Jean Luc Pasquet Tribot Family L.96 Limited Edition 1.1 - 700 ml

This rare, single-distiller French grape brandy originates from Charente in southwestern France, bottled by Maison Jean-Luc Pasquet as part of their limited-edition collaborative series highlighting exceptional smallholder stocks. Sourced from the cellars of the Tribot family, long-time grape growers and distillers in the Fins Bois sub-region, Lot 96 (Batch 1.1) represents a hyper-specific snapshot of 1996 vintage distillation. Distilled primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in the clay-limestone soils (groies) characteristic of Fins Bois, the spirit matured in French oak casks for roughly 25 years before being selected and hand-bottled by Jean and Amy Pasquet. Bottled at its natural, un-reduced cask strength of 96.2 proof (48.1% ABV) in a 700 ml bottle, this release is non-chill filtered and crafted without added sugar, caramel, or oak extracts (boisé).

Spirit Description

This limited release displays a warm topaz-amber color with copper reflections and slow, elegant legs clinging to the glass. On the nose, it is remarkably lifted, aromatic, and fruit-driven—a classic signature of long-aged Fins Bois—opening with notes of candied orange peel, fresh apricot, poached yellow plum, and floral honey, underlaid by soft rancio accents of toasted almond, vanilla bean, cedar wood, and light tobacco leaf. On the palate, the natural 48.1% ABV strength delivers a supple, round, and oily mouthfeel, flooding the palate with bright orchard fruit, citrus marmalade, and dark honey before developing mid-palate layers of warm baking spices (cinnamon and light ginger), gentle oak tannins, and a soft, earthy mineral baseline. The higher proof carries the fruit-forward 1996 vintage with remarkable balance and freshness without wood bitterness. The finish is long, warm, and clean, leaving trailing impressions of dried stone fruit, candied citrus, toasted hazelnut, and a gentle wood spice.

Accolades

Jean-Luc Pasquet’s independent collaborative series—including the Tribot Family releases—holds top-tier critical praise among Cognac connoisseurs, master sommeliers, and spirits journalists. Earning high marks across independent platforms like WhiskyFun and Distiller, critics routinely praise the Pasquet family for spotlighting single-distiller Fins Bois eaux-de-vie. Reviewers emphasize that bottling 25-year-old Fins Bois at natural strength (48.1% ABV) without cold filtration or boisé proves that the sub-region can produce Cognacs of extraordinary complexity, fruit purity, and elegance rivaling the Champagne crus.