The International Wine and Spirits Competition has just released 2023 spirits award entries. And there is a cognac in it!
Ragnaud Sabourin VS Cognac won the 2023 best cognac trophy with a 98/100 points note! Congratulation!
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What is IWSC?
The International Wine and Spirits Competition was created in 1969 by Anton Massel.
Every year, a Judging Committee tastes the top-scoring wines and spirits in each category: cognacs, whiskeys, rums, tequilas…
The judges are thorough, and only the products that truly deserve recognition are granted the highest honors.
The competition is one of the most prestigious spirits events in the industry. It receives entries from over the world (more than 90 countries!). But here’s the catch: to participate, products must pay an entry fee of £140 per category and provide three/four bottles for evaluation.
Each product is evaluated and awarded points out of 100. Additionally, products can receive outstanding, gold, silver, and bronze awards, depending on the score.
And let me tell you, the competition is fierce. There are no limitations on the number of awards, so only the best of the best will walk away with a trophy.
Funny Facts
The 1st International Wine & Spirit Congress organized by the IWSC took place at the Tara Hotel in London…
But the night before the Congress, Britain was hit by the hurricane of the century, ‘The Great Storm of 1987’, which made it impossible for many people to attend the event.
IWSC world best cognac ranking
Here is the last six years’ IWSC world best cognac ranking :
- 2023 : Ragnaud Sabourin, N°4 VS Cognac
- 2022 : Maison Boutillie,r Essence Du Paradis Grand M. Cognac
- 2021 : ABK6 Cognac SNC du Maine Drilhon, XO Renaissance Cognac
- 2020 : Cognac Frapin, Château Fontpinot XO / Courvoisier Cognac, Courvoisier Initiale Extra
- 2019 : ABK6 Cognac SNC du Maine Drilhon, XO Renaissance Cognac
- 2018 : Distell, Richelieu XO Fine Champagne
IWSC world best cognac 2023 winner
Ragnaud Sabourin N°4 VS cognac
Ragnaud Sabourin N°4 VS cognac : ID card
- Brand : Ragnaud Sabourin Cognac
- Classification : VS cognac
- Growth area: Grande Champagne
- Aged : minimum 2 years
- Proof : 40% ABV
- Bottle size : 700ml
- Cask : French limousin oak
- Still Type : copper pot (alembic charentais)
Let me paint you a picture of this stunning spirit: it’s a full Grande Champagne VS cognac, also called “1er cru of Cognac“, a gage of extreme quality. It has aged at least 2 years in Ragnaud Sabourin cellars oak barrel.
Ragnaud Sabourin propose a classic cognac bottle with a touch of modernity. This VS cognac is presented in an elegant silvered gift box. You can see a nice color has a bright straw colorwith tones of honey and amber.
From the moment you take a whiff, you’ll be entranced by the intriguing bright floral nose that will transport you to a blooming garden in the height of spring. And that’s just the beginning.
As you take a sip, you’ll notice the delicate notes of white grapes and lifted apricot that combine to create a unique flavor profile. But it doesn’t stop there; leather and lemon rind come in to add a touch of complexity while juicy fruit flavors dance on your tongue.
This well-balanced spirit is a true masterpiece, with the oak influence showing off an attractive and refreshing cognac profile that’s sure to please. The suitable concentration of flavors makes it a delight to savor, with each sip bringing new nuances to the forefront. And when you finally reach the end, you’ll be left with a chewy finish that’s nothing short of exquisite.
So go ahead and treat yourself to this spirit – an actual work of art sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
