The cellars at Tesseron date back to the 13th century and were once part of a crypt of a local church. Today they house one of the largest collections of old cognacs in demijohns in all of Cognac, in what is called the Paradis cellar at each Cognac house. Grapes are virtually all sourced from top two Cognac districts: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.

Tesseron Cognac is a new luxury cognac brand owned by the Tesseron family, which for more than a century has provided its old, rare stocks to the larger cognac houses. The family still holds one of the largest collections of aged cognac reserves in the world and launched their own brand in 2003, releasing cognacs only XO (which stands for extra old) and above in age. Made only in miniscule quantities, their cognacs are incredibly rare and highly desirable. The Tesseron Cognac house is located in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente and was founded by Abel Tesseron in 1905. Since then, the family business has since been handed down through four generations, and is now run by Alfred Tesseron, also owner of the highly regarded Chateau Pontet-Canet in Bordeaux.

All of Tesseron's cognacs are aged exclusively in Limousin oak, a tough wood which has a fatter, looser grain than that of the more common Tronçais oak, thus giving more oxygen and finer tannins, as well as being better adapted to long-term maturation. The house also makes a point of aging all of its cognacs in humid rather than dry cellars, resulting in a more rounded flavor profile.

Lot 76 is an exceptional blend of reserve stocks of Grand Champagne Cognac, matured to perfection in old casks for one generation, approximately 25-30 years. It immediately establishes its quality on the nose, which exhibits a wealth of caramelized peaches, almond and Christmas fruit flavors. This carries on magnificently through the palate, with rich, delicate flavors of nuts and dried fruits. It presents a wonderful, spicy vitality, complementing a harmonious, rounded style. 100% Ugni Blanc, exclusively from Grand Champagne. Perfect with coffee or a piece of dark chocolate (right after lunch, if you can schedule it).