Beam Inc has launched what it hails as the first-ever age statement Cognac collection in Delhi Duty Free’s Terminal 3 outlet at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection is available in two variants – Courvoisier 21yo and Courvoisier 12yo.
Beam Inc, encouraged by “strong growth” in emerging markets, emphasised its commitment to its consumer insight driven innovations agenda, describing India as an “emerging market for Beam with a successful portfolio of spirits”.
According to Beam, the Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection is the first release from one of the major Cognac houses to be graded by an age declaration, like whisky, rather than the more conventional grading of Cognac, like VS, VSOP and XO.
Speaking at the launch of the two premium expressions, Beam India & ISC CEO and Managing Director (India and Indian Sub Continent) Harish Moolchandani said: “We have seen some very exciting times in the last one year. Courvoisier 21yo and Courvoisier 12yo are very premium expressions and first-of-its-kind innovation in the Cognac world.
“Beam Inc always strives to offer the best products to its consumers, and this is yet another step to offer them the true taste of Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection in the traditional style. The collection is for the connoisseurs ready to experience the ultimate and we are certain to see it becoming an exclusive expression,” he said.
Delhi Duty Free Services (DDFS) COO Arun Barathi commented: “DDFS continues its proud tradition of bringing yet another “˜India First’ blockbuster. We are privileged to launch Courvoisier 12yo and 21yo, two fine and rare Cognacs at Delhi Duty Free at Indira Gandhi International Airport. This we believe will enhance our already strong Cognac portfolio and continue to delight all Indian Cognac aficionados.”
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The Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection, available in two variants – Courvoisier 21yo and Courvoisier 12yo – is hailed as the first-ever age statement Cognac collection | |
Courvoisier 21yo
The Courvoisier 21yo features Cognac not less than 21 years old, allowing the maturing Cognac to blossom and achieve its full aroma and flavour potential, Beam said. Available in a 70cl bottle, it is priced at US$350.
This Cognac contains the eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne cru aged for over two decades in selected Tronçais oak barrels. Twenty one years is said to be the “perfect time” for these specific eaux-de-vie to develop their full richness and heightened aromatic style, according to Beam.
On the nose are aromas of dried hazelnut, dried apricots and figs, followed by cocoa, honey and smooth spices such as white pepper and coriander. The finish offers notes of leather and fine cigar.
Tastes of candied orange and gingerbread on the palate lead to a “smooth and voluptuous” finish.
Courvoisier 12yo
The Courvoisier 12yo features Cognac not less than 12 years old, the “ideal age” when cru meet at the peak of their potential, Beam said. Available in a 70cl bottle it is priced at US$72.
The Courvoisier 12yo contains eaux-de-vie selected from the Borderies cru, which at 12 years old develop their best floral and spicy notes. These tasting are enhanced by the combination of Fins Bois grapes to develop the vibrancy of Blend and Grande Champagnes eaux-de-vie.
On the nose notes of violets, orange blossoms blend into spicy tastings of clove, ginger and star anise with vanilla.
On the mouth tastes of almonds, raisins and orange marmalade are nurtured from the Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, leading to a “long and harmonious depth” that is said to complement sweets, desserts and chocolates, according to Beam.
