COURVOISIR L'ESPRIT COGNAC

• What it is: An ultra-rare, millennium release (launched in 2000) blending venerable eaux-de-vie from Courvoisier’s “Paradise” cellars—the youngest from the 1930s, with components reaching back to the Napoleonic era. Presented in individually numbered Lalique crystal decanters.

• How many exist: Worldwide only 2,000 decanters were available, nowadays often sold through auctions to collectors.

• Blend origins: Primarily Grande Champagne with Borderies, assembled from exceptionally old stocks (several references cite vintages as far back as early 1800s).

• Taste profile:

  • Nose: sherried, honeyed, cinnamon warmth.

  • Palate: silky, richly dried-fruit (notably apricot) and “Christmas cake” depth; evolving spice and nuttytones.

  • Finish: long, building notes of orange peel and dark chocolate with gentle spice.

Historical note
Courvoisier’s house has deep ties with Napoléon I and the imperial courts—links dating to an 1811 visit and a long-standing association that underpins the brand’s “Cognac of Napoleon” legend.