While cognac is often associated with large historical houses, several small producers continue an artisanal tradition and offer new and diverse expressions of this iconic spirit. Here are six independent houses that deserve your full attention.
Maison Ferrand: The boldness to innovate
Founded in 1989 by Alexandre Gabriel, Maison Ferrand has established itself as a key player in artisanal cognac. Located in Ars, in Grande Champagne, it has built a reputation through its commitment to innovative aging methods and meticulous craftsmanship.
COGNAC FERRAND 10 Générations
Since 1630, at the heart of the Cognac vineyard, ten generations of Ferrand have passed down the invaluable knowledge of vine cultivation and distillation. This first cru of cognac is a tribute to these remarkable men, for whom a great cognac is, above all, the fruit of a meticulously worked terroir. Living in the manor of her ancestors, Mademoiselle Henriette, the last direct descendant of this prestigious lineage, was the guardian of this precious legacy, which she wished to pass on. It is to her that Pierre Ferrand owes the inspiration for this superb blend, named 10 Générations. 100% Grande Champagne – 100% Ugni-Blanc, distilled with the lees, aged in French oak barrels, with approximately 20% in Sauternes casks.
Bache-Gabrielsen: The Norwegian spirit in Charente
Founded in 1905 by Thomas Bache-Gabrielsen, a Norwegian passionate about cognac, this family-owned house continues a unique heritage between Scandinavia and Charente. Located in Cognac itself, Bache-Gabrielsen stands out for its modern and accessible approach, while still respecting tradition. It was a pioneer in the development of organic cognacs and cognacs without caramel additives.
BACHE GABRIELSEN VS Tre Kors
The history of the "Tre Kors" cognac VS label dates back to the period of the Norwegian prohibition from 1916 to 1926, when the liquor was only sold for medicinal purposes in pharmacies. During this time, the young Thomas Bache-Gabrielsen ingeniously replaced the three stars on the label with three crosses (in Norwegian: Tre Kors).
This 100% Ugni Blanc cognac comes from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne appellations and is aged for a minimum of two years in Limousin oak barrels. This blend is a successful marriage of the vigor of young eaux-de-vie and the emerging maturity of a great cognac.
Vallein Tercinier : cinq générations de passion
Established in Charente since 1850, the Vallein Tercinier house stands out for its strong family roots and dedication to long aging processes. Located in Chermignac, it produces cognacs that combine freshness and complexity, often bottled at higher natural degrees than the usual standards. The house places particular emphasis on the selection of casks and blending to ensure an authentic expression.
VALLEIN TERCINIER Napoleon
In 1850, Georges Vallein began selling his cognac in bottles. Since then, five generations of distillers have followed, creating remarkable blends and continuing the work of their ancestors. This Napoléon version, made from eaux-de-vie aged for a minimum of 15 years in French oak barrels, strikes a balance between the tonicity of young eaux-de-vie and the roundness of older ones. Not very spicy and low in tannins, this Napoléon develops subtle nuances of linden.
Maison Prunier : l’élégance discrète
Founded in 1769, Maison Prunier is one of the oldest Cognac houses still in operation. Unlike the giants of the industry, it has always preferred to remain small-scale, producing high-quality cognacs in limited quantities. Prunier is particularly appreciated for its vintage cognacs, some of which date back to the 1880s, allowing enthusiasts to discover the unique character of a single harvest year.
MAISON PRUNIER Lot 28 Grande Champagne THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE 7.0
"Quality and respect for the terroir" is the motto of Maison Prunier, whose negotiant activities date back to 1769. Hailing from the highly reputed argilo-calcareous terroir of Grande Champagne, this venerable version was crafted exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes. It was distilled in a six-hectolitre pot still heated by coal and aged in a red oak barrel with a capacity of 270 liters before being transferred to a demijohn in the early 1960s. Abundantly and very diversely fruity, its aromatic and flavor profile has retained a youthful spirit that inspires admiration. Additionally, it features a herbaceous freshness, reminiscent of a great Speyside single malt.
Jean-Luc Pasquet : l’engagement bio
Jean-Luc Pasquet embodies the revival of cognac, focusing on 100% organic and sustainable production. Located in Bellevigne, in the Charente department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, this house advocates a return to traditional methods, excluding additives and promoting long aging in French oak barrels. Various grape varieties are cultivated to explore their aromatic profiles.
Forgeron Michel: passing on know-how
Less well-known to the general public, Maison Forgeron Michel is a true hidden gem of Cognac. Based in Segonzac in Charente, it produces confidential cognacs, often in limited editions. Its artisanal approach highlights varied aging techniques, with a particular focus on second-fill casks, which help refine the aromatic structure without masking the natural character of the distillate. Its cognacs, rich in woody and spicy notes, appeal to connoisseurs seeking authenticity.
MICHEL FORGERON Lot 92 Grande Champagne THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE 5.0
Founded in 1909, this agricultural estate located in Segonzac on the Grande Champagne terroir was fully planted with vines starting in 1960, the year Michel Forgeron took over the operation. It wasn't until 1977 that the first Michel Forgeron cognacs were born. Since 1998, the estate, which spans 27 hectares of vineyards, has been managed by his son, Christophe. Remarkable in complexity, the aromatic and flavor profiles of this version, distilled in 1992, evolve with medicinal, fruity, herbaceous, floral, spicy, and woody sequences, whose richness is matched only by its noble expression. This cognac was distilled in 1992, aged for 30 years in French oak barrels, in both dry and humid cellars, and patiently reduced with distilled water before being bottled at 47%.
TO GO FURTHER IN THE DISCOVERY OF COGNAC
La Maison du Whisky has three boutiques in Paris:
In each of these boutiques, you'll find a wide selection of whiskies, rums, sakes, and other fine spirits.
Follow our tasting calendar for upcoming events, or visit the Golden Promise Whisky Bar, which offers an extensive selection of whiskies and other spirits by the glass.
Discover our other articles on cognac.
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