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Sazerac Brings Cognac Back to New Orleans

By Jonah Flicker Apr 20, 2021 10:22 AM

Today, Sazerac is known as the company behind big booze brands like Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Southern Comfort, and, love it or hate it, Fireball. But four centuries ago, the Sazerac family owned vineyards and a distillery in the Cognac region of France and established the Sazerac de Forge cognac house. And now Sazerac is reviving this brand with its Sazerac de Forge & Fils “Finest Original” Cognac, a non-chill filtered expression bottled at 94 proof. For now, it’s available exclusively at the newly opened Sazerac House in New Orleans for $130, but will reach a wider national market starting this spring.

Sazerac de Forge Cognac — Sazerac

The cognac was made in collaboration between a few important figures at Sazaerac: master blender Drew Mayville, master distiller Brian Prewitt, and cognac industry expert Clive Carpenter. “Throughout the process of blending the new Sazerac de Forge & Fils ‘Finest Original’ Cognac, we looked to the original Sazerac de Forge & Fils Cognac for inspiration,” said Carpenter in a press release. He goes on to say that while most cognac today is made from the Ugni Blanc variety of grape, originally varieties like Folle Blanche and Colombard were used. “Our blend returns as closely as possible to the original methods of making cognac and contains cognacs from as young as seven years old, bringing freshness and delicacy, to some which date from the 1960s, adding their powerful, rich aromas. It possesses a character and complexity that is almost impossible to achieve using a single variety of grape.”

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In other Sazerac House news, Sazerac Rye is now being bottled in limited quantities there. The rye is still distilled at Buffalo Trace, of course, but a small portion is being shipped to the Big Easy for bottling. In the future, a 500-gallon still will be in operation at Sazerac House as well, which in a circuitous route will be shipped back to Kentucky for aging, then returned to New Orleans to be bottled there.

Jonah Flicker is a freelance writer who covers booze, travel, food, and lifestyle. His work has appeared in a variety of… Read Full Bio

New tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels celebrates two UNESCO-recognized Mexican traditions

Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor

A new limited-edition tequila is bringing together two of Mexico’s most celebrated cultural traditions in a single bottle. Reserva de la Familia, the luxury tequila brand from Jose Cuervo, has unveiled Private Cask Collection Edition No. 2: Mole Cask, the first tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels.

The release highlights the deep connection between Mexico’s culinary and distilling heritage. The tequila begins its journey in the agave fields surrounding Tequila, Jalisco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its historic agave landscape and tequila production. It is then finished in barrels seasoned with mole, one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes and part of the country’s UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of traditional cuisine.

Old Overholt’s newest cask-strength rye is its boldest yet

Alcohol, Liquor, Whiskey

Old Overholt, the rye whiskey brand owned by Beam Suntory, just released the 2026 edition of its Extra Aged Cask Strength rye — and it’s the strongest bottle the series has ever put out.

This is the fourth annual release in the Extra Aged Cask Strength line, an offshoot Old Overholt started a few years back to showcase its rye at full cask strength.

JetBlue unveils new Mint menus from Crown Shy and Birdee

JetBlue

Love flying JetBlue? JetBlue just unveiled the first menus from its newest Mint® culinary partners – Crown Shy and Birdee – available online now and across select domestic and transatlantic Mint routes starting now. Developed in collaboration with Kent Hospitality Group, the new menus from New York City eateries Crown Shy and Birdee build on JetBlue’s distinctive approach to hospitality, this new collab brings new flavors on board. JetBlue is known for its premium Mint experience, feartuing an award-winning business class that features lie-flat seats & suites, exclusive perks & amenities, and of course, premium dining paired with complimentary drinks. This new collab will bring new flavors of New York’s favorite restaurants on board.

“The best part of any new Mint menu is seeing it come to life onboard,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president of marketing and brand, JetBlue. “Our teams worked closely with the talented chefs at Crown Shy and Birdee to thoughtfully adapt their dishes for the onboard experience. We’re excited for customers to enjoy menus that bring two of New York’s most exciting restaurants to their next Mint flight.”