WHAT ARE THE 6 OLDEST BARS IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA?

San Francisco is really an iconic place on the west coast which greatly contrast with Los Angeles. You will not find much of anything old in Los Angeles whereas San Francisco offers an 'old world' feeling. Where to find to the oldest bars in SF I wondered?

(1) The Oldest is "The Embarcadero"
Old Ship Saloon was established in 1851
298 Pacific Ave., www.oldshipsaloon.com
The oldest bar in San Francisco (Elixir will have something to say about that), Old Ship Saloon is a bar made out of a ship hull that ran aground during a storm off of Alcatraz. It was later towed to the current location at the beach. Since renovated, the bar still preserves the memory of the ship.

(2) The second oldest is "Elixir"
Elixir was established in 1858
3200 16th St., www.elixirsf.com
Elixir has seen a lot going on since the Wild West days. In 2003, the bar was fully restored to its original glory by 'H', its new owner.

(3) The third oldest is "The Saloon"
The Saloon was established in 1861
1232 Grant St.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saloon
The oldest “saloon” in the city. Yes there are still saloons in the US.

(4) The fourth oldest is "Northstar Cafe"
Northstar Cafe was established in 1882
1560 Powell St., https://twitter.com/northstarcafesf
The oldest bar in the North Beach area with plenty of libations and free popcorns all day.

(5) The fifth oldest is "Shotwell’s"
Shotwell's was established in 1891
3349 20th St., www.shotwellsbar.com
Shotwell’s originally opened as a grocery store saloon by German immigrants with a backroom for beer drinking. Today it serves only beer, but many including craft beers from the Bay Area.

(6) The sixth oldest is Little Shamrock
Little Shamrock was established in 1896
807 Lincoln Way, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Shamrock
The oldest business in the Sunset-Little Shamrock area nearby the Golden Gate Park. The Shamrock first opened in 1896 to let people have a beer and play darts.

HAMBURGERS MADE IN COGNAC USING COMANDON COGNAC

BEST BURGERS MADE WITH COGNAC FROM LE GARAGE IN COGNAC FRANCE

If you love burgers and hamburgers give yourself a favor and taste Le Garage Bar’s Burgers in Cognac, France. They are yummy!

Catch the limited edition burgers that they make every month or just based on the season.

NEW FOR 2019!

‘LE COGNAÇAIS’ BURGER

Ingredients include:

. Artesanal Bread source from Maison Lemetayer (22 place d’Armes, Cognac France).

. With Salad, Tomatoes, Onions, Goat Cheese (all sourced from the local farmers), 150g of Minced Meat from the nearby artesanal butchery, with Cream of Mushrooms infused with Comandon X Le Garage Cognac.

. Add some heirlooms potatoes hand peeled and wedged.

Sorry! There is only 1 ‘Le Garage Bar’ and it is in Cognac only.

Happy New Year 2019!

Le Garage Bar, 1 Rue de l’Isle d’Or, 16100 Cognac, France

COGNAC IS EXPANDING VINEYARD AREA

Cognac Economy is Up

Cognac sales have been rising for four years, thanks to exports. Plans were approved this week to expand its vineyard areas by almost 3,500 ha next year, in addition to the present 75,000 ha in the appellation.

Sales of cognac

In the 2017-18 season (August to July), cognac sales grew for the fourth consecutive year, up 8.2% in volume and 5.4% in value over the previous year. Exports accounted for 98% of sales, still driven by the North American market, with Asia the fastest-growing region.

A record high of 205.9 million bottles were shipped during the campaign, for a turnover of 3.2 billion euros, according to the BNIC.

Source: Vinexpo Newsroom

CALIFORNIA BRANDY IS COMING BACK: SAVE WHISKY DRINK BRANDY

Save Whisky Drink Brandy

California Brandy is coming back!

I have known it for a long time and it is starting to look like I was right.
Why I anticipated this revival?

When I came to California in 1996 for the first time I was surprised by the concept of 'single grape varietal'. A concept rather foreign to me as I was coming from the traditional blended grape varietals from the local appellation which is the way wines are presented in France. This discovery was later to become my impetus for producing Monteru Single Grape Brandyin 2008.

As I ventured into the wine world in the early 2000s in California and later into the distilled spirits it appeared to me that it was just a matter of time before California would reclaim the brandy category it once had.

===>The evidence were:

• California and its concept of wine and entrepreneurial way of life,
• California single grape varietal wine thriving business,
• Micro-brewery and later Micro-distillation boom,
• Spirits venturing into single ingredients such as Rye, specific type of Potatoes, wheat versus corn and etc. I noticed a real interest for studying the process and original ingredients,
• Regain and later explosion for the Mixology, combined with the search of better ingredients,
• People interests for organic, handmade, farm-to-table, sustainability, ... eventually culminating to local is better than far away things. A concept which is well executed by brands such as Tito's Vodka (starting from Texas) or FEW (starting from Chicago's suburbs) for instance.

All of these factors combined and symbiotically moving have increased my confidence in the return of brandy.

Recent Links:
The definitive guide to California brandy old and new
in San Francisco Gate
By Lou Bustamante, October 22, 2018
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/The-definitive-guide-to-California-brandy-old-and-13323980.php

California brandy is better than ever. Will consumers notice?
in San Francisco Chronicle
By Lou Bustamante, Oct. 20, 2018
https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/California-brandy-is-better-than-ever-Will-13323976.php?fbclid=IwAR0hGYCS3fCwsy_yeChrX7DnTTvlvXvRxCjme1HK_fS35Yg1758euKLyQAU#photo-16334737

HENNESSY IS 98th ACCORDING TO INTERBRAND TOP 100 BRAND

Interbrand Logo

Source: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

by Nicola Carruthers

9th October, 2018

Hennessy (no.98/100), Jack Daniel's (no.84/100) and Johnnie Walker (no.97/100) have been ranked among the top 100 most valuable global brands on the Interbrand Best Global Brands 2018 list.

Brown-Forman-owned Jack Daniel's - which was ranked 84 on the list - moved two places down from last year to make it the highest-ranking spirit brand for the third year in a row. Interbrand valued the brand at US$5.64 billion, up 6% from 2017.

Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker made the list at 97, falling by one place from last year. Returning to the list for the ninth consecutive year, Johnnie Walker was valued at US$4.73bn - up 7% on last year.

A new entry to the list was LVMH-owned Hennessy Cognac at 98, valued at US$4.72bn.

Smirnoff vodka, which is also produced by Diageo, dropped off the top 100 list after ranking at 97 last year.

The spirits brands are three of six alcohol brands to make the list, which also includes beer brands Heineken, Budweiser and Corona.

"I'm very proud to see Johnnie Walker recognised by Interbrand as one of the 2018 Best Global Brands," said John L Williams, global brand director for Johnnie Walker.

"Johnnie Walker has been the world's most popular Scotch for more than 60 years - a true global giant, and yet one that is crafted by a small team of 12 whisky masters with the finest malts from the four corners of Scotland.

"It's an incredibly exciting time to work on this iconic brand - we've just unveiled White Walker in collaboration with HBO and Game of Thrones, and are hard at work in preparation for a new Johnnie Walker brand experience in Edinburgh."

The ranking is based on three key components that contribute to a brand's cumulative value:

1) the financial performance of the brands and services,

2) the role the brand plays in influencing customer choice,

3) and the strength the brand has to command a premium price or secure earnings for the company.

See the FULL LIST at INTERBRAND

LEARN MORE FROM THE NEW WEBSITE CULTURE COGNAC

Culture Cognac Website

CULTURE COGNACis a site managed by the French government (Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac, BNIC). It offers basic information about what is cognac and how it can be enjoyed.

"Sharing the culture around Cognac to connoisseurs and purchasing advisors throughout the world… such is the philosophy behind this magazine, created by the BNIC (association of Cognac professionals) and co-edited by the experts and celebrities that make up the ICS (International Cognac Summit) community. Since 2008, they have improved upon and gathered around innovative communication projects to transmit their knowledge and promote the Cognac designation around the world."

This site is easy to navigate and attractive. Check it out!

Source: Cognac Culture

SPIRITS BUSINESS STUDENTS IN FRANCE INTRODUCED WITH CRAFT COGNAC

Association Elixir University Eaux-de-Vie Logo

Le Garage Bar Logo

Comandon Logo

Cognac and Cocktail Event in Cognac, France.

Organised by Association Elixir from the Université des Eaux-de-Vie from Segonzac and Le Garage Bar in Cognac.

Le Garage Bar is an iconic bar in Cognac owned by the Berniers for almost 20 years. Originally, the bar was a garage dealership for DeDion, Panhard and other luxury French. Now, Le Garage Bar has kept this spirit but changed into a trendy and fun bar in Cognac where everyone can relax and taste a cognac cocktails.

Le Garage Bar in Cognac, France

You will taste the new cognac Comandon X Le Garage Bar.

When: Thursday 25th October 2018
When: Le Garage Bar: 3 rue de l'isle d'or, 16100 Cognac, France
Starting at 7pm

Le Garage Bar will serve 4 Cocktails made with the unique small batch cognac produced by Comandon, le Comandon X Le Garage, fabriqué en lot unique et avec une passion artisanale.

COMANDON X LE GARAGE COGNAC, CRAFT, SMALL BATCH, LIMITED EDITION, UN-CHILLED FILTRED, SINGLE DISTILLERY

7 € per cocktail or 12 € for 2 cocktails

Specialty foods will be availble exclusively made for this event by the chef of Le Garage Bar.

This event will profit and fund/donation to the Elixir Club, student club from the University des Eaux-de-Vie, so as to offer scholarships to finance the last year trip which is part of the curriculum for the Master 2 Management of Spritis Business in Segonzac, France.

NEW ARMAGNAC BRAND TO CHECK

Armagnac L'Encantada

K&LWINES tells us all about it!

L’Encantada is a new armagnac independent bottlerwhich has been bringing out excellent Armagnacs says K&LWines.

To understand what makes this stuff special, you have to understand a little bit about Armagnac. French brandy production, especially in Armagnac, is much different than the American distilled spirits industry. There are a few large producers, but by in large, Armagnac is made by farmers and wine makers who distill some of their extra grapes in a travelling still that comes around to the farms.

Many of them just stick the casks in their barns and basements, a little bit here, a little bit there. Eventually they will bottle them, maybe for family and friends, maybe for small markets, or sell them to a larger company that bottles brandy or even makes liqueur; it's sort of a Gascon retirement fund.

L'Encantada was essentially knocking on farm doors and asking to buy these casks.  They have casks from around seven small producers, a number of which only made brandy for a limited time, and all of their brandies are bottled at cask strength without additives.

Source and Read More at: K&LWINES.com

LE GARAGE BAR ET L'UNIVERSITE DES EAUX-DE-VIE S'UNISSENT POUR LE COCKTAIL CLASSIC A COGNAC

Association Elixir University Eaux-de-Vie Logo

Le Garage Bar Logo

Comandon Logo

Soirée Cognac en Cocktails X avec le nouveau Cognac Comandon X Le Garage Bar.

Quand? jeudi 25 octobre 2018
Ou? Le Garage Bar: 3 rue de l'isle d'or, 16100 Cognac, France
Organise par l'Association Elixir de l'Université des Eaux-de-Vie et Spiritueux à Segonzac et Le Garage Bar à Cognac.

A partir de 19h

4 Cocktails à base d'un Cognac inédit, le Comandon X Le Garage, fabriqué en lot unique et avec une passion artisanale.

COMANDON X LE GARAGE COGNAC, CRAFT, SMALL BATCH, LOT UNIQUE, EDITION LIMITEE, LIMITED EDITION, SANS FILTRATION A FROID, UN-CHILLED FILTRED

7 € l'unité // 12 € les deux

Restauration sur place selon la carte du Chef.

Les fonds récoltés lors de la soirée seront reversés au profit de l'Association ELIXIR pour le financement du voyage de fin d'étude du Master 2 Droit Gestion Commerce des Spiritueux de Segonzac.

FORECASTS AND ANALYSIS OF REMY MARTIN SALES

[caption id="attachment_5719" align="aligncenter" width="397"]

Remy Cointreau logo

Source: Jefferies International Limited

Edward Mundy

September 27, 2018

We expect a continued strong performance in the Cognac division (c.80% profits) and expect 2QE group org sales +9.0% (vs 1Q 5.9%). We like Remy's category exposure and see upside as the CEO rolls out her vision for the co as a super-premium business. While we like Remy, trading at 29.9x cal 2019 PE, shares need upgrades to perform. We remain at HOLD.

What's new? Remy reports 1H sales on 17 October. We expect 1H org sales +7.6% with 2Q +9.0% vs 1Q 5.9%. The drivers of the acceleration in 2Q, we believe, are continued robust cognac demand (we model 2Q cognac org sales +12% vs 1Q +11.1%) with benefit of easier comps, as well as some positive impact from technical effects in Partner Brands. For full details of our expectations, refer to detail within this report.

Cognac (67% sales / 81% profits) - likely to remain robust. We model 1H cognac org growth +11.6% with 2Q +12% vs 1Q +11.1%. Within this, we expect US and Europe to be a bit stronger vs 1Q. Whilst Asia depletions (sell-out) momentum is likely to be unchanged vs 1Q (vols solid DD, sales strong DD), we believe shipments (sell-in) will be more normalised. In 1Q, China cognac shipments ran modestly ahead of depletions with some inventory replenishment after the strong CNY; we expect shipments to match depletions in 2Q.

BNIC ORGANIZING COCKTAILS IN OCTOBER IN LOS ANGELES

Cognac Classic Crawl USA Los Angeles 2018 by BNIC

Cognac Classic Crawl in Los Angeles is organized by BNIC.
Taste Classic Cocktails with the Spirit that Started It All that is 'cognac' at 5 of Los Angeles’ coolest bars.

At each of these bars, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a rendition of a classic and experience why Cognac captivated the stirrers and shakers of the world’s first cocktail-makers.

By purchasing a ticket, you’ll get one cocktail at each location. Check the announcement and registration below.

See, EventBrite

COGNAC SALES IN THE USA ARE BOOMING THEY SAY

Cognac Economy is Up

Source: ShankenDailyNews

Cognac is enjoying a renaissance. Last year global volumes increased by a robust 5.5% to 15.4 million cases, with the U.S. at the forefront, accounting for nearly 40% of total consumption. After crossing the 6-million-case mark on 9.7% growth in 2017, Cognac has now expanded its U.S. volume by nearly 2 million cases in just the past three years. With demand skyrocketing—particularly for the VS segment—keeping adequate supply in the pipeline is now the major concern.

Hennessy continues to drive the market in the U.S., averaging an annual increase of 12.9% over the past five years. In 2017, the brand increased 7.4% to just under 4 million cases, and might have risen higher if not for its supply constraints.

Still, Hennessy is now nearly twice as large as it was in 2012, when it depleted 2.16 million cases. “Hennessy has plans for growth across all our qualities in the coming years; however, we do need to continue to manage our growth and supply carefully,” says Giles Woodyer, senior vice president for Hennessy at Moët Hennessy USA. “We’re continuously improving and building our supply development efforts including expanded relationships with growers, new plantations, and strategic investments such as our recent considerable investment in our packaging and logistics site, Pont Neuf, which opened last year.”

This new 280,000-square-foot Pont Neuf facility will allow Hennessy to produce around 10 million cases annually by 2020, up from 7 million cases currently.

Read more at ShankenDailyNews

REMY MARTIN LA MAISON BAR IN LONDON

La Maison Remy Martin Image

La Maison Rémy Martin bar at Bibendum, once a pop-up, now a permanent fixture, is a cognac cocktail bar in South Kensington, London.

La Maison Rémy Martin bar for Claude Bosi at Bibendum.
Bibendum is in Michelin House, a 1960s beaut of a building with imposing stained glass windows and an ornate interior.

La Maison Rémy Martin bar serves cognac cocktails while Bibendum head chef Claude Bosi has created a food pairing for each of the cocktail.

Where: La Maison Rémy Martin Residency at Claude Bosi is at Bibendum, 81 Fulham Road, London SW3 6RD.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 4:30pm to 12:00am and Sunday: 12:00pm to 11:00pm

Source: Metro UK

COPPOLA BRANDY MADE IN CALIFORNIA FROM DISTILLED DOLCETTO AND COLOMBARD GRAPES

After Gallo, the Coppola family is also getting into the brandy category.
What is going on!!!

"Maria Gaetana Agnesi 1799 Brandy from Francis Ford Coppola sourced by Family Coppola.
The grape based brandies for Agnesi 1799 are sought, sourced, and blended by The Family Coppola and our winery’s master blender from barrel stocks in California’s finest brandy distilleries.

Our initial brandy release is a blend of 2012 Dolcetto grapes from Russian River Valley and 2009 French Colombard grapes from the Central Valley. Agnesi 1799 is a true taste of California soil, ambient yeast, naturally filtered water, and warm climate of the Golden State. Through careful selection of barrels and delicate blending of water and spirit, our brandy assumes the best qualities of the artisanally-crafted individual spirits.

By sourcing brandy made in different types of stills, both Old World Alembic Charentais stills and modern column stills, and from various local grapes, we are able to craft a proprietary blend that we believe is greater than the sum of its parts." (from Coppola Website)

Small batch 5 years old Brandy!

TASTING NOTES

Nose

Layered cinnamon in front, small amount of tobacco. Hints of vanilla and almonds give it a well-rounded profile of oak characters.

Taste

Overall high complexity. Baking spices on entry. Small hints of clove. Toasted bread in mid pallet. Pleasant mouth coating, some sweetness in the mid-palate, and a silky smooth finish. Very clean overall, with some honey.

"Agnesi 1799 is as fine as any Old World sipping brandy, yet comes with no pretense that it’s above being mixed into your favorite cocktails" says Coppola.

Source & Photo: Francis Ford Coppola Brandy

TIPS ON HOW TO SELL RARE WINES AND SPIRITS IN AUCTIONS

Auction Hammer

Source: https://www.winemag.com/

BY MELANIE YOUNG

September 18, 2018

Whether you want to downsize a prized collection or can finally procure an elusive bottle, here are expert tips on how to do it.

Global wine auction sales are on the upswing, according to specialists. Jamie Ritchie, head of Sotheby's global wine program, projects $90 million in sales by year's end, which would top the existing record of $88 million in 2010.

Though nothing has topped the Jeroboam of 1945 Château Mouton Rothschild that sold for $310,700 in February 2007 at Sotheby's.

If time is of the essence and you're comfortable with settling on a firm price, a direct sale may be the best choice. However, with an auction, the sky is the limit.

Like any major transaction, it's wise to comparison shop. The reputation and success rate of an auction house is paramount, along with the size and reach of its customer base.

Many houses have minimums based on the value of the wine lot, which can be one item or an entire collection. Also, the lot's size and value can affect the seller's fee, which ranges from zero to 18%.

It's the auction house's responsibility to appraise the wine and set a price. Munro stresses that sellers should submit important documentation well in advance, especially those with large collections.

Most auctions take place between September and May.

Bordeaux and Burgundy are more in demand but scotch and Japanese whiskies are both growing.

One example is the current offerings slated for t e coming 13th Oct. 2018 auction at Sotheby's New York. A bottle of 1926 Macallan Scotch is priced at $700,000 to $1.2 million, a new lot estimate record for Sotheby's.

Join auction house mailing lists, and review past online sales and recent catalogs to compare what's selling.

Another consideration is the buyer's premium to the auction house, which can range from 19.5-24%.

2018 LA PART DES ANGES - COGNAC AUCTION

When
20 Sept.2018

Where
Hôtel Chais Monnet
50 avenue Paul Firino Martell
16100 Cognac

La Part des Anges, a biennial charity gala dinner, the initiative of the Cognac Interpro- fession (BNIC). At this dinner, collectors from around the world can bid for any number of very special Cognacs. 22 superb carafes and blends, generously donated by the cognac producers themselves, will be put up for auction with the proceeds going to charity. 15 of these cognacs also include a VIP experience for two in the heart of Cognac region, where visitors will explore the world of Cognac in all its facets: its terroir, its people, its crafts and its flavors. An amazing invitation to experience and share a world of emotion.

Since its creation in 2006, La Part des Anges auction of very spe- cial Cognacs has raised funds for 15 charities in the employment, education, heritage and social fields. French Chef, Thierry Marx, has kindly agreed to be the patron of the 2018 edition of La Part des Anges.

COGNAC BRANDS AUCTIONED AT THE 2018 EDITION
Bache-Gabrielsen	Hine
Château Montifaud	Jas Hennessy & Co
Cognac de Luze – Maison Boinaud	La Maison Larsen
Cognac François Voyer	Louis Royer
Cognac Frapin	Maison Bisquit, Dubouché et cie
Cognac Meukow	Maison Ferrand
Courvoisier	Martell
Delamain & Co	Merlet
Domaine Francis Abécassis	Normandin-Mercier
E. Rémy Martin & Co	Tiffon
Hardy	Union Générale des Viticulteurs Cognac

The 11th edition of La Part des Anges auction will be held in an exceptional venue: the hotel Les Chais Monnet. In this timeless luxury establishment in the heart of the Cognac region, visitors will enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.

Sponsored by Artcurial & BNIC
Source: Artcurial.com

1805 COGNAC SELLS IN AUCTION FOR LOTS OF MONEY

[caption id="attachment_5762" align="aligncenter" width="399"]Massougnes Cognac from 1805[/caption]

Source: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/

by Lucy Shaw

10th September, 2018 

A Napoleon era Cognac from 1805 has sold for over $260,000 at Hedonism Wines in Mayfair, making it one of the most expensive bottles of Cognac ever sold in the UK.

The bottle in question is a three-quarter gallon imperial of 1805 Cognac Massougnes and its sales price of over $260,000 makes it one of the highest value single Cognac sales in history.

The bottle was acquired by Hermitage Cognacs 20 years ago from Marie-Antoinette des Allées, Comtesse de la Bourdelière - a direct descendant of King Louis VII, whose family owns the former Cognac producing estate.

The imperial was snapped up at wine lover's delight, Hedonism in Mayfair, by an undisclosed buyer.

In 2016 a bottle of 1801 Cognac Massougnes acquired by Hermitage Cognacs was sold to an anonymous Asian buyer at Hedonism Wines for $300,000.

"In over 30 years of buying and selling Cognac, this 1805 is one of the oldest and rarest I have ever come across.

"Massougnes produced famous pre-phylloxera Cognacs and we have dated their records back to at least 1730, making them the oldest known growers and sellers of brandies," said Hermitage's managing director, David Baker.

"At its peak the property covered 346 hectares, and Marie-Antoinette, the last remaining descendant of this famous family, has written a charming note about the 'life' of this extraordinary Cognac, which was created the same year as the Battle of Trafalgar," he added.

Founded in 1987, Hermitage Cognacs specialises in the sale of old and rare Grande Champagne Cognacs from old family houses.

GROWTH & EXPORTS OF COGNAC

Cognac exports in 2017-18 are valued at €3.2 billion, an increase of 8.2% in volume (250.9 million bottles) and 5.4% in value compared to 2016-17.

This is the fourth consecutive year of export growth, according to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac(BNIC), the cognac trade body.
The American zone, with ALENA, was the largest export area, taking 89.8 million bottles, a increase of 9.4% in volume and 0.2% in value. The US was the largest ALENA export zone, with a ninth consecutive year of export growth.

The Far East, with 60.9 million bottles, was in second place with a growth of +13.5% in volume and +12.4% in value. Singapore (26.6 million bottles) and China (26.2 million) were the main export countries.

In Europe, exports were stable at 41.3 million bottles, down by 2% in volume but up 3% in value.
Source: Vinexpo Newsroom

COGNAC PRODUCTION WILL BE GOOD THIS SEPTEMBER 2018

Big Data Logo

Even with a dry summer the production of grapes in Cognac are looking goodaccording to the BNIC by 31st August 2018.
"Quasiment pas de pluie lors de la semaine passée. Dans l’ensemble le vignoble supporte bien cette sécheresse, toutefois certaines parcelles montrent des symptômes déjà marqués : jaunissement du feuillage, baies petites et molles. Les températures encore élevées en milieu de semaine provoquent de nouveaux dégâts d’échaudage. Elles se rafraîchissent nettement en fin de semaine."

Source: http://www.cognac.fr/cognac/_fr/4_pro/index.aspx?page=actualite&id=7501&src=flash

Hence, the Government and Cognac Society (BNIC) have agreed for a rather high rate of harvest per hectar of vineyard for the production of cognac, i.e., 14,64 hl AP /ha.
This decision follows a rather large demand for cognac in 2018 with + 8,2% in volume and 5,4% in value on 31st juillet 2018.
"Confirmant un besoin total de 914 700 hl AP, la filière Cognac a validé, au sein de la Section ODG du BNIC, un rendement annuel Cognac 2018 à hauteur de 14,64 hl AP /ha. Ce chiffre, issu du Business Plan Cognac a été entériné ce jour dans le cadre du Comité Régional INAO. Cette décision collective et unanime répond à la forte demande des marchés et à la croissance des expéditions ... et ... tient compte de la capacité du vignoble affecté par les aléas climatiques et des dernières estimations de récolte de la Station Viticole du BNIC."

Source: http://www.cognac.fr/cognac/_fr/4_pro/index.aspx?page=actualite&id=7505&src=flash

10 TIMES MORE DISTILLERIES IN THE USA IN 10 YEARS

Craft Pot Still Distillery

The number of craft distilleries in the USA is ten times larger in 10 years. This is showing a healthy growth.

Original Title: Number of US craft distilleries rises by 26%

Source: beveragedaily.com

July 18, 2018

In 2016 there were 1,315 active distillers, which rose to 1,589 in 2017, according to figures compiled by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), Park Street Imports, and the IWSR.

A craft spirits producer is defined by the ACSA as one that has not removed from bond more than 750,000 proof gallons; markets itself as craft; is not openly controlled by a large supplier and has no proven violation of the ACSA Code of Ethics.

All about local?

The West boasts the largest number of distilleries (32.7% of total US craft distilleries), but the South - with classic spirits states like Texas, North Carolina and Kentucky - comes a close second (29.3%). The Midwest accounts for 19.1% and the Northeast 18.9%.

California is the state with the most distilleries: a total of 148, which makes up 9.3% of the nation's total. This is followed by New York, Washington, Texas and Colorado.

On average, more than half of a craft spirit producer's US sales come from within its home state (18% at the facility and 34% outside its premises).

"Nearly one-fifth of all sales take place at the production facility, underscoring the importance of tasting rooms and on-site retail to the bottom line,"? says ACSA in its 2017 annual report.

Meanwhile, employment in the craft spirits industry has grown nearly 50%: from 13,239 full time jobs in 2016 to 19,579 jobs in 2017.

The ACSA highlights 2017's 'most game-changing moment' as when Congress passed the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CMBTRA) on December 19 as part of the larger Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

"The significance of the tax vote cannot be overstated, for it is the first time in modern history that the federal government has acted to lower the Federal Excise Tax (FET) on the nation's small craft distillers," ?explains the ACSA.

"The legislative action has helped level the playing field for spirits within the broader craft beverage space, putting distillers on par with breweries and wineries. Prior to the law's enactment, a craft spirits producer had paid 5.4 times more FET than a craft brewer and 16.4 times more FET than a small winery, for equal quantities of beverage alcohol.?

"While it certainly is a time to celebrate, our work is only just beginning. ACSA's priority now is to ensure that Congress votes to make the tax relief permanent."?

The American Craft Spirits Association is a registered non-profit trade group representing the U.S. craft spirits industry.