Moisans distillery

Introduction to Moisans

A Distillery with Passion for Craft

Moisans is a French Cognac distillery that masterfully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern finesse. Located in the heart of the Cognac region, this family-owned distillery has built a sterling reputation for producing exceptional spirits that honor the terroir and time-honored techniques of the region.

The estate is situated on the banks of the Charente River, providing ideal conditions for both grape cultivation and spirit maturation. What sets Moisans apart is their unwavering commitment to preserving the authentic character of Cognac while embracing sustainable practices.

Why We Have a Soft Spot for Moisans

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something truly distinctive – both in flavor and identity. Moisans stands out for their exceptional single-estate approach, where they control every aspect of production from vine to bottle.

Their dedication to small-batch production and extended aging processes results in Cognacs with remarkable depth and complexity. The distillery’s philosophy of patience and precision perfectly aligns with our appreciation for spirits that tell a story and capture a sense of place.

The History Behind Moisans

Origin and Development

Moisans was established in the late 19th century in the Grande Champagne area, the premier cru of the Cognac region. What began as a modest vineyard with ambitions to create distinctive eaux-de-vie has evolved into a respected name in the world of fine Cognac.

Through two World Wars, changing market demands, and evolving tastes, Moisans has remained true to its founding principles: respect for the land, meticulous attention to detail, and uncompromising quality. Over the decades, the distillery has gradually expanded its operations while maintaining intimate production scales that ensure quality control.

The People Behind

Today, Moisans is led by the fifth generation of the founding family, who bring both reverence for tradition and openness to innovation. Each family member plays a vital role in the production process, from vineyard management to distillation and aging.

Master Distiller Claude Moisans personally oversees the critical double-distillation process, applying techniques passed down through generations while implementing subtle refinements that have elevated their Cognacs to new heights of excellence.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

Production at Moisans begins with Ugni Blanc grapes, grown on their chalky, limestone-rich soils – perfect for developing the acidity needed for fine Cognac. After harvesting in early autumn, the grapes undergo a natural fermentation process lasting approximately 5-7 days.

The distillation takes place in traditional copper Charentais pot stills, a slow and methodical process requiring both technical skill and artistic intuition. The “heart” of the distillate is carefully separated from the “heads” and “tails” to capture only the purest essence of the spirit.

Maturation and Aging

Aging happens in French oak barrels, primarily sourced from the Limousin and Tronçais forests. Moisans maintains cellars with varying humidity levels, allowing for strategic placement of barrels to achieve specific maturation profiles.

Many of their Cognacs age far beyond the minimum requirements for their designated categories, with some reserves dating back over 50 years. The cellar master regularly samples from each barrel, monitoring development and determining optimal blending opportunities.

Selected Products from Moisans

Moisans VS – An Introduction to the House Style

This expression serves as an excellent entry point to understanding Moisans’ distinctive character. With notes of fresh orchard fruits, vanilla, and subtle oak spice, this Cognac offers remarkable complexity for its age category.

The palate delivers a smooth, balanced experience with touches of apricot, cinnamon, and a pleasant floral undertone that makes it equally enjoyable neat or in refined cocktails.

Moisans XO – An Experience for Connoisseurs

A more complex expression from the distillery, featuring extended aging beyond the required minimum. Expect a luxurious bouquet of dried fruits, chocolate, leather, and baking spices, with subtle notes of walnut and tobacco emerging on the palate.

The finish is remarkably long and evolving, with waves of flavor revealing themselves long after the initial sip. This is a bottle for those who truly wish to explore the depths of what fine Cognac can offer.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Moisans offers intimate guided tours where visitors can witness the entire production process – from vineyard to glass. Tours typically include visits to the vineyards, distillation facilities, and the atmospheric aging cellars where centuries of tradition are palpable.

The tasting experience includes 4-5 expressions, carefully selected to showcase the range and evolution of Moisans Cognac at different stages of maturity. Advanced bookings are recommended, particularly during the summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moisans?

Moisans is a traditional Cognac distillery located in the Grande Champagne region of France. They produce fine Cognacs with a focus on single-estate production, traditional distillation methods, and extended aging. Their approach combines time-honored traditions with meticulous attention to detail to create spirits with distinctive character and exceptional balance.

Where is Moisans located?

The distillery is situated in the Grande Champagne area of the Cognac region in southwestern France. This premier cru location, characterized by its chalky soil composition, provides ideal conditions for producing grapes with the perfect balance of acidity and flavor compounds essential for fine Cognac production.

What characterizes Moisans?

Moisans is particularly known for their single-estate approach, exceptionally long aging periods, and refusal to use additives like caramel for coloration. Each bottling demonstrates remarkable purity of flavor, with a house style that balances fruit-forward characteristics with elegant oak influence and exceptional length on the palate.

Where can I buy Cognac from Moisans?

You can find selected bottles from Moisans at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the finest expressions – from their approachable VS to rare, limited-edition releases – ensuring you have access to the very best this distinguished distillery has to offer.