Le Portier Cognac has been capturing the attention of connoisseurs in recent years, and as an enthusiast, I couldn’t resist exploring what makes this brand so special. What first piqued my interest was the involvement of football legend, Shannon Sharpe. With a passion for excellence both on and off the field, it’s no surprise that he’s ventured into the luxury spirit market.
Delving deeper, I found that Le Portier offers a range of upscale cognacs that showcase the finest Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, and Fins Bois blends. With the brand’s commitment to perfection in both craft and design, it’s clear that Shannon Sharpe’s goal is to create an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life. As I prepared to taste and review Le Portier’s offerings, I couldn’t help but feel excited about what I’d discover as I sipped on this exquisite cognac.
Table of Contents
Le Portier Cognac Overview
Product History
Allow me to introduce you to Le Portier Cognac, a fine spirit born from the collaboration between Shannon Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Jay Bradley, an expert cask connoisseur. These two men shared a passion for perfection and blended their skills into crafting the distinguished Le Portier Cognac.
Price Range
Now, when it comes to the price of Le Portier, you’ll notice that it is a bit more expensive than some cognacs in the market. For instance, let’s compare Le Portier with Frapin VSOP Cognac. While Frapin VSOP costs around $69.99 per 700 ml, Le Portier holds a higher price tag. I believe this is due to the meticulous process and attention to detail in creating such a luxurious cognac.
Flavor Profile and Aging
So, what sets Le Portier apart from the others, you ask? It all comes down to the flavor and aging process. Le Portier VSOP Cognac offers a rich, elegant experience, achieved through aging in French oak barrels. This is a key difference between Le Portier and Frapin, which ages in Limousin oak barrels, resulting in balanced, fruity orange notes mixed with a cinnamon or spicy pepper finish.
Awards and Recognition
Le Portier Cognac isn’t just a fancy collaboration project; it has earned accolades and recognition in the spirits industry. In fact, Shay by Le Portier recently won the Platinum – Best in Class at the SIP Awards 2022. This impressive achievement showcases the quality, craftsmanship, and dedication behind each bottle of Le Portier.
Growing Regions
My final point to share about Le Portier Cognac is its origin. Cognacs are generally produced in distinct growing regions, such as Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, and Fins Bois. By understanding these regions’ nuances, Shannon Sharpe and Jay Bradley have crafted a unique and sophisticated cognac that is truly a testament to their dedication and determination.
So, here you have an overview of Le Portier Cognac, a success story born from perseverance, passion, and skill. Whether you’re a cognac connoisseur or simply looking to appreciate a high-quality spirit, this luxurious cognac is undoubtedly a fine choice.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
As I started my tasting journey, I could immediately perceive the enticing aroma of Le Portier Cognac. The richness of caramelized spiced apple filled the air, creating a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. Subtle hints of chocolate and butterscotch lingered, adding a layer of warmth to the pleasant scent.
Flavor
Upon sipping Le Portier, my palate was embraced by a delightful combination of flavors. The velvety feel carried the prominent taste of butterscotch, followed by a touch of dried fruits and a whisper of spice. Its double-distillation in Charentais copper pot stills and aging in oak barrels truly showcased the craft and depth of flavors in this exquisite Cognac.
Flavors Intensity
Butterscotch High
Dried fruits Low
Spice Low
Finish
As the tasting experience continued, the finish of Le Portier Cognac was both memorable and soothing. I could savor the sweet smokiness of s’mores, reminiscent of a cozy evening by the fire.
Rating
In my opinion, Le Portier well-deserves a rating of 9 out of 10. Its exceptional aroma, flavor, and finish truly reflect the dedication and passion that went into crafting this exquisite Cognac.
Criteria Score
Aroma 9
Flavor 9
Finish 9
Overall 9
I genuinely enjoyed experiencing Le Portier Cognac, and I believe its unique combination of tasting notes, craft, honey, and oak barrels make it a remarkable choice for any cognac enthusiast.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
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In my experience, Le Portier Cognac’s unique blend of Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, and Fins Bois creates a versatile and exquisite flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of mixers. Here are my top recommendations for mixers:
- Ginger ale: Its sweet and spicy notes complement the cognac’s flavors, creating a refreshing and balanced drink.
- Club soda: A splash of club soda can help lighten the intensity and open up the cognac’s flavors.
- Fresh fruit juices: I found that orange, lemon, or grapefruit juice works particularly well, as their citrus flavors enhance the fruity notes of Le Portier Cognac.
These mixers are quite common and can be found in many other spirits, such as Rémy Martin.
Cocktail Suggestions
As a fan of experimenting with different cocktails, I’ve found these delightful combinations featuring Le Portier Cognac:
- Le Portier Sidecar: Mix 2 oz. Le Portier Cognac, 1 oz. Cointreau (or similar orange liqueur), and 1 oz. lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed glass.
- Classic Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water. Add 2 oz. Le Portier Cognac and stir with ice. Strain into a glass with a large ice cube and a twist of orange peel.
Food Pairings
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Pairing Le Portier Cognac with the right foods can enhance its flavors and create a memorable dining experience. Here are a few food pairings I suggest:
- Dark chocolate: The contrast between the cognac’s fruity notes and the chocolate’s bitterness is irresistible.
- Mild to strong cheeses: As a versatile Cognac, I find it complements different types of cheese, ranging from brie to Roquefort.
- Dried fruits and nuts: A simple platter of dried fruits (such as apricots, figs, or dates) and nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts) complements the cognac’s rich flavors.
In summary, Le Portier Cognac offers a world of possibilities for mixing and pairing, unlocking unique flavors and experiences.
Conclusion
My journey through the world of cognac introduced me to Le Portier, a brand that exemplifies dedication, discipline, and determination. Le Portier is a collaboration between Shannon Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Jay Bradley, a cask connoisseur. Their vision and expertise have culminated in a luxury cognac that I find truly remarkable.
Their iconic release, Shay VSOP, has already garnered acclaim and even won awards, proving that the partnership between these two industry experts is a force to be reckoned with. I was able to discover Le Portier through Drizly, which allowed me to easily purchase a bottle from their online platform.
When I received my bottle, I was instantly smitten by the design. Le Portier’s Black Obsidian bottle features a collectible closure, elegantly monogrammed in silver. This unique and refined packaging not only elevated my experience but also made it clear that they pay attention to every detail in their pursuit of perfection.
After tasting Le Portier cognac, I could fully comprehend the hard work and devotion put into crafting this exquisite spirit. The impeccable taste is evident in each sip, owing to the Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, and Fins Bois blends that have been expertly combined.
As Le Portier’s popularity continues to grow, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience this fantastic cognac firsthand. The recognition they receive in the media reiterates that their commitment to producing a top-quality product is unwavering.
I hope that by sharing my personal encounter with Le Portier cognac, I can inspire fellow spirits enthusiasts to explore the brand and appreciate their incredible offerings.
