Salford-based Ten Locks has announced the addition of Bourgoin cognac to its portfolio – a modern, small batch cognac aimed at contemporary drinkers looking for a new take on this prestigious French spirit.

The premium spirits distributor welcomes three expressions that show the depth of the Bourgoin range – VSOP 2015, XO Double Lies 2010 and XO Microbarrique 1998. The handcrafted products are available now to premium retailers, high-end hospitality venues, and online drinks specialists, positioned as a super premium, contemporary cognac for today’s discerning drinkers.

Bourgoin Cognac VSOP 2015 (43% abv) is an approachable, entry level cognac, full of character, bringing a modern flavour profile with hints of vanilla, tonka bean and citrus. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks and forms a powerful base for cocktails.

Bourgoin Cognac Double Lies 2010 (45% abv) uses twice the amount of yeast to ferment resulting in double the amount of fruity flavour. As XO this is light and bright for 10 years old and uses French Limousin oak to produce a perfect aperitif or digestif.

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Bourgoin XO Microbarrique 1998 (43% abv) is Bourgoin’s first cognac with an extra finishing in a ten-litre oak barrel, with a crocodile charred style to create a round, sweet and subtle cognac with delicious notes of mango, banana, candied strawberries, bourbon vanilla and roasted pineapple.

Bourgoin Cognac is successfully revitalising the cognac category, which is often viewed as old fashioned, complicated and ‘stuffy’. The family run company, established over 100 years ago, is now run by Frédéric Bourgoin and supported by Rebecca Asseline who are on a mission to bring a new, credible, great tasting cognac to market to appeal to a modern audience, using the most natural means possible.

Rebecca – previously global brand ambassador for Courvoisier – is Happiness and Opportunities Manager at Bourgoin Cognac. With her extensive knowledge of the cognac sector and strong connections in the UK, she will work with Ten Locks to support the brand’s growth in the UK and drive appeal for cognac among new drinkers.

A fourth generation family estate, located in Tarsac in the Charente region of France, Bourgoin Cognac is a bastion to the art of cognac production. It supplied eau-de-vie to major cognac houses and started producing its own cognac under the Bourgoin Cognac label in 2015. Now, the family enterprise is producing a range of high quality, handcrafted, winemaker cognacs developed without any added flavours, colourings or sugars, exemplifying the true art of distilling ugni-blanc grapes, with a respect for the land, a focus on the importance of the grape, terroir, the production, and the people behind the product.

The Bourgoin Cognac range is perfectly positioned to thrive in the Ten Locks portfolio, alongside its premium, conscious spirits brands that are forward thinking in their approach, striving for positive change, and leading the way through new and innovative processes and ways of working.

Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, says: “Bourgoin Cognac is a highly esteemed brand, and Frédéric and Rebecca represent a new generation of spirit makers paving the way for innovation across the whole cognac category.

“With a strong brand identity and wonderfully simple and striking labels, the Bourgoin Cognacs will appeal to those looking for aspirational drinks with contemporary flavour profiles, on-trend products that deliver on taste, drinking experience and prestige, and fit the trend for premiumisation.

“Dark spirits are growing in the UK, especially among younger drinkers who may have come into the category through dark rums and whiskies and are now they’re exploring cognac. They are prepared to pay a premium for something they know will exceed expectations. Cognac is evolving, much like craft beer, natural wine and other spirits have done in recent years. Now is the time for cognac to shine with brands like Bourgoin Cognac centre stage.

“People are seeking out authentic, quality drinks experiences that deliver against the values that are important to them. They want clarity on the provenance, the ingredients, the production methods, and even the people involved in making the product. Bourgoin Cognac is produced using the most natural means possible, has over 100 years of heritage with a real backstory drinkers can connect with.

“We’re on a mission to work with brands that share the same ethics and ethos as us. It’s a real honour to be welcoming Bourgoin Cognac into our portfolio – it’s a genuinely exceptional product that we know will be warmly welcomed.”

Frederic Bourgoin, master distiller and owner of Bourgoin Cognac, says: “Our cognacs are sincere and authentic, true to their heritage with a contemporary look and feel, and Ten Locks was the perfect UK distribution partner for us. We’re proud to be featured alongside the brands Ten Locks works with – all striving for positive change, and bringing innovation to the spirits category.

“Our team is so important to us and we work tirelessly to bring to market our small batch, craft style cognacs and we feel now is the time to expand our footprint in the UK. We know the British drinks market is diverse, sophisticated and open to new products, and we’re confident Ten Locks will guide us through the category and ensure we are the cognac on everyone’s lips.”

Ten Locks will lead the brand’s growth, focused on independent drinks merchants, department stores and premium retailers, hospitality venues, high end restaurants and online.

This is the first time Bourgoin Cognac will be widely available in the UK. All three products come in a 70cl bottle, priced between £46 and £66 RRP.

Bourgoin Cognac joins premium spirits brands Salford Rum, Mary White Vodka, Nusa Caña Rum, Applewood Gin, Diablesse Rum, Banhez Mezcal, El Tequileño, Langley’s Gin, Redwood Empire and West Cork Irish Whiskey in Ten Locks’ progressive portfolio.

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