The Jarnac: Braastad Cognac Prestige Visit offers a rare chance to explore the intricate world of cognac-making at a family-run estate. Over 1.5 hours, guests embark on a guided tour through the distillery, aging cellar, and museum, uncovering the centuries-old traditions that shape this prestigious spirit. With a tasting of three premium cognacs, participants savor the artistry of blending and aging that distinguishes the Braastad legacy. Whether a cognac connoisseur or simply curious, this immersive experience promises to transport visitors to the heart of France’s renowned Cognac region.
Key Points
- Family-owned cognac house Braastad offers a 1.5-hour guided tour of their distillery, aging cellar, and museum, showcasing the craft of cognac production since 1875.
- The tour includes exploration of vineyards, winemaking, distillation in 10 copper pot stills, aging, and blending, highlighting the influence of terroir on the final product.
- Visitors can sample three cognac expressions, including XO, XO supérieur, and Extra, with a focus on understanding the aging and blending artistry.
- The tour is conducted in Norwegian, French, and English, and is priced at $38.92 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours.
- The tour has received a 5/5 rating from 22 reviews, with praise for the educational insights, quality of tastings, and the involvement of the family business.
Experience Overview
The Jarnac: Braastad Cognac Prestige Visit is a 1.5-hour activity that allows visitors to explore a family-run cognac house operational since 1875.
Priced from $38.92 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Conducted in Norwegian, French, and English, the activity takes guests through the entire cognac crafting process, from vineyards to distillation, aging, and blending.
Visitors can also explore the on-site distillery and aging cellar, as well as the museum showcasing historical bottles and artifacts.
Tour Highlights
The guided tour of the family-run cognac house takes visitors through all the steps of cognac crafting. Guests can explore the vineyards, witness the harvest process, and observe the winemaking, distillation, aging, and blending techniques. The tour showcases the distillery’s 10 pot stills and the aging cellar, providing an immersive experience. Visitors can also discover the museum, which displays historical bottles and artifacts related to the cognac’s heritage.
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Vineyards |
| 2 | Harvest |
| 3 | Winemaking |
| 4 | Distillation |
The tour offers a unique opportunity to understand the art of cognac production and the influence of terroir on the final product.
Tasting Experience
The tasting experience allows visitors to sample three exceptional cognacs: XO, XO supérieur, and Extra.
This guided tasting helps guests understand the art of aging and blending that defines cognac.
Participants will:
- Discover the unique characteristics of each cognac, influenced by the terroir.
- Explore the subtle nuances in aroma and flavor that distinguish the different expressions.
- Learn how the maturation process shapes the final product.
- Appreciate the skill and expertise required to craft these prestigious cognacs.
Through this immersive tasting, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and artistry inherent in the Braastad Cognac legacy.
Location and Meeting Point
The activity starts at 29 Quai Île Madame, Mainxe-Gondeville, and participants return to the same location after the tour.
The tour explores a family-run cognac house that has been operational since 1875. Visitors can check availability for different starting times.
The guided tour provides an in-depth look at the entire cognac-making process, from the vineyards and harvest to distillation, aging, and blending.
Participants have the opportunity to visit the distillery with its 10 pot stills and the aging cellar, as well as the museum showcasing historical bottles and artifacts.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Glowing reviews have poured in for the Jarnac: Braastad Cognac Prestige Visit, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on 22 reviews.
The tour has been praised for its educational and fascinating insights into the cognac-making process, as well as the hands-on family business involvement.
Reviewers have highlighted the quality of the tastings, which allow visitors to understand the unique characteristics of cognac influenced by terroir.
The friendly and informative guides have also been noted as enhancing the overall experience.
The key highlights from the customer reviews include:
- Excellent educational tour of the cognac-making process
- Engaging and knowledgeable guides
- High-quality cognac tastings
- Unique family business atmosphere
Crafting the Cognac
Consistently, the Jarnac: Braastad Cognac Prestige Visit offers an immersive exploration of the centuries-old craft of cognac production.
Visitors dive deep into each step, from the vineyards to the distillery and aging cellars. They witness the winemaking process, followed by the distillation in the 10 copper pot stills.
The tour then delves into the intricate art of aging and blending, revealing how the unique terroir influences the cognac’s characteristics.
Through carefully curated tastings, guests savor the complex flavors and aromas of the XO, XO supérier, and Extra expressions, gaining an appreciation for the mastery behind this revered spirit.
Family-Run Legacy
Braastad is a family-run cognac house that has been in operation since 1875, carrying on a legacy spanning over a century. The Braastad family’s unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional cognac is evident in every step of the production process.
Visitors can expect:
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A guided tour of the family’s distillery, featuring 10 copper pot stills and an aging cellar where the cognac matures.
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Exploration of the vineyards, winemaking, and distillation techniques that contribute to the unique terroir-driven character of Braastad’s cognacs.
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Insights into the art of blending and aging through a tasting of the house’s signature XO, XO supérier, and Extra expressions.
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A museum showcasing the family’s historical bottles and artifacts, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of this enduring cognac dynasty.
Exploring the Distillery
The guided tour of the Braastad distillery offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the family’s century-old cognac production process.
Guests explore the distillery’s 10 copper pot stills, where the precious eau-de-vie is carefully distilled. The tour then leads them through the aging cellars, where rows of oak casks silently nurture the cognac, allowing it to develop its distinctive flavors and aromas over time.
Along the way, knowledgeable guides explain the intricacies of blending and how the local terroir influences the final product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase the Cognacs I Tasted During the Visit?
Yes, visitors can purchase the cognacs they tasted during the visit. The tour includes a tasting of three exceptional cognacs – XO, XO supérieur, and Extra – which can be purchased at the end of the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tasting Experience?
The tasting experience is open to adults aged 18 and above. There are no specific age restrictions, and visitors can enjoy the exceptional cognacs showcased during the tour.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no specific dress code for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, casual clothing that’s suitable for a distillery visit. No formal attire is required, though visitors may want to avoid very short shorts or revealing clothing.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. However, they may be asked to refrain from using flash photography in certain areas to preserve the integrity of the production process and historic artifacts.
Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Available?
The tour offers accessibility accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Guests can request assistance, and the staff will make reasonable efforts to ensure an enjoyable and accessible experience.
Sum Up
The Jarnac: Braastad Cognac Prestige Visit offers a captivating insight into the intricate cognac-making process. With a guided tour of the distillery, aging cellar, and museum, guests gain an in-depth understanding of this prestigious spirit. The tasting of three premium cognacs showcases the artistry of aging and blending, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for this family-run legacy dating back to 1875.