Do you know mold?

Most of us think of mold as a bad thing. When talking Cognac it turns out its a good thing, rather a necessary thing. In fact the French believe that the mold found in Cognac cellars aids in health and longevity. In the microcosm that makes up a Cognac cellar mold plays an intergral part in the final eau de vie. The mold, called black velvet, feeds on the alcohol vapors that escape through evaporation as the liquid ages. Two percent of the Cognac evaporates every year from the barrels which in turn makes the remaining Cognac better. This loss is known in the Cognac world as the “la part des anges” or “Angel’s share”.  Though this roughly 20-27 million bottles of lost Cognac is a hefty price to pay it is necessary for the final product.

Inside one of the cellars at Frapin

One of the barrels used to age the eau de vie

Some of these buildings have been used for over 300 years!

Watch where you lean... or you'll get an armful of mold....