We continue our Cognac-Expert 2025 Advent Calendar adventure with a Jean Fillioux Lot 80/85 Cognac, which was hidden in the nineteenth pouch. This cognac, yet to be released, is a multi-vintage Grande Champagne. Let’s introduce Jean Fillioux cognac before reviewing this incoming release.
Jean Fillioux Cognac
Jean Filloux Cognac started in 1880. Honoré Fillioux founded it after blending for Hennessy. He was a skilled technician: he patented a condenser temperature control system. In 1894, he bought Domaine de la Pouyade in Juillac-le-Coq, Grande Champagne. His son, Jean, expanded sales, as he sold bottled cognac across France, Europe, and the USA. He also built stocks for rare vintages, like 1893 and 1906.
Michel Fillioux led the third generation. He won accolades, including the 1972 Cep d’Or award. He supplied premium Grande Champagne cognacs to grocers and firms. Pascal Fillioux followed, shaped by U.S. internships. He added more new oak ageing and created icons like the 1924 vintage and Réserve Familiale. Pascal Fillioux, the fourth-generation owner at Cognac Jean Fillioux, earned the nickname ‘Magician of Aromas’ (‘Le Magicien des Arômes’) from the region.
Christophe Fillioux owns it now, representing the fifth generation, and managing 20-25 hectares in the ‘golden triangle’. He prioritises sustainability and plans estate expansions, with a new chai that was expected to open in 2025, but didn’t at the time of writing.
Jean Fillioux Lot 80/85 Cognac (2025) Review
This Jean Fillioux cognac is a multi-vintage Lot 80/85. It could both mean that it’s made from eaux-de-vie from 1980 and 1985 or eaux-de-vie ranging from 1980 to 1985. This cognac is made from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in the Grande Champagne cru. Distillation happened with the lees, in a 25 hectolitre still. The eaux-de-vie matured into wide grain casks in a tempered cellar, under the watch of Christophe Fillioux. This Jean Fillioux was bottled with its natural colour, with 2% of sugar added (which is within the limits of allowed obscuration), and a probable reduction to 42% ABV. This cognac is yet to be released, check Cognac-Expert in the coming weeks if you want to order a bottle.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: The nose is lush, immediately offering a burst of citrus fruits and floral honey. It evolves into rich fruit notes, specifically orange marmalade, quince jelly, and ripe pear. There are underlying layers of ‘pastry’ aromas – think brioche, almond, and praline – along with a hint of exotic fruits like passion fruit and mango.
Palate:
Neat: On the palate, the arrival is sweet and the mouthfeel is velvety. It shows the elegance of well-aged Grande Champagne. The texture is unctuous, carrying flavours of candied orange, dried apricots, and brown sugar. The mid-palate introduces spicy and savoury notes: cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of anise and liquorice. There is a distinct rancio character, manifesting as leather, tobacco box, and a pleasant ‘bitter oak’ counterpoint to the fruit and sugary sweetness.
Finish:
The finish is very long and warming. It leaves lingering notes of spices (pepper, nutmeg) and toasted nuts, with a final resurgence of jammy fruit and dark chocolate. A light astringency appears, slightly drying the gums.
Comments:
Another delicious cognac on this Advent Calendar. This Jean Fillioux is a pretty good example of a well-aged Grande Champagne, with rich and dignified aromas and flavours, but the 2% of sugar added are really noticeable on the palate. The sweetness stays relatively balanced, but you have to thank the bitter oak note that comes as a counterpoint to the sweetness that might be slightly excessive otherwise.
Rating: 7.5/10
Advent calendar provided by Cognac-Expert.