A taste of cognac tradition with Joseph Hall
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Joseph Hall to Oslo for an exclusive cognac masterclass at Poppy. The intimate setting allowed everyone to dive deep into the world of cognac in a relaxed and informative environment.
Exploring Merlet
Joseph guided us through the different stages of cognac production. We started with Merlet’s Eau de Vigne, a pure, unaged grape distillate that set the foundation for understanding the spirit’s origins.
Next, we sampled Merlet VS, which introduced the first stages of barrel ageing. The tasting continued with Merlet VSOP, where we could clearly appreciate the impact a few extra years in the barrel can have on the flavour. Finally, we concluded with Merlet’s Brothers Blend, which showcased their expertise in blending and ageing.
Joseph also introduced us to Merlet’s range of fruit liqueurs, emphasising how the brand goes the extra mile to bring out the true essence of the fruit. For example, Merlet Poire includes both maceration and pear distillate, resulting in a fuller flavour.
An evening of cocktails
After the masterclass, guests were invited to sample the entire Merlet range at their leisure, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere. Later, Joseph prepared four different cocktails using the cognacs and liqueurs we had tasted earlier. The guest shift was a hit, with many participants returning for the evening session, enjoying the drinks and conversations.
