Cognac in pictures

Joined by freelance wine writer Douglas Blyde and Lowri Robjohn of Phipps PR (which looks after the Bureau Nacional Interprofessional du Cognac), db’s Lucy Shaw kicked her recent visit to Cognac off in style by sampling a selection of Cognac cocktails specially crafted for the Cognac Blues Passions festival.

Among the many acts to perform at the festival were Swedish garage rock band The Hives and Sinead O’Conner (pictured), who sported her signature shaved head, a purple hoodie and numerous tattoos.

Dotted among the festival site were a number of quirky art installations, including this Alice in Wonderland-esque umbrella tree.

During the trip, Lucy paid a visit to charismatic Frenchman Olivier Blanc, owner of small Cognac house Léopold Gourmel, who led the group through a tasting of his range, divided into three categories: “fruit”, “flower” and “spice”, depending on their age.

Next up was a visit to cooperage Vicard, where we were shown the process of barrel making from stave to the final product, via a vigorous toasting, as seen here.

Ceci n’est pas une pipe

One of Napoleon’s hats is proudly on display at Courvoisier, which uses the French Emperor in its marketing material, as he was a fan of the Cognac.

Benoît de Sutter of Courvoisier talked us through the brand’s range, from VS to XO via Exclusif, a blend designed specifically to be used in cocktails.

This painting, taken from an old Courvoisier advert, found in the houses’ barrel room has proved so popular with visitors, that it’s been turned into a poster and put on sale in the gift shop. db couldn’t resist taking one home.

While this may look like Douglas Blyde and Lowri Robjohn have gone a bit 50 Shades of Grey, it’s all in the name of research – they’re taking part in the Courvoisier aroma test, in which you’re challenged to identify the three key aromas found in XO: crème brûlée, orange peel and white flowers.

Beautiful detail from the largest cathedral in Cognac

Douglas Blyde seems overwhelmed with delight at the arrival of his starter – a platter of oysters topped with seared foie gras.

One of the restaurant’s we visited looked like Miss Havisham from Great Expectations had designed the interiors.

Cognac’s many colours, spied at Camus

At Camus’ distillery on the Ile de Ré we found this beautiful piece of stained glass brightening up one wall.

During the day trip to Ile de Ré, we enjoyed a seafood extravaganza and salted caramel ice cream amid bobbing boats in the harbour.

Ile de Ré is well known for its pyjama-wearing donkeys, pictured here with db’s Lucy Shaw, who are said to wear the stripy trousers to help protect them from flies and mosquitoes.

One of the more colourful dishes we were served during the trip – deconstructed apple tart – which reminded us of Heston Blumenthal’s Meat Fruit at Dinner.

And finally… you’ve got to hand it to her.