with correspondents in Japan, Russia, USA, Sweden; edited by M.Andrew, FIJEV

Quality of Cognac is always associated with what is in the bottle. Yet, often, the packaging is what catches consumer eye and it is a nice complement to the tasting experience. Alain Royer of Cognac A. de Fussingy does both extremely well; quality of Cognac and packaging. He has recently re-packaged his VSOP Special Ebony Blend and XO Grande Champagne. Last year both Cognacs scored 24 out of 30 at our tasting. Ebony Blend is a blend dominated by Grande and Petite Champagne. It averages 10 years. XO Grande Champagne averages 30 years.Those products are one of the better examples of applying quality to both taste and packaging. For more visit www.a-de-fussigny.com.

10 June 2001