Dusse
D'Ussé is a Cognac brand launched in 2012 through a partnership between global spirits company Bacardi and hip-hop artist Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter. Produced in the Cognac region of France, the brand blends the heritage of traditional Cognac-making with a modern, boldly styled identity that helped introduce Cognac to a new generation of drinkers.
D'Ussé is crafted at the historic Château de Cognac, where the Cognac house draws on the expertise of its cellar master. The range centers on VSOP and XO expressions, offering the eaux-de-vie blending and long oak aging that define Cognac while emphasizing an approachable yet refined profile.
D'Ussé is a Cognac brand launched in 2012 through a partnership between global spirits company Bacardi and hip-hop artist Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter.
Read more about Dusse
D'Ussé is a Cognac brand launched in 2012 through a partnership between global spirits company Bacardi and hip-hop artist Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter. Produced in the Cognac region of France, the brand blends the heritage of traditional Cognac-making with a modern, boldly styled identity that helped introduce Cognac to a new generation of drinkers.
D'Ussé is crafted at the historic Château de Cognac, where the Cognac house draws on the expertise of its cellar master. The range centers on VSOP and XO expressions, offering the eaux-de-vie blending and long oak aging that define Cognac while emphasizing an approachable yet refined profile.
Brand Background and Origins
D'Ussé emerged in 2012 as a joint venture between Bacardi and Jay-Z, positioning itself as a premium Cognac with strong cultural crossover appeal. The brand quickly gained visibility through its association with hip-hop culture and its distinctive bottle bearing the Cross of Lorraine, a symbol tied to the Cognac region's heritage.
The Cognac itself is produced in France, and the brand connects its story to the Château de Cognac, a landmark in the town of Cognac with deep roots in French history. This pairing of an established production base with a contemporary brand launch is central to D'Ussé's identity.
As a Cognac, D'Ussé must adhere to the strict French AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) regulations governing the category, including production within the delimited Cognac region and the use of specific grape varieties, primarily Ugni Blanc, distilled into eaux-de-vie and aged in French oak.
House Style and Production
Cognac is made by distilling white wine twice in traditional copper pot stills to produce clear eaux-de-vie, which are then aged in oak barrels. Over time, the spirit takes on color, tannins, and complexity from the wood, and different aged eaux-de-vie are blended to achieve a consistent house style.
D'Ussé's house style leans toward a rich, approachable profile, often described with notes of dried fruit, cinnamon, warm spice, and oak. The VSOP and XO tiers reflect the aging classifications used across Cognac: VSOP indicates the youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend has been aged at least four years, while XO requires a minimum of ten years under current regulations.
The cellar master oversees the blending process, selecting and marrying eaux-de-vie to balance youth and maturity. This craft is what gives each expression its distinct character, from the brighter, more versatile VSOP to the deeper, more concentrated XO.
The Range and What to Expect
The core D'Ussé lineup features the VSOP Cognac and the XO Cognac. The VSOP is the flagship and most widely available bottling, prized for its versatility in both neat sipping and cocktails. The XO sits at the premium end, offering greater depth, longer aging, and a smoother, more layered finish.
When buying D'Ussé, consider how you plan to enjoy it. The VSOP is an excellent choice for mixed drinks, sidecars, or over ice, while the XO rewards slow sipping from a snifter or tulip glass to appreciate its aromatics.
D'Ussé is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) for its standard expressions. Availability of specific bottlings and limited releases can vary, so checking current stock is recommended when placing an order for nationwide shipping.