Let's discover the "Château de Cognac" !

Discover the "Château de Cognac", house of Baron Otard and D'Ussé cognac

Château de Cognac is an architectural gem in the heart of the town of the same name. Steeped in history and elegance, it is an emblematic site for the production and maturation of Baron Otard and d'Ussé cognacs.

The history of Château de Cognac goes back several centuries. Originally built in the 10th century by the Counts of Valois, it was home to several noble families before being acquired by Jean-Baptiste Antoine Otard in 1795. The latter, founder of the Otard cognac house, chose the château to house his cellars and age his precious eaux-de-vie.

One of the special features of Château de Cognac is the vast underground cellars that run beneath the estate. These cellars are where Otard and D'Ussé cognacs slowly age and acquire their distinctive characteristics. The ideal conditions, including constant humidity and coolness, contribute to the harmonious evolution of the eaux-de-vie in the oak barrels.

The château is open to visitors, offering an authentic experience for cognac enthusiasts, culture buffs and history buffs alike.

Guided tours take in the centuries-old cellars, the ageing cellars and the historic rooms. You can learn more about the production process, from grape selection to distillation, as well as the art of blending and ageing eaux-de-vie. Tastings give you the opportunity to taste the different cognacs from the Baron Otard and D'Ussé houses, and appreciate their aromas and nuances.

In addition to the year-round tours and tastings, Le Lys cocktail bar welcomes you every summer from April to September. Nestled in the heart of the Château de Cognac, we recommend you discover its terrace and its cocktails based on Baron Otard and D'Ussé Cognacs.

Tradition versus modernity, Baron Otard and D'Ussé

Baron Otard has a captivating history. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when the Château de Cognac was acquired by Jean-Baptiste Antoine Otard, founder of the house.

Baron Otard cognacs are renowned for their excellence and refinement. Aged in ancient barrels in the damp cellars of the Château de Cognac, these cognacs seduce with their subtle aromas, smoothness and balance.

Expressions range from VS to XO, each offering a unique taste experience. Baron Otard cognacs are widely appreciated for their exceptional quality and long finish, making them the preferred choice of cognac lovers looking for an authentic taste experience in the purest tradition of "classic" cognacs.

As for D'Ussé, it was founded in 2012 thanks to a partnership between the Bacardi spirits company and the American Jay-Z. The rapper is not only the brand's co-founder, but also one of its most visible ambassadors. Jay-Z's influence in the world of music and popular culture has set D'Ussé apart in the cognac industry. In particular, Jay-Z has referred to D'Ussé in some of his songs, helping to raise the brand's global notoriety.

D'Ussé is positioned as a high-end cognac, a modern and sophisticated option in the cognac industry. The brand emphasizes the prolonged aging of its eaux-de-vie in French oak barrels, new barrels and dry cellars. This process gives the products a distinct depth and complexity. It also allows the flavors to develop and intensify over time. D'Ussé VSOP and D'Ussé XO offer lively, well-balanced profiles, with a powerful attack followed by notes of fruit, spice and a strong woodiness.