What We Know
- Undisclosed age, unofficially around 6 years average
- Bois Ordinaires (Oléron Island), blend of three different eaux-die-vie
- Distilled with racked lees
- Ugni Blanc
- Very old Limousin oak barrels
- 40.1% ABV
- Additives: None
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017-2019 Bronze Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2018 Bronze Medal, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2019 92 Points
Nose
Honey, subtle vanilla, nutmeg, ginger, jasmine, wild flowers, anise, mint, wet grass, saline/iodine, unripe pear, apple skins, lemon juice, orange zest, white peach, honeydew, dried papaya
Palate
Honey, white pepper, dried coconut, orange blossom flower, anise, thyme, saline/iodine, gravel, apple juice, pear, lemon zest, ruby grapefruit peel, unripe apricot
Finish
Fruit blossoms with a hint of spice, fresh pressed grapes, and ocean air
Overall Thoughts
Very pale, straw color with flashes of light yellow. The nose develops over a little bit of time. At first approach there’s a definite green note, very vegetal. Jasmine and wild flowers, mint, and grass. Iodine and some fruit like lemon and honeydew follow. The sweet elements are honey and just a hint of vanilla, but this Cognac reads fairly dry. The palate continues with some green impressions such as thyme and orange blossom flowers. There are some nice fruits with apple and pear and a bit of ruby grapefruit peel. The finish is medium length and fairly dry. Flowers again and just a touch of spice linger.
If you’ve never had a 100% Bois Ordinaire cognac, you might have mixed feelings about them. Upon the first nosing, this cognac really stood out as vastly different. Light, vegetal, and iodine rich. The influence of the ocean is apparent and I find it quite unique and refreshing. Since this cognac is made on Oléron Island, the ocean breeze and nearby salt water have an effect on the flavor of the grapes. This sea element especially changes the final product if the eau-de-vie is aged on the island, as well. However, this kind of approach isn’t for everyone.
There are very few of the stereotypical cognac aromas and flavors in this expression, which might make it a deterrent for some. But then again, I have a feeling Augier wasn’t going for a generic crowd pleaser with this expression. I appreciate that they aren’t using any caramel or sugar in this as it would absolutely detract from what they’re trying show in the glass. This is a very unique expression from a coastal island that any true cognac lover should try at least once and experience what it has to offer.
