Cognac is more than a spirit; it is a dialogue between past and present, a conversation whispered between the vineyard, the cask, and the connoisseur. To sip Braastad Cognac is to listen to this conversation unfold, where time itself is an ingredient, weaving its influence through the liquid like an invisible hand. In each pour, the echoes of Jarnac’s cellars meet the sun-drenched vineyards of Bons Bois, Fins Bois, and the hallowed grounds of Petite and Grande Champagne, creating an experience that is both immediate and eternal.
What sets Braastad apart is not just the pedigree of its eaux-de-vie but the philosophy behind its expressions. The VSOP is like an early evening in spring - fresh, floral, with a quiet spice that lingers like the last warmth of the sun. The XO, in contrast, unfolds like a well-aged manuscript, each sip revealing deeper layers of walnut, dried fruit, and whispers of oak that speak of long-forgotten winters spent resting in the cellars of Cognac Tiffon. The VS, a blend of specially selected cognacs aged up to 12 years, carries the energy of a story just beginning, its bright notes of spice and vanilla reminiscent of parchment yet to be inked.
Yet, behind every bottle of Braastad lies an even richer narrative - one that is shaped by the hands of those who preserve its heritage. Edouard Braastad, Directeur Commercial, is not just a steward of tradition; he is an interpreter of terroir, a conductor orchestrating time, wood, and grape into symphonies of taste. Much like an artist who must balance color, light, and texture, a cognac blender navigates the elements of acidity, aroma, and aging, crafting compositions that transcend the sum of their parts.
To better understand the delicate interplay between nature and craftsmanship, we sit down with Edouard Braastad to uncover what makes Braastad Cognac a true embodiment of time, place, and passion. How does one honor centuries-old traditions while embracing the evolving palate of modern enthusiasts? What role does terroir play in shaping the character of each expression? And in an era of instant gratification, what does it mean to create something that demands patience?
Pour a glass, settle in, and join us as we explore these questions and more with a man who understands that true refinement is not just about taste - it is about the journey.
Braastad Cognac is a family affair, steeped in tradition. If the brand were a vintage bottle, which era would it belong to, and why?
1997, the year we created the Braastad brand.
In an age of fleeting trends, how does Braastad stay timeless without feeling old-fashioned?
We’ve been crafting cognac for 150 years & we never looked to be trendy, for us it has always been about producing quality cognac. Braastad stays timeless by embracing craft, heritage, and quiet luxury while evolving in how it's enjoyed. Unlike fleeting trends, our deep-rooted tradition of meticulous aging and blending creates a cognac that transcends time. We avoid feeling old-fashioned by constantly adapting — appearing in high-end cocktails, pairing with unexpected foods, and even collaborating with art. It balances classic elegance with fresh expressions & not about chasing trends, but about offering an experience that remains relevant, refined, and always in style.
A great cognac is like a symphony—balanced, complex, and full of depth. If Braastad had a soundtrack, what would it be?
Arrival of the birds, The cinematic orchestra.
The influence of terroir is often whispered about in the world of fine spirits. How does the land, the barrels, and the passage of time conspire to create Braastad’s signature character?
At Braastad, terroir is at the center of everything we do. Our role is to express the essence of the grape & terroir as much as we can !
The cask is the silent architect of a cognac’s soul. What do sherry and oak casks whisper to Braastad during their long slumber?
The cask play a role in the cognac making, we’re trying to balance it to preserve the aromas of the grape. We’re not allowed to use Sherry casks, we only use oak casks. Oak casks whisper secrets of time and transformation to cognac during their long slumber. They breathe, expanding and contracting with the seasons, infusing the spirit with whispers of vanilla, spice, and toasted wood. They murmur of slow oxidation, rounding harsh edges into velvety warmth. They share echoes of the past—of the eaux-de-vie that came before—imparting depth, richness, and an elegant patina of age. Each cask tells its own story, and the cognac listens, evolving into liquid poetry over the years.
Cognac has long been associated with after-dinner indulgence. What’s an unexpected way to enjoy Braastad that might raise an eyebrow but delight the palate?
One unexpected yet delightful way to enjoy Braastad is with a dash of sea salt and a slice of dark chocolate.
Instead of the traditional snifter, try serving a well-aged cognac in a smaller wine glass. Add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance its natural caramel and spice notes. Then, take a bite of rich dark chocolate (70% or higher), let it melt slightly on your tongue, and sip the cognac over it. The interplay of salt, bitterness, and warmth creates a complex, luxurious taste experience that might surprise even seasoned connoisseurs. It’s an elegant twist that blends sweet, savory, and umami in a way that elevates the spirit’s depth.
The world of spirits is evolving. Will we ever see a daring departure from tradition, like a cask strength or a rule-breaking innovation from Braastad?
We’re constantly evolving & trying new things, we’re on of the pioneer in launching an organic cognac, so did we with cognac bartender edition. Our latest ground breaking innovation came in 2017, when we launched the world first cognac cream ! We’ve new things coming, so I can only encourage to stay tuned.
Cognac is often seen as the drink of scholars, poets, and statesmen. What’s the modern archetype of a Braastad drinker?
We don’t basically have an archetype of Braastad drinker, since we aim at crafting cognac that brings people together no matter where you come from. Whether you’re an artist, a businessman, a worker, a rebel, an explorer if you like good things you’re welcome!
Fast-forward a century—what do you hope people will say about Braastad in the year 2125?
Timeless cognac.
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Words and questions by AW.
Photos courtesy of Braastad.
Answers by Edouard Braastad.