We’ve reached the 20th pouch in our Cognac-Expert Advent Calendar, and this time it reveals a Henry Toursier Extra Cognac. The story of Henry Toursier dates back to 1888 when the Bordeaux entrepreneur established his trading house, gaining a strong reputation for exporting Sauternes, Cognac, and Bordeaux Clairet. Despite its early success, the brand faded into obscurity due to the absence of a successor.
In 2013, Alain Palissière, a Cognac merchant passionate about local history, breathed new life into the brand. While restoring a old house in the Charente countryside, he uncovered stencils and posters bearing the Henry Toursier name. Inspired by this discovery, Palissière revived the Maison Henry Toursier, combining traditional methods with modern techniques to craft new Cognac blends and honour the house’s history.
Henry Toursier Extra Cognac Review
The Henry Toursier Extra Cognac is a blend of Petite Champagne Cognac, aged approximately 60 years and sourced from the Herbelot family, combined with Borderies Cognac aged around 40 years. Bottled at 40% ABV, it contains no added sugar but does include a small amount of E150 artificial colouring, which is disclosed by the producers. The price of a bottle is typically between €150 and €180.
Colour:
Dark mahogany (with colouring).
Nose:
Neat: Leather and caramel blend with fig chutney and a touch of cigar box. Subtle hints of cinnamon, liquorice and orange juice.
Palate:
Neat: The initial mouthfeel is very light, but it develops slightly after a moment. Dark caramel and a hint of spice emerge first, with the caramel turning more bitter and transitioning into woody notes. Flavours of lemon zest, cedar, and nutmeg are accompanied by peaches in syrup, icing sugar, and a touch of pepper. A bit underwhelming.
Finish:
Notes of pepper and cedar wood dominate, followed by a touch of vanilla and a light astringency.
Comments:
I had higher expectations for this Henry Toursier Extra Cognac. It falls short on complexity, with a mouthfeel that’s too thin and a palate that feels somewhat disjointed, blending noticeable wood, sugary sweetness, and peppery spice without harmony. Whilst the price is fair considering the age of the eaux-de-vie, it’s difficult for me to recommend this Cognac.
