Otard

Otard, also known as Château de Cognac, is a French cognac house founded in 1795 by Jean-Baptiste Antoine Otard. For over two hundred years, Baron Otard Cognac was privately owned, until it was bought by the Italian company Martini & Rossi S.p.A. in 1991. Today, Baron Otard Cognac is a subsidiary of the Bacardi group.

Family History

The Otard family traces its origins back to the middle of the 9th century to a Norwegian warrior named Ottar. From the 11th to 17th century, the descendants of Ottar lived in Dun-Ottar castle in Scotland. Great supporters of the Stuart cause, they followed King James II of England when the later moved to France in exile after the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

James O'Tard fought alongside Louis XIV of France and was created a Baron in 1701. It was his great-grandson, Jean-Baptiste Antoine Otard born near to the town of Cognac, who created the cognac trading house bearing his name in 1795. The family owned vineyards around the town of Cognac and were already distilling and ageing 'eaux-de-vie'. The following year he bought the Château de Cognac, built in the tenth century to protect the villagers from Norman invaders,[1] as a base for his business. The cellars of the château, which can be visited, are still used for storing and ageing the casks of cognac.

Products

The cellars of Château de Cognac have 3-metre thick walls and an extremely high level of humidity resulting from the proximity of the Charente river. This environment plays a determinant role in the maturity of the different brandies offered by the company.[2]

1795 Extra – a top of the range cognac essentially crafted from Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie in a special cellar set apart in the Château.

XO Gold - draws its personality from a blend of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, rounded off with the Borderies, which lend it the finesse of a delicately floral aroma, and by the Fins Bois, which give it its vigour.

55 - the first cognac at 55° offered by a cognac firm, it is the offspring of blends made over two hundred years ago by Baron Otard.

Napoleon - is a subtle blend of Grande and Petite Champagne with Borderies and Fins Bois.

VSOP - is composed exclusively of the two leading cognac growths, Grande and Petite Champagne, with at least 50% of Grande Champagne.

VS – is a blend of the finest growths aged in Limousin oak barrels.

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References
  1. Blue, Anthony Dias, The Complete Book of Spirits, Harper-Collins, New York, 2004, ISBN 0-06-054218-7, page 213
  2. wineandalcohol.com
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