The third annual Cognac Show from the team behind The Whisky Exchange, was due to take place this weekend (24th and 25th April), but sadly due to the COVID-19 quarantine, it like many other wonderful industry events, has had to be cancelled. However, do not fear! The team are now pleased to announce that they will be taking the show online!
What will the virtual Cognac Show involve?
Taking the form of tasting masterclasses, hosted by head buyer at The Whisky Exchange, Dawn Davies MW, the Cognac Show will become a global occasion. Those wishing to ‘attend’ will be able to purchase tasting sets from The Whisky Exchange website before the show and taste along live with Dawn. Sets will include Cognacs from a wide range of houses that would otherwise have been exhibiting, from powerhouses such as Rémy Martin and Courvoisier, to the small, family-run Vallein Tercinier and Sated favourite, Hine. Tasting sets are priced at only £24.95.
Originally due to host the cocktail bar at the Cognac Show, Bar Luciole co-founder Guillaume le Dorner will also be hosting a cocktail masterclass all the way from Cognac in France. There will also be ‘drop in sessions’ on social media from some of the brands who would have been at the show, talking about Cognac, the rise of their brands and plans for the future.
Tasting Session Schedule
Friday 24th April, 5.30pm: Cognac 101 with Dawn Davies MW
Let Master of Wine Dawn Davies guide you through the styles and categories of France’s most famous spirit, learning about how it’s made and what you should be looking for in a bottle. The tasting set includes sample bottles of ABK6 VS Single Estate Cognac, Hardy XO Fine Champagne Cognac, Camus VSOP Borderies, Frapin 1270 Single Estate, Courvoisier VSOP and Remy Martin 1738 Cognac.
Purchase tasting set here
Friday 24th April, 6.30pm: Cocktail masterclass with Guillaume Le Dorner, Bar Luciole
Previously scheduled to showcase his Cognac cocktail-creating skills live at the show, Guillaume Le Dorner will be sharing the secrets of some of his favourite classic Cognac cocktails – the Sidecar, the Spitfire and the Cognac Old Fashioned. Join him to shake and stir a drink or two!
Purchase Guillaume’s cocktail tasting kit here
Saturday 25th April, 5,30pm: The Many Faces of Cognac with Dawn Davies MW
Cognac is a drink with many different styles, covering a huge range of character and flavour. Let Dawn Davies demystify its complexities, and lead you on a sensory journey through the diversity of France’s national spirit. This set includes sample bottles of Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations, Vallein-Tercinier XO 46, H by Hine VSOP, Delamain Pale & Dry XO, Maxime Trijol XO and Chateau de Beaulon Seven-year-old VSOP Cognac.
Purchase tasting set here
Saturday 25th April, 6.30pm: Calvados 101 with Dawn Davies MW
The guest spirit at this year’s Cognac Show is Calvados, Normandy’s hidden gem. Join Dawn Davies for a dive into this fruity spirit, understanding the styles, categories and flavours that combine to produce this under-appreciated and misunderstood spirit, from orchard to glass. This tasting set includes sample bottles of Christian Drouin Pale & Dry VSOP, Avallen Calvados, Pere Magloire XO Pays D’Auge, Michel Huard Vieux Calvados, Camut six-year-old Calvados and Somerset 10-year-old Cider Brandy.
Purchase tasting set here
How to ‘attend’ the Virtual Cognac Show 2020
Those who purchase sets will be provided with a Zoom link, while the sessions will also be broadcast over Facebook Live via https://www.facebook.com/thewhiskyexchange/