Baron Otard Fortis & Fidélis

The House of Cognac Baron Otard is an icon of the spirits world, renowned for its craftsmanship and exceptional Cognacs. Founded in the 18th century, this house of Cognac boasts a rich history and unique terroir that give its products an unrivalled identity.

The history of the Baron Otard family dates back to François I, King of France in the 16th century. Jean-Baptiste Antoine Otard, a member of the nobility and staunch defender of the king, decided to flee the French Revolution in 1785 and went into exile in England. Fascinated by Cognac, he decided to set up his own trading house and became a tireless ambassador for spirits. A few years later, in 1795, he returned to France and chose Cognac as the cradle of his house, where he set up shop in Château de Cognac, an imposing medieval fortress on the banks of the Charente. 

Over the generations, the Baron Otard family has passed on its unique expertise and love of Cognac, consolidating the family heritage at the heart of this prestigious house. Family members have managed to maintain ancestral traditions while adopting innovative methods to produce Cognacs of exceptional quality. 

The terroir of Cognac, in France, is an essential asset for the House. The region is renowned for its temperate oceanic climate, ideal for aging eaux-de-vie in oak barrels. The vines of the white grape variety, mainly Ugni Blanc, grow on a clay-limestone soil, rich in limestone and clay, which gives the grapes a unique expression. 

The House of Baron Otard has its own vineyard but also maintains close relationships with local winemakers, guaranteeing the supply of high-quality grapes. Careful selection of grapes is crucial to obtaining fine, aromatic eaux-de-vie, which will form the basis of the house's prestigious Cognacs. 

The distillation process takes place in traditional copper stills. Double distillation, a common practice in the Cognac region, results in particularly refined and balanced eaux-de-vie. 

Maturing the eaux-de-vie is an art mastered by Maison Baron Otard. The eaux-de-vie are aged in French oak barrels, which provide an environment conducive to their maturation. The Château de Cognac houses exceptional underground cellars, where the Cognacs rest peacefully for many years. The constant humidity and temperature conditions in these cellars give the Cognacs a remarkable aromatic complexity, marked by subtle aromas of fruit, flowers and spices. 

The quality of these Cognacs is acclaimed internationally by connoisseurs and spirits experts. Their range of Cognacs, from VSOP to XO and special editions, offers a variety of taste experiences to satisfy even the most discerning palates.