15 years ago, CAMUS launched EXTRA Elegance – an ambitious Cognac in a contemporary design which left a permanent mark on Cognac history. Still among the leaders in a class of which it was one of the forerunners, today EXTRA takes the limits of audacity one step further and reveals its dark side with a new “Dark and Intense” expression. To offer a rich and powerful aromatic experience, the House of CAMUS’ Cellar Master has developed an exclusive process for this Cognac: “First of all, we made a selection of the most appropriate eaux-de-vie. Then we decanted them from the 340-liter casks in which they had been ageing, so that the casks could be reopened in order to regenerate their full aromatic potential, by carefully toasting them over the naked flames at a controlled temperature.
This delicate and meticulous operation is performed by hand, barrel by barrel, relying on the Master Cooper’s expertise to determine the length of time and extent of toasting needed to obtain the best harmony between the Cognac and the oak. The casks are then refilled with the same Cognac and the blend will slowly begin to intensify its spicy aromas. Only by tasting it daily, can we decide when the Cognac has fully taken on its singular character and this finishing phase can end”, says Patrick Léger, Cellar Master of the House of CAMUS.
Each cask of EXTRA “Dark & Intense” is identified by a special golden bung, recalling the bright flames which gave it new life.
Tasting notes include: Eye: bright, tinted with mahogany and topaz;
Nose: sturdy and powerful offering crème brûlée, gingerbread and roasted macadamia nut aromas and Palate: intense and seductive with creamy, buttery notes, robust and lingering finish characterized by subtly spicy dark chocolate notes.
Like the Cognac inside it, the decanter is wrapped in mystery. It has the appearance of a black lacquered monolith, crowned with a gold-colored neck and cap, recalling the flames from the toasting process.
EXTRA Dark and intense will be officially launced at TFWA-Asia Pacific Exhibition May 10-14, 2015 in Singapore. 70cl: 480 US$ (Duty-free Recommended Selling Price).
