunes combine harmoniously with a subtle touch of “˜rancio’. Sweet, crystallised fruit lingers on the taste buds, while a pinch of spice caresses the palate.”
To create a decanter for this Cognac, Baron Otard partnered with Cristallerie Royale de Saint-Louis and leading French designer Christophe Pillet, whose signature fluid lines create the carafe’s distinctive shape.
Each Fortis et Fidelis decanter is crafted entirely by hand. To make just one decanter takes three weeks and the combined skills of 15 Saint-Louis master crystal makers.
Each carafe is displayed in a wooden case with a platinum lacquered finish. Also inside the case is a booklet describing the creation of Fortis et Fidelis and an automatic drawer housing a certificate of authenticity and the decanter’s crystal closure.
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