This year saw the appointment of Richard Costa-Savelli as Managing Director, and Thibaut Hontanx as seventh Master Blender of the prestigious Maison Courvoisier “Le Cognac de Napoléon”.
In addition to the appointment of the new Managing Director, Richard Costa-Savelli, Patrice Pinet, sixth Master Blender at Courvoisier, retiring after three decades of good and loyal service, has just left his place to Thibaut Hontanx, new and seventh Master Blender appointed to perpetuate the heritage, traditions of transmission, know-how and innovation of the most awarded Cognac House in the world.
Courvoisier pays tribute to Patrice Pinet and his exceptional legacy. He began his career at Courvoisier in 1989 as Production Director and rose to the title of Master Blender in 2009. He led numerous key achievements within the company, such as strengthening quality control with its first ISO certification in 1994, transferring the bottling lines to La Belloire in 1998, and overseeing the acquisition of Domaine Guilloteau.
Patrice Pinet's talent has enabled Maison Courvoisier to become the Cognac House the most awarded in the world (based on the 20 most important spirits competitions since 2019) and gave it the most magnificent expression “The Essence of Courvoisier”. For thirty years, the sixth Master Blender was a true source of inspiration for the Courvoisier community, he was a true mentor for all the Master Blenders who are at the origin of each drop of award-winning cognac.
The new Managing Director, Richard Costa-Savelli, will oversee operations and lead engagement with its community of artisans in the Cognac region. Richard is no stranger to the House, having worked closely with Patrice Pinet as Deputy Managing Director. He also states that Courvoisier is entering a new era and is particularly eager to work with Thibaut Hontanx to continue the House's development while perpetuating two-hundred-year-old traditions. I would also like to warmly thank Patrice Pinet for his extraordinary contribution. We are proud that he has entrusted us with the continuation of his commitment to excellence and to the community. ».
Patrice Pinet, whose legacy will endure for many years to come, has been able to appoint Thibaut Hontanx as his successor as Master Blender. He thus becomes the guardian of the traditions of Courvoisier cognac making… the House's unique processes that make up its signature floral style must endure, they are recognized and appreciated by connoisseurs around the world. Before his appointment in January 2022, Thibaut Hontanx was Master Distiller under Patrice Pinet, and he largely left his mark on Courvoisier's innovation plans.
Thibaut Hontanx feels a real privilege to be able to continue making the dream of Maison Courvoisier a reality. As the new guardian of our exceptional range of cognacs, I will continue to embody the House's commitment to its community. Because every drop of our cognac is the fruit of a collective effort, from our winemakers to our distillers, we know the importance and strength of our ties as artisans of Jarnac. ».
It is a true page of history and refinement that the House of Courvoisier offers with each tasting… the expertly distilled, aged and blended cognacs, giving the House an award-winning floral style as its signature, are the Courvoisier range of expressions. The complexity of nuances is inherited from the joie de vivre of the people and the territory of Cognac. Courvoisier has a beautifully vibrant and balanced range, due to a rich variety of crus, an exacting sense of distillation and a signature selection of oaks…VS, VSOP, XO, Extra and of course, the House's ultimate, L'Essence de Courvoisier.
About Cognac Courvoisier
The Courvoisier Cognac House was founded by Félix Courvoisier in 1828 in Jarnac. Since 2019, it has been the most awarded Cognac House in the world and offers an impressive and comprehensive range that can satisfy a wide variety of tastes andlifestyle in cognac, such as VS, VSOP, XO, Extra and the House's unique expression, L'Essence de Courvoisier. The House's approach to its community and its expertise is joyful, sophisticated and generous. A commitment that Courvoisier strives to highlight in its relationships with the master craftsmen and winemakers of the Cognac region in order to produce an exceptional catalog that has won numerous awards.
About Beam Suntory
It is the world's leading premium spirits company. Its brands include iconic bourbons Jim Beam and Maker's Mark and Courvoisier cognac, as well as Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Legent bourbon; Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, and Toki; Scotch whiskies Teacher's, Laphroaig, and Bowmore; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequilas; EFFEN, Haku, and Pinnacle vodkas; Sipsmith and Roku gins; and, finally, premium cocktails On The Rocks.
Beam Suntory, founded in 2014, is the result of the merger of the world's leading bourbon brand and the pioneer of Japanese whisky. This new company boasts a century-old heritage and a passion for quality. With its innovative spirit and committed vision, it embraces sustainable development. Beam Suntory is based in Chicago and is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited (Japan).
André Tirlet
