Jules Gautret Pineau des Charentes

Jules Gautret has been making Cognac since the 1800s and carries exactly the sort of old-school French spirits energy you’d hope for from a historic Cognac house. Long ageing cellars, family history, oak barrels everywhere and probably at least one person in the building who takes blending more seriously than most people take their careers.

The house sits in Cognac itself and produces a range that covers everything from lighter easy-drinking VS bottlings up to richer XO expressions with much deeper oak and spice character. The style tends to stay smooth and approachable rather than aggressively woody or ultra-dry. Expect dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, floral notes and soft baking spice running through most of the range.

What’s nice about Jules Gautret is that it still feels tied to proper Cognac production rather than just luxury branding. They clearly care about ageing, blending and keeping the spirit elegant without stripping away all the character underneath.

There’s also a slightly adventurous side to the brand. The cocktails, modern packaging and broader range stop things feeling dusty or stuck in the past, which probably explains why the house has managed to stay relevant for so long.

Very easy Cognac to enjoy without needing to pretend you own a cigar room.