Only 595 bottles have been produced of this very first Succession series which was launched in 1991 (according to the information on the certificate). It was distilled in the early 1900's and sealed with an 18-karat gold medallion. It comes with a certificate on handmade parchment. Thirteen years later in 2004, Courvoisier (inspired by the success) launched a second editon called "J.S." with 4 glasses containing a cognac-whatever... I have no idea why cognac houses destroy their own legends.
The New York Times writes about our Succession "J.L.":
"TAND back! Here comes the hype. Only 595 bottles available worldwide. Distilled in the early 1900's and sealed with an 18-karat gold medallion. Comes with a handwritten certificate on handmade parchment. Yes, and a bottle of Courvoisier Succession JL can be yours -- for about $3,700. ... Most Cognacs are blended from several lots of spirits that have to be cut with water; many are tinted with caramel. Courvoisier Succession JL comes from a single vintage and vineyard, contains no caramel and was bottled at 82 proof without cutting because of the natural evaporation of the alcohol as it aged in oak casks. Courvoisier acquired this rare lot from the family of one of the company's winegrowers in Jarnac, in the heart of the Cognac region. The Cognac had been passed down through generations of the family, identified only by the initials J.L."
