Once upon a time there was a rural town on the Charente riverside that gave its name to an internationally acclaimed liquor : Cognac. Take a stroll along the Charente quay, a perfect departure spot for visitors who wish to discover the story of this town and its precious beverage. The city and its famous liquor are inseparable.During the 15th century, the region produced wine. The Dutch, who had settled here to dry up the marshes, began distilling.
However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that double distillation was invented, and Cognac created. Thanks to Anglo-Saxon merchants such as Martell and Hennessy, the delicious beverage was sent out to conquer the world : first the New World, then Asia… Today, Cognac is sold in over 160 countries and is savoured in different ways : in China they add water to their Cognac and drink it with dinner. In Australia, it is added to cocktaills. In Russia, in well off families, it replaces vodka and people drink it pure.