John Exshaw Très Rare Grande Champagne Premier Cru Cognac 1970s (68cl, 40%)

A Grande Champagne Premier Cru cognac from the Exshaw house, bottled at 40% ABV in a 68cl bottle. Exshaw was founded in 1805 by John Exshaw, who bought young cognacs and let them mature in France, contrary to the English custom of shipping cognacs in barrel to London to age. His son Thomas-Henri continued the company and exported to countries where England ruled. The company gained prestige and was well regarded in the first half of the 20th century, then lost market share after the Second World War. It was bought by Otard in 1975 and is no longer produced, though bottles from old stocks remain available. Exshaw number 1 is highly regarded, and the last produced qualities were XO and Extra Age d'Or, both grande champagne. Millesimes are regularly offered.