Hermitage Cognac has launched what is believed to be the world’s oldest barrel-aged Cognac, a 100-year-old expression that is capturing global attention. Priced at nearly £25,000 per bottle, the Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100-Year-Old Cognac is available in an extremely limited run of just 68 bottles, making it one of the rarest offerings in the fine spirits market today.

The Cognac has been described as a true "masterpiece of cognac history" by Hermitage Cognac’s founder and chairman David Baker, who says this release represents the pinnacle of heritage, craftsmanship and provenance in the world of fine spirits.

Crafted from a single estate in Grande Champagne

The Hermitage Siècle d’Or is drawn from a single estate in Lignières Sonneville, a commune at the heart of the Grande Champagne region, which is widely regarded as producing the most elegant and age-worthy Cognacs in the world. The region’s chalky soil and ideal climate provide perfect conditions for cultivating Ugni Blanc grapes, the variety used to produce this extraordinary spirit.

The Cognac was distilled in Segonzac using traditional copper Alembic Charentais stills and then aged in Limousin oak barrels for a full century. During that time, the spirit has remained untouched and unblended, developing an unparalleled depth of character through natural aging.

“It is one of only a very small quantity of Cognac aged in cellars in the heart of the Premier Cru of Cognac known as Grande Champagne,” said Baker. “Provenance and time are the very essence of this release.”

A sensory masterpiece with rare complexity

Over 100 years of barrel maturation has yielded a Cognac of extraordinary richness, balance and depth. The tasting profile includes luxurious notes of cocoa, burnt toffee, mushroom, ginger, candied fruits and kumquat. These flavours are enveloped by an intensely rich rancio – a unique characteristic found only in the oldest and most refined Cognacs.

Baker described the final result as “a masterpiece of smoothness and quality” and believes the spirit's profile is unmatched in today’s market. The extended aging process in Limousin oak barrels allowed the spirit to extract deep tannins and develop the complex aromatics that define top-tier vintage Cognacs.

A collector’s gem presented in luxury packaging

Each of the 68 bottles in the Hermitage Siècle d’Or release is housed in a one-litre Cumbrian crystal decanter, hand-blown and hand-cut in the UK. The decanters are individually numbered and engraved with gold leaf, adding to their uniqueness and prestige. A handcrafted wooden presentation box accompanies each bottle, along with a personal letter from David Baker and an informational leaflet detailing the Cognac’s origin and heritage.

This bespoke presentation is tailored for collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate both the aesthetic and historical value of rare spirits. Given the exceptional provenance and rarity, these bottles are expected to become coveted treasures in luxury cellars around the world.

A milestone moment for ultra-aged Cognac

The release of the Hermitage Siècle d’Or 100-Year-Old Cognac sets a new benchmark for the ultra-premium spirits market. While there have been aged Cognacs released in the past, few, if any, have reached a full century of barrel aging while retaining the purity and integrity of a single estate.

This launch reaffirms Hermitage Cognac’s place among the elite producers of fine Cognac and highlights the enduring allure of time-honoured craftsmanship. As the demand for collectible spirits continues to rise, this landmark release could inspire further exploration of long-aged spirits and their role in the luxury market.