The world of drinks is constantly expanding and evolving, with the next big thing just as likely to come from a young upstart producer as from an established name. We introduced the Rising Star award in 2022 to highlight something we think has to be on your radar for the coming year, and for 2023 our panel of experts has chosen Jean-Luc Pasquet as The Whisky Exchange Rising Star.

Inheriting his uncle Albert’s estate in 1970, Jean-Luc Pasquet learnt the art of winegrowing and distilling with his wife, Marie Françoise, and in 1977 the brand Jean-Luc Pasquet Cognac was born. Located on the border of Grande and Petite Champagne, the family-run estate, now managed by Jean-Luc’s son Jean and his wife Amy, puts its effort into creating terroir-focused eaux-de-vie and as Jean likes to say; ‘we don’t claim to have the best terroir, but we do our best to express the best of this terroir'.

A lively young Cognac, L’Organic 04 expertly captures the terroir of its Grande Champagne vineyards and Jean-Luc Pasquet’s commitment to organic production is present in this VS expression. Made with an entirely organic process, using Ugni Blanc grapes, this is a refreshingly versatile Cognac that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.

The nose brings aromas of white peaches, grapes, pear, apricot, oak spice and vibrant orange zest, followed by notes of grapefruit, honeysuckle, peaches, dried figs, honey, cloves, nectarines and grapes that fill the palate and linger in the finish.

An alluring, powerful XO Cognac from the leaders in organic Cognac production, that is a masterful marriage of structure and balance. Made exclusively with organic eaux-de-vie from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in Grande Champagne, this all-natural, frill-free Cognac makes a great digestif.

Straight away the nose brings aromas of figs, cinnamon and vanilla, followed by raisins, dried flowers and gingerbread that mingle together. The palate brings notes of orange, cocoa, tobacco leaves and dried figs, building to lingering flavours of ginger, sweet spices, nougat and candied orange peel in the finish.

A traditional aperitif from Cognac, legend has it Pineau des Charentes was created when a winemaker poured grape juice into a barrel to make wine, not realising that the barrel already held some brandy. Jean-Luc Pasquet uses freshly-pressed juice from extremely ripe grapes to make its Pineau des Charentes, making the most of the fruit’s natural sugars to create sweet, fruity aperitifs that are great in cocktails or simply on the rocks.

Inspired by this classic aperitif, Jean-Luc created Marie-Framboise - a flamboyant, playful aperitif, inspired by Pineau des Charentes, that uses fresh raspberries to add layers of tart berries and a vibrant red colour.