🥃 Camus

Camus is a family cognac house founded in 1863 by Jean-Baptiste Camus, who united producers to sell cognac under the name ‘La Grande Marque’. According to Difford’s Guide, Camus is the fifth largest cognac house and the largest family-owned cognac company; it is headed by Cyril Camus, great-great-grandson of the founder.

History. Jean-Baptiste Camus (1835–1901) was a vine grower and distiller, and later added his own name to the brand. Edmond (1859–1933) became master blender in 1894 and was among the first to sell cognac in bottles rather than in casks. Gaston (1865–1945) expanded exports from 1896. Michel (1911–1985) developed duty-free sales in the early 1960s, while Jean-Paul (born 1945) focused on Borderies, bought vineyards and enlarged the warehouses. Cyril took over the company in 2004.

How it is made. Borderies is the smallest of the cognac crus, and Camus owns vineyards there; this is where its single-cru releases of VSOP and XO Borderies come from. The cognac matures in oak casks; according to Difford’s Guide, Extra is blended from spirits aged 30 to 50 years.

Range. In 2019 the Intensity series appeared (VS, VSOP, XO); there is also Île de Ré, a cognac from grapes grown on the island, and the Elegance series. Intensity is made using the house’s own distillation method.

Why this matters to you. ‘Cognac’ is a protected geographical indication: double distillation and at least 2 years in oak. VS, VSOP and XO show the age of the youngest spirit in the blend. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. The house remains family-owned, so its policy differs from that of a corporate group.