“Nez du Cognac” workshop in Cognac

Discover the Secrets of Cognac Aromas in Echallat

The “Nez du Cognac” workshop in Cognac offers a unique chance to explore the world of Cognac through scent. For just $23 per person, this one-day experience guides you through the sensory art of aroma recognition, focusing on Cognacs aged less than 10 years and those over 30 years. Located in the charming region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, the workshop provides a practical, engaging way to deepen your appreciation for this famous spirit.

Thanks to the expertise of Cognac François Voyer & Cognac Vaudon, participants are invited to identify and distinguish the aromas that make up Cognac during its aging process. With a focus on aroma recognition and playful guessing challenges, this workshop appeals especially to those curious about the nuances of Cognac, whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur. Keep in mind, the experience is suitable for adults only and runs on weekends with prior telephone booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable and accessible at $23 per person for a full day of sensory exploration
• Small group experience limited to 6 participants ensures personalized attention
• Visit multiple estate locations: press, vat room, distillery, aging cellar, blending room
• Taste three different Cognacs and enjoy two samples of eaux-de-vie of different ages
• Engaging aroma recognition game with 15 primary aromas to improve scent identification
• Playful guessing game to determine the age of the mystery Cognac based on aroma clues

Visit the Estate: From the Press to the Blending Room

The tour begins with a detailed visit to the estate in Echallat, where the process of Cognac production comes alive. You’ll see the wine press, vat room, distillery, aging cellar, and blending room—each space revealing a different stage in the journey from grape to glass. This detailed look helps to contextualize the importance of aroma development during aging and blending.

The estate visits are led by knowledgeable guides who clearly explain each step, making the process easy to understand. This part of the experience sets the stage for the aroma-focused activities, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how Cognac is crafted and aged. The visit is particularly valuable for those interested in learning how different production stages influence aroma profiles.

Tasting and Sample Selection: Understanding Eaux-de-vie

A key part of this workshop is the tasting of two eaux-de-vie samples taken straight from the barrels. These samples represent different ages, giving participants a firsthand experience of how aging impacts aroma and flavor. Sipping these eaux-de-vie provides a real connection to the process and enhances the subsequent aroma recognition game.

Along With the barrel samples, participants enjoy tasting three distinct Cognacs, which further illustrates the diversity of aromas and aging effects. Sampling these spirits helps to sharpen your senses and prepare you for the aroma identification exercises.

Aroma Recognition Game: Recognize 15 Primary Aromas

The core activity of the workshop is an engaging aroma recognition game featuring 15 primary aromas. Using the Jean LeNoir “Le Nez du Vin” aroma guides, participants are invited to sniff and identify key scents that comprise Cognac. This part of the experience emphasizes developing a refined sense of smell and understanding how different aromas contribute to the overall character of Cognac.

The game is designed to be fun and approachable, making it suitable even for beginners. Expect to be challenged to match aromas with descriptions, sharpening your olfactory skills in the process.

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Differentiating Young and Old Cognacs by Aroma

After the initial recognition game, the workshop shifts focus to discovering what makes young (less than 10 years) and older (over 30 years) Cognacs distinctive in aroma. You will learn to spot the subtle differences—such as fruitiness, wood notes, or complexity—that develop with age.

This section helps participants appreciate how aging influences aroma profiles, providing a deeper understanding of Cognac’s evolution over time. The guide leads you through the aromatic signatures associated with each age group, making it easier to distinguish between them in future tastings.

Guessing the Age of the Mystery Cognac

A highlight of the workshop is a playful guessing game, where you try to determine whether a mystery Cognac is young or old based solely on aroma clues. This activity combines the knowledge gained from previous exercises with intuition, fostering confidence in your scent recognition abilities.

This guessing game adds an element of fun and friendly competition, encouraging participants to trust their senses and apply what they’ve learned. Expect plenty of laughs and lively discussion as everyone shares their impressions.

Practical Details: Booking, Group Size, and Language Options

This workshop is available on weekends, with booking required by telephone to ensure a spot. The small group size, limited to 6 participants, guarantees personalized guidance and a more intimate experience.

Guides speak both French and English, making it accessible for international visitors. The experience provider, Cognac François Voyer & Cognac Vaudon, emphasizes flexibility with a “reserve now & pay later” option, allowing you to secure your place without immediate payment. Cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance.

Additional Costs and Souvenirs

While the workshop includes a comprehensive estate tour and tastings, personal purchases in the shop are not included. Visitors can buy Cognac-related souvenirs or bottles if they wish, but these are separate from the experience fee.

This setup provides good value, combining educational content with enjoyable tastings, all in a small-group environment. The $23 price point makes it an affordable way to deepen your understanding of Cognac and enhance your sensory skills.

What Makes This Workshop Stand Out

Unlike typical tastings, this aroma-focused workshop places a strong emphasis on scent recognition, making it particularly appealing for those interested in the olfactory aspect of spirits. The use of Jean LeNoir aroma guides adds depth to the experience, helping participants develop a more nuanced appreciation.

The playful guessing game and hands-on approach make this experience lively and memorable. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with guides able to tailor explanations and answer questions thoroughly.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most

This workshop appeals to adults interested in Cognac, especially those curious about aroma profiles and aging effects. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy sensory activities, educational experiences, or spirits tasting. Due to limited group size, participants should be prepared for an interactive, engaging session with a more personal touch.

While not suitable for children under 18, adults of all experience levels will find something to take away—whether knowledge, new skills, or simply a new appreciation for this iconic French spirit.

Final Thoughts on the “Nez du Cognac” Workshop in Cognac

This one-day Cognac aroma workshop offers an affordable, engaging way to explore the spirit’s complexities through scent. The combination of estate visits, tastings, and interactive aroma recognition makes it a comprehensive experience for those wanting more than a simple tasting.

The small group size and expert guidance create a friendly environment for learning and fun. The focus on distinguishing between young and old Cognacs by aroma provides valuable insight into how aging influences flavor.

This workshop stands out for its practical use of aroma guides, playful interactive elements, and intimate setting. It suits travelers eager to deepen their knowledge about Cognac and develop their olfactory senses—an enjoyable step beyond typical tastings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the experience is designed to be approachable, especially with the aroma recognition game that helps develop scent skills step by step.

Can I join if I don’t speak French?
Absolutely. The guides speak both French and English, ensuring clear communication regardless of language.

How long does the entire experience last?
The workshop is scheduled for one day, including estate visits, tastings, and aroma activities.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, this experience is not suitable for children under 18.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the estate tour, aroma recognition exercises, and tasting three Cognacs along with two barrel samples.

Can I buy Cognac during the workshop?
Shopping in the estate shop is available, but personal purchases are not included in the workshop fee.

How do I book this experience?
Reservations are made by telephone, with options to reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What makes this workshop different from a regular tasting?
The focus on aroma recognition and the use of aroma guides make this a hands-on, sensory learning experience rather than just sipping spirits.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby