Vintage bottles are often fiercely sought after by collectors due to their rarity. This rarity has made these items extraordinarily expensive. The high price of these bottles is not only due to their age but also because they were produced before the phylloxera plague struck. This pest, which attacks the roots of grapevines, wiped out between 75% and nearly 90% of Europe’s renowned vineyards by the end of the 19th century, causing a long-lasting decline in the quality of European wines. Thus, the versions of Cognac that existed before the epidemic and continue to survive today are truly precious gems.
The history of the Otard house spans centuries. The story begins at the Château de Cognac, the birthplace of King François I (1515 – 1547). For two centuries, this castle enjoyed the privilege of aging the finest cognac in the region. In 1795, Baron Otard, then a prominent engineer and scientist, acquired the Royal Château to continue distilling and producing wine. The thick walls of the castle (nearly 3 meters thick) and the nearby Charente River created stable temperatures and ideal humidity. These conditions were perfect for aging the distinctive Otard cognac, characterized by its fullness, gentle sweetness, and smoothness.
It was thought that cognac from the 18th century would completely disappear and become a thing of the past. However, in 2024, the set of three bottles of Otard Dupuy & Co Extra Old Reserve has made a remarkable appearance, marking a milestone in the miraculous survival of these three cognac bottles from the 18th century.
The eldest, Otard Dupuy & Co Extra Old Reserve 1705, represents a brilliant gem, carrying with it a valuable historical significance. As of now, this cognac bottle is 319 years old, yet it still remarkably maintains its perfect appearance to this day. Not to be outdone, the second bottle, Otard Dupuy & Co Extra Old Reserve 1714, is now 310 years old, and finally, the youngest sibling, Otard Dupuy & Co Extra Old Reserve 1721, is 303 years old. With an appearance touched by time, these bottles reveal a rich history and undoubtedly become the center of attention whenever they are displayed, making them highly coveted by collectors.
Even more surprisingly, this trio of cognac bottles is now available in Vietnam. This can be seen as a significant effort by an Asian collector to personally bring this ‘aged’ Cognac back to their homeland.