Larsen Cognac Three Stars Vintage Bottle French Fine Champagne Cognac 35 cl 40%

There's something about an old Cognac label that can't be faked — the patina in the gold foil, the slight curl in the paper, the three stars that once told the buyer exactly what he was getting. This bottle travelled from Cognac, France, to Hamburg, where it was bottled by a trading house that closed its doors more than 25 years ago.

Expert Description

Larsen Cognac Three Stars is a French Cognac bottled at 40%.

Larsen was founded in 1926 by Norwegian Jens Reidar Larsen, who fell in love with the Cognac region and built his house around his Norse heritage - hence the nickname "The Cognac of the Vikings" and the ship in the logo. This particular bottle wasn't bottled at Larsen's own house in France, but imported in bulk and bottled in Hamburg by Ferdinand Fera, a German trading house dating back to 1870. The "Three Stars" designation is an older quality grade from before VS, VSOP and XO became the industry standard, roughly comparable to today's VS level.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Typical for a young, three-star expression, the nose offers ripe apricots, a touch of vanilla and a light, dry oak note.

Palate

Round and slightly sweet, with caramelised sugar and ripe plums, carried by a gentle spiciness from the cask.

Finish

Short to medium and warm, with a hint of dried figs towards the end.

Specifications

Name: Larsen Cognac Three Stars 35 CL
Distillery: Larsen
Bottler: Ferdinand Fera
Region/Country: France, Cognac
Type: Cognac
ABV: 40%
Size: 35 CL
Distillation method: Double distilled in a traditional Charentais pot still
Serving suggestion: Room temperature in a Cognac glass, often alongside a cup of coffee

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Round · Spiced · Lightly Oaked

Did You Know?

Ferdinand Fera, the company that bottled this bottle in Hamburg, was founded all the way back in 1870. The company went bankrupt in the late 1990s, so this bottle is as much a piece of trading history today as it is a Cognac.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Larsen Cognac Three Stars

How old is this bottle of Larsen Cognac?

There's no exact year printed on the label. Based on the label's style and Ferdinand Fera's active period, the bottle is estimated to date from the mid to late 20th century.

Is the Cognac still good to drink after all these years in the bottle?

Cognac doesn't develop in the bottle, only in the cask, so the contents are in principle unchanged since bottling. Quality depends entirely on how tightly the cork has sealed over the years, so fill level and cork condition should always be checked before serving.

What does "Three Stars" mean on the label?

It's an older quality designation from before VS, VSOP and XO became the industry standard. It roughly corresponds to today's VS level and indicated a younger, more accessible expression.

Who was Ferdinand Fera?

A German trading house in Hamburg, founded in 1870, which imported and bottled spirits from places like France and the Caribbean. The company went bankrupt in the late 1990s.

How should I store an old Cognac bottle like this?

Upright, cool and dark, away from temperature fluctuations. Cognac typically has a higher ABV than wine and therefore tolerates upright storage better, but an old cork should still be handled with care.

How is a classic French Cognac best served?

At room temperature in a tulip-shaped Cognac glass, allowing the aromas to open up. Many also enjoy an older Cognac like this alongside a cup of black coffee.