Napoleon Cour Imperiale Bottled 1980s
⏳ Drinking Window
Ready to enjoy now; as a distilled spirit, it does not age further in the bottle and will remain stable for decades if stored properly.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Dark chocolate desserts, blue cheese, roasted duck
✨ Technical Specifications
The Courvoisier Cour Impériale is a legendary release from the historic house of Courvoisier, famously tied to the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, who visited the Jarnac cellars in 1811 and later took crates of the spirit into exile on St. Helena. This specific bottling from the 1980s represents a masterfully curated blend of mature eaux-de-vie sourced primarily from the prestigious Grande and Petite Champagne crus. Aged in bespoke French oak casks, it displays the highly coveted 'rancio' character, marked by complex layers of dried apricots, old leather, sandalwood, and warm baking spices. It stands as a liquid time capsule of late 20th-century Cognac craftsmanship.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in the early 19th century by Emmanuel Courvoisier and Louis Gallois in Paris before relocating to the historic riverside town of Jarnac in the Cognac region, Maison Courvoisier is celebrated as one of the legendary 'Big Four' Cognac houses. Renowned for receiving the royal endorsement of Emperor Napoleon III, the house crafts its distinguished spirits through meticulous partnerships with winegrowers across the premier crus of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois. Utilizing traditional Charentais copper pot stills and aging in bespoke French oak barrels sourced from sustainable forests, Courvoisier emphasizes an aromatic, fruit-forward, and floral style. Its celebrated portfolio spans from classic, velvety blends such as Courvoisier XO and Initiale Extra to ultra-prestige releases including L'Essence de Courvoisier and the artistic, highly collectible Erté series.
🍇 Base Ingredient
Ugni Blanc
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
40%