Cognac house
Otard
Historic Cognac house based at the Château de Cognac; produces a classic range of cognacs (including VSOP and XO), showcasing eaux-de-vie sourced particularly from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus and aged in the château's cellars.
- Cognac · Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Charente) · France
- Since 1795
- 2 products
The story
The Otard house was founded at the end of the 18th century by Jean‑Baptiste Antoine Otard. In 1796 the maison acquired the Château de Cognac and established its chais there, taking advantage of the favourable ageing conditions of the château's cellars for its eaux-de-vie. Over time the brand has changed ownership and today activities related to the Château de Cognac and the Baron Otard and D'USSÉ labels are part of the business structure controlled by the international Bacardi group.
Production philosophy
To enhance the historical heritage and natural conditions of the Château de Cognac for the maturation of eaux-de-vie, favouring balanced blends and the use of distillates from the region's most prized crus.
Territory
Château de Cognac, city of Cognac, Charente department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France.
Production method
Blending of eaux-de-vie from the Cognac crus (including Grande and Petite Champagne) and ageing in the château's cellars. As per Cognac appellation practice, the eaux-de-vie are obtained from distilled wines and undergo double distillation in copper stills; blending and maturation are managed in the historic cellars of the Château.
Distillation
Double distillation in copper pot stills (standard practice for Cognac production).
Ageing
Maturation in oak barrels in the Château de Cognac cellars; blends regularly incorporate eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.
Characteristics
- Type
- Cognac house
- City
- Cognac
- Categories
- Cognac house
- cognac
- Fine Champagne cognac
- spirits
- Raw materials
- eaux-de-vie from wine distilled from grapes grown in the Cognac crus (primarily Grande and Petite Champagne)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- Limousin oak (French oak barrels)
- Representative products
- Cognac Otard VSOP 70cl
- Cognac Otard XO 70cl - Astucciato
- Baron Otard Extra 1795 (Grande Champagne)
What makes it distinctive
- Founded in 1795 and historically linked to the Château de Cognac.
- Production site and chais located within the Château de Cognac, a historic site with cellars particularly prized for ageing.
- Brand currently part of the Bacardi group portfolio; shares the castle site with the D'USSÉ label.
- Offers classic expressions of Cognac, including bottles classified as Fine Champagne (e.g. VSOP).
