Belle de Brillet is a unique visit that has an air of mystery, surprise and a feminine touch.
What is Belle de Brillet?
It is a delicious 50/50 mix of Pear liqueur and Cognac. And, it is so versatile – I love it neat, over ice or as a cocktail – more about that later.
The history of Belle de Brillet
Without giving too much away, the story begins with Guy de Brillet’s birth in 1656 in the family home at Graves-Saint-Amant in Ballac on the banks of the Charente river where he founded their Cognac producing Maison Brillet.
Fast forward a few hundred years and Jean-Louis Brillet created ‘La Belle de Brillet’ for his wife, Isabelle in 1985. It is a lovely play on words as ‘belle’ means beautiful in French and it is also an abbreviation of her name. The iconic bottle, in the shape of a pear, is also reminiscent of a woman’s curves and this makes this brand really stand out from the crowd.
A visit with a difference
On entering the chai (Cognac store) you are transported into the Brillet family’s world; their home. Furniture, photographs and family mementos are revealed as the family history, the cycle of the vine and the terroir are explained. This is personal and intimate. The attention to detail and the element of surprise is really, really charming.
This is a visit that is also really appealing to women in my opinion. Cognac is all too often viewed as a man’s drink which we all know is not truly the case. However, this visit has a clear appeal to the girls too.
The Paradis
Each medium to large sized Cognac House is said to have its own ‘Paradis’ – a special part of the property’s cellar, normally behind bars and under lock and key. It is here that the oldest eaux de vie and Cognacs are kept. At Belle de Brillet, this is a rare and exclusive treat for XXO VIPs! We were lucky enough to have a sneak- peak and it was such a privilege.
Cocktail session
Cocktail workshops are beginning to catch on now in rural France and this is a workshop I seriously enjoyed. The main historic Charentais house feels homely yet exudes a high-end style and finish which fuses history with modern comforts. It gives a sense of luxury and you feel pampered just being there.
The cocktail session takes place in a stylish bespoke kitchen area and Julie, our guide, seriously knows her stuff. With her guidance, we made a Belle Collins and I shall be sipping that in my garden with friends this summer.
Approximately 20 minutes from Rouillac, this is a real gem practically on our doorstep.
Visit the Belle de Brillet website for more information, www.belledebrillet.com
Contact La Grue Gites and make this magical visit a part of your visit to France.