Biscuit brandy is the brainchild of the French Biscuit brandy house, which has existed for about two hundred years and has a non-standard approach to production.
A bit of history
The history of the French brandy “Biscuit” began in 1819, when the young and ambitious Alexander Biscuit used his family heritage and experience to establish a cognac house in Zharnak.
The family had vast vineyards and, starting in 1750, was engaged in distillation, but only Alexander wanted to gain independence by establishing his own brand.
Later, Adrian Dubouche joined Alexander and became his partner. In addition, Dubouche was part-time and Alexander’s son-in-law. The formed company was named after two partners. In 1991, the Biscuit joined another cognac house and came under the control of Pernod Ricard already as Renault — Bisquit.
Since 2009, Bisquit cognac house begins a new period in its development history: the South African group Distell bought the house. The newly minted owner bought and restored the castle of the Chateau de Liniere, erected at the end of the 19th century. In 2010, the cognac house began implementing its line in South Africa.
Technology Features
Every year, from November to March, sommelier Denis Lauratat and qualified distilleries create “water of life” - brandy alcohol, which is then converted into high-level cognac. Double distillation took place in the Charente alambiki. Biscuit brandy is created only from the Uni Blanc grape variety, which is harvested in the local region.
A characteristic feature of the production of brandy products "Biscuit" is a fairly long distillation. This technique allows you to get more round, full-bodied and aromatic alcohols.
Tasting Rules
Sommelier Denis Lauratat developed a tasting ritual that allows you to immerse yourself in the taste and aromatic features of the Biscuit brandy.
According to Denis, the widespread manner of consuming a noble cognac with pieces of ice or warming a cognac glass in a hand cannot give a full-fledged taste and disclosure of aromas.
The temperature regime of the alcoholic drink is also important, because if the drink is too warm, then all the lightest aromas will simply disappear without a trace and violate the harmony of the drink. Warm cognac becomes more alcoholic in taste, which does not add positive emotions during the tasting period.
The biscuit brandy tasting ritual is simple but sophisticated. To ensure a perfect temperature, it is customary to use a special spoon to drink. The spoon has a hole and a stainless steel insert on which an ice cube is placed. After that, the Biscuit brandy is slowly poured onto ice. In this way, it is possible to achieve rapid cooling of the drink without the ingress of excess water.
Types of Biscuit Brandy
Cognac is usually distinguished by aging, degree and grape variety. In the line of brandies "Biscuit" we see a standard fortress of 40 degrees. We will consider three classic versions of cognacs of different aging periods, which are presented in the Biscuit line.
"Biscuit Classic VS"
Cognac "Biscuit Classic" refers to the youngest drink in the entire line. Alcohols are used for assembling from Feng Bois and Fin Champagne, aging in barrels for at least 3 years.
It is worth noting that the Feng Bois spirits (aka Fin Bois) quickly age, so even young cognacs are rounded and without too much spirituality. This region is characterized by fruitiness in taste and a light floral aroma.
Fin Champagne is more suitable for long-playing aging and is used in its pure form for elegant, expensive cognacs. Fin Champagne is a combination of two cognac regions Grand and Petit Champagne.
Biscuit Classic brandy has mainly Feng Bois alcohols (85%) in its composition, therefore it differs in apple and pear aroma. The aroma is so sweet that somewhere you can feel the candied notes and a distant reminder of vanilla.
All this is reflected in the aftertaste, the drink does not burn the mucous membranes of the mouth or nose. He is perfect for his class.
"VSOP Biscuit"
Fine brandy, the minimum age of alcohol is from 8 years. When compared with other manufacturers, it is most often possible to find cognacs in this category with a minimum age of 6 years.
Reviews about cognac "Biscuit VSOP" positive. They say that the product is devoid of fruit notes, but has a noble woody and floral hue, which is reflected both in the taste and aroma of cognac.
Biscuit XO
Excellent cognac with a minimum age of alcohols from 30 to 35 years. The assembly consists of Fin-Champagne alcohols that fit perfectly into this age category.
Taste features and aroma are characteristic for Extra cognacs. You can feel the roundness, the complete absence of spirituality and harshness. The aroma and taste of oak wood, spices, chocolate notes, a nutty shade and candied fruits are distinguished.
Conclusion
If you need high-quality cognac, the choice in favor of Biscuit cognac products will be justified. The drink is ideal for both gift and personal use.