Hermitage showcases phylloxera era Cognacs
The 1880s Paradis Collection by independent Cognac producer Hermitage represents some of the most precious eaux de vie from the phylloxera era.
Hermitage Cognac, established in 1987 by David Baker, is the owner of some of the rarest Cognacs in existence, distilled between 1850 and 1900.
Described as a testament to endurance, craftsmanship and extraordinary rarity, Cognacs from the late 1800s are considered some of the most prized in the world, due to a pest that is believed to have destroyed two-thirds of European vineyards.
Phylloxera, an aphid originally from North America, caused widespread devastation in France, destroying nearly half of all vineyards. As the vines perished and distillation slowed, some producers decided to preserve their finest barrels, storing them deep in their Paradis cellars. These barrels were not intended for sale, but rather chosen to represent these acts of heritage, legacy, and, in many cases, survival.
To combat the damage, American vines, which are more resistant to the pest, were brought in to revive the industry.
Hermitage’s 1880s Paradis Collection honours the history of the spirit and distillation of eaux de vie, offering Cognacs that will never be produced again.
For spirits enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and collectors, these Cognacs are said to represent a combination of craftsmanship, rarity, and capital appreciation potentially unmatched by almost any other liquid asset in today’s market.
These spirits are non-renewable resources, both agriculturally and historically, which, the brand says, lends them a value comparable to fine art.
Baker has built a portfolio of rare Cognacs that is said to rival some of the most revered collections, with each vintage as a single estate expression and bottled at natural strength from the Premier Cru.
Highlighted by verifiable heritage, each bottling under the 1880s Paradis Collection results from ‘meticulous historical research and evaluation’ and is offered in minimal quantities.
As global demand for rare, ultra-aged spirits increases, Hermitage Cognac recognises that collectors are increasingly seeking alternatives to whisky that are both finite and historically significant.
The Paradis Collection features four vintages: the 1880, priced at £8,316 (US$11,284); the 1884, with a retail price of £7,776 (US$10,551); the 1885, available for £9,428 (US$12,792); and the 1890, retailing for £7,506 (US$10,185). All prices include VAT.
Last year, the Cognac house released a 100-year-old expression limited to 68 one-litre decanters.
At an event at Hide earlier this year, attendees had the chance to sample Hermitage’s most exclusive expressions.
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