With the motto: “Rare whiskies must be owned, unique cognacs must not be missed,” each bottle is not only rich and diverse but also carries stories with the flavors of time, a journey of maturity, and secrets preserved for centuries. It is due to this philosophy that the Cognac Jules Robin 1696 is an indispensable piece in the collection of a discreet collector and has now exist in Vietnam.
Can you imagine a 328-year-old cognac bottle? Yet it truly exists and was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest cognac in the world on August 11, 2024, setting a new milestone in the world of liquor collection. This rare bottle, bearing the label Cognac Jules Robin from 1696, has been preserved for 328 years. It not only preserves a fragment of history but also reflects the evolution of cognac in France.
What sets the Cognac Jules Robin 1696 apart from other cognac versions is not only the meticulous craftsmanship of the bottle itself but also its design: made of glass, wrapped in 24-karat gold, with the producer’s name and year engraved on the bottle. Accompanying it is a jade stone base, a gold-encrusted glass, and an 1606. This careful preservation has ensured the cognac’s survival through the centuries, maintaining its exceptional condition.
This record-breaking cognac was distilled in 1696, coinciding with numerous significant historical events across Europe. Nevertheless, it has endured through time, remaining intact and was rediscovered in a collection in France. This might be the only opportunity to own not just the oldest cognac in the world but the only cognac known to exist from the 17th century. Around 1880, this cognac was bottled by Jules Robin and Edmond Jaulin in an extraordinarily luxurious design, ready for its next journey and destination.
The previously recognized oldest cognac in the world, the Caves Du Restaurant 1720, owned by a Vietnamese collector, was acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the oldest cognac on March 3, 2023, when it turned 303 years old. However, this record stood for less than 1 year and 6 months before, on August 11, 2024, Guinness World Records recognized the Cognac Jules Robin 1696, owned by Dutch collector Mr. Lars Janssen, as the oldest cognac in the world at 328 years old. Yet, perhaps the journey of this cognac is not over.
Mr. Lars Janssen held the title for only four months, and it has now arrived in Vietnam, displayed with great respect in a one-of-a-kind collection. It is certain that this is the final destination after 144 years of searching for the rightful owner of this priceless cognac. The story of the Cognac Jules Robin 1696 is not merely the story of an ancient cognac bottle but also interwoven with the history of Europe, the development of global trade, and the meticulous artistry of craftsmanship. As the oldest cognac in the world, it stands as a symbol of time and the enduring allure of one of the most prestigious spirits ever created.