Camus Cognac House
« The Hermès of Cognac », the last major Cognac House still 100% family owned
Talk about the Cognac Camus is to tell the story of the last major Cognac House still 100% family owned. It all began in 1863 with Jean-Baptiste Camus. He began as winemaker but distilled fornother Cognac brand. A few years after he ceased to sell its production to existing homes and make some associated with ” La Grande Marque “. Wishing to develop its range bought its partners and renamed its range as ” Camus La Grande Marque “.
Since then, five generations have succeeded each making its contribution to the building by strengthening and making grow the family brand. Currently the Maison Camus is the fifth largest brand of Cognac (by volume) and exports most of its production in the most beautiful places on the planet. It is currently managed by the fifth generation of the family, Cyril Camus.
Camus Cognacs are distilled on the lees which allows to have more aromatic Eaux-de-vie, a little fatter and better at expressing their lands. “It requires special attention because the slightest misstep would bring an unpleasant taste burnt (rhymed). Can afford to work well as a distillery we work on small stills a maximum capacity of 2500L.
Double distillation can reveal the heart and soul of a wine, providing the material and for each wine aromatic complexity.
Before bottling we filter our Eaux-de-vie except for Vintage Cuvée which are ‘cask strength’ (brut de fût) to not remove ‘flavors’. ” 
What’s in a logo Cognac Camus ?
The emblem of Camus House is a reminder, a wink to the shape of the key family castle, the Château du Plessis.
A century and a half concentrated in a Cognac history : the 5.150 vintage
On the occasion of 150 years of the current CEO of the Camus House, Cyril Camus wanted to create a special cuvée comprising five Eaux-de-vie from the vineyards of Cognac and five representative personalities of five men (CEO / owner) who have succeeded at the head of Camus who have shaped the history of this great house of Cognac.
After a long research and try five Eaux-de-vie meeting the criteria was found and assembled.
It includes :
- Bons Bois : 37 years old for Jean-Baptiste Camus (the founder). They characterize the joviality, generosity and the good spirit alive.
- Fins Bois : 35 years old for Edward & Gaston Camus. Period to which Camus Cognac began to be exported. In fact they were the first to introduce Cognac Camus during the Russian Tsar. Found in the Eaux-de-vie notes cook who represent the spirit of travel / luggage.
- Petite Champagne : 37 years old for Michel Camus. A man and a discrete Eaux-de-vie in the beginning but that opens over time. Michel Camus was also the first to open airport store. Thus this way it was born the Duty Free.
- Borderies : 35 years old for Jean-Paul Camus because he was a great lover / a fan of Cognacs from the Borderies.
- Grande Champagne : 36 years old for Cyril Camus. They represent modernity, contemporary style, finesse and balance.
This wine is produced in a limited edition only 1492 copies.
“A true profession of faith of a master craftsman known to produce cognacs of great elegance , the Masterpiece collection 5150 celebrates a generous nature sublimated in the respect for tradition, but this precious knowledge passed from generation to generation continuously . This collection seeks to be an ode to the heritage and innovation, balance of beauty and art, mastered with sincerity. The five different crus : Grande and Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois and Bons Bois reveal their personalities through a complex and majestic assembly , borrowing strength and finesse.
Tasting a cognac tracks unalterable grooves in the heart, like a sculptor emotions. Thus the House assembled this Cuvée 5150 : imagining the strength of memories she would leave behind.” (Cyril Camus)
Focus on Frederick Dezauzier, Global Brand Ambassador of Camus
Video Fr & En
Son of one of Camus´partner winemaker and former winemaker (cellar master) he decided in 2001 on a proposal to become the global brand Ambassador of Camus and so therefore can promote a product, brand values that are very dear to him.
“For me the Cognac is a flexible product. It adapts and evolves in its own way to stand as the kitchen it work / be drunk as a function of temperature. For example, the cuvée Île de Ré at -18 ° C is ideal to accompany sushi. As to measurement of change in temperature of -18 ° C to room temperature was in a five Cognacs. It is therefore perfectly suited to be drunk throughout the meal. We must get out of the picture we have in France Cognac. This is not an aperitif or a digestif! We must democratize this Eau-de-vie, but it is a job that is long.” (Frederick Dezauzier)
What is the role of a Cognac ambassador ?
“My role is to preach the word throughout the world for launches, parties, different events, tastings … all events promoting the brand. I have to talk about the brand, uniqueness, present values, but also embody. My role is also to train other ambassadors worldwide. This business is unique and exists only in Cognac.” (Frederick Dezauzier)
What sets Camus Cognac ?
“Truth, love, product, requirement and family. It is hand-sewn. This is what best describes the Camus House.” (Frederick Dezauzier)
In a few words what the Cognac means for you?
“A world of alchemy, mysteries and secrets. Cognac is brandy aristocrat , he gives pedigree for this type of alcohol. The strength of this Cognac is the complementarity of land, they are all as good as each other and complement each other perfectly.” (Frederick Dezauzier)
What allows us to recognize Camus Cognac in tasting ?
Most Camus Cognacs are assembled with a share of Cognac Borderies delivering a silky taste and velvety on the palate. Generally they are Cognacs in the relatively light color. They are very fruity, with well-integrated oak and supports the fruit. The VSOP and XO are fine, complex and open more to taste, with a wooded area not takes over and that is carefully groom. They also exhibit good length.
Cuvée Ile de Ré is an interesting taste, unique cognac and in my opinion is a Cognac that may suit an amateur wanting a drink or a new person for the first approach Cognacs.
“A tasting in addition to the Eau-de-vie was the soul” (Frederick Dezauzier)
Side stories :
During the 2nd World War Michel Camus had the greatest difficulties to export its production of Cognac. He had the idea to buy all the available buses in Cognac which he took the seats in order to load in Cognac. Given the fact that there were also restrictions on gasoline he purchased around forests to transform the bus and the gasifier to operate. So the House Camus was able to continue its business and survive this sad period in history.
Thanks to Frédéric Dezauzier and Iris de Bailliencourt for their great hospitality.
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Atelier Cognac Camus
21 rue Cagouillet
16100 Cognac
+33 (0)5 45 32 72 96
