Sazerac de Forge Cognac - 70cl

Here's a Cognac with a genuinely good story. Sazerac de Forge & Fils was founded in 1782 and was the original brandy base for the Sazerac cocktail — before phylloxera wiped out the vines and American rye stepped in. This modern revival sets out to taste like Cognac did back then, using old, rare grape varieties like Folle Blanche and Colombard rather than the ubiquitous Ugni Blanc most houses rely on.

That choice matters. Those heritage grapes give a brighter, more aromatic, slightly wilder spirit. The blend runs from eaux-de-vie as young as seven years, for freshness, up to some dating from the 1960s, which bring the deep, powerful notes. Bottled at a robust 47% — higher than most Cognac — it has real presence.

The nose is yellow stone fruit, dried flowers, citrus peel and warm spice. The palate is silky and creamy despite the strength: dried fruit, black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon, with soft oak tannin, vanilla and a peppery lift on the finish. That extra ABV makes it a brilliant cocktail base — this is the Cognac to build a proper old-style Sazerac around — but it's characterful enough to sip neat too.

A bottle for anyone who likes their spirits with a bit of history and a bit of grip.

How to Serve

Neat in a tulip glass, or — fittingly — in a Sazerac cocktail with absinthe rinse, sugar and Peychaud's bitters. The 47% stands up to mixing where a softer Cognac would vanish.

Where to Drink It

The American Bar at The Savoy, spiritual home of the classic cocktail. Swift in Soho for a faithful Sazerac. Scarfes Bar for a moody nightcap.

Food Pairings

Try it with pecan pie or a dark, bitter chocolate tart — the pepper and spice cut right through the sweetness.