The Last Drop L'Intense Tres Vielle Fine Champagne Cognac
The Last Drop L'Intense Tres Vielle Fine Champagne Cognac is an ultra-aged Cognac from The Last Drop Distillers — founded 2008 by spirits-industry veterans James Espey and Tom Jago (acquired by Sazerac in 2016) — blending eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, the Cognac region's two premier growths. The youngest eau-de-vie in the blend is over 50 years old, matured in French oak and presented in a luxury decanter with a bespoke leather case. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43.5% (87 proof) per most retailers; one source lists 42.6% — bottle label decides
- Size: 750mL
- Age: youngest eau-de-vie over 50 years; minimum 50 years in French oak
- Origin: Grande Champagne + Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie (Fine Champagne), France
- Presentation: luxury decanter with bespoke leather case; limited bottling
- Tasting (retailer-sourced): candied fruit, cocoa, tobacco, spice, gingerbread, fruitcake; silky tannins
Fifty Years in French Oak
The Last Drop's entire business model is patience: it sources exceptional spirits and releases them only when they're ready, in tiny parcels, in presentation-grade decanters. L'Intense Tres Vielle is the Cognac expression of that idea — "très vieille" is not marketing fluff here but arithmetic: half a century minimum in French oak from the two crus that make up "Fine Champagne." Barrel Tap's write-up captures the result: "deep amber hue… the nose is a captivating blend of candied fruit intermingled with notes of cocoa, tobacco, and an array of spices," with gingerbread and fruitcake on the palate "underpinned by the elegant structure and silky tannins that only fine oak and prolonged aging can impart." Browse more Cognac and the house range at The Last Drop.
Tasting Notes
Retailer tasting notes (no official brand notes published) describe deep amber color; opulent aromas of dried fruits, rich spices, honey, and subtle floral notes; a palate of gingerbread, fruitcake, cocoa, and tobacco; and a long finish built on silky tannins from 50 years of French oak.
How to Enjoy
Serve neat in a tulip or snifter at room temperature — water and ice are for younger Cognacs. This is a special-occasion pour: anniversaries, milestone birthdays, the bottle that ends the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Fine Champagne" mean?
A legal Cognac designation for blends made exclusively from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie — the region's two top crus.
How old is The Last Drop L'Intense?
The youngest eau-de-vie in the blend exceeds 50 years old, matured in French oak.
What is the ABV?
Most retailers list 43.5% (87 proof); one lists 42.6% — the bottle label decides this one.
How is it presented?
In a luxury decanter accompanied by a bespoke leather case; a limited bottling.
For a half-century of Cognac in one bottle, order The Last Drop L'Intense online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.