Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Dubbed as the “Champagne of Cognacs” by the legendary professional football icon Shannon Sharpe, Le Portier took the spirit world by storm in 2021. What’s so special about this luxury cognac that made it sell out in almost every liquor store?
Find out every detail about this new spirit in this Le Portier cognac review. Keep reading!
All About Le Portier Cognac Review
Le Portier cognac is a new luxury cognac launched by Shannon “Shay” Sharpe, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Fox Sports analyst and co-host. Sharpe collaborated with Jay Bradley, a skilled master cask connoisseur.
This exciting new cognac was made to honor Sharpe’s grandmother, Mary Porter, who raised him since he was young.
It exudes a caramelized spiced apple aroma with hints of chocolate and butterscotch. It also offers notes of dried fruits with a hint of spice, giving a warming, silky mouthfeel.
Every Le Portier bottle features a collectible closure and a black wooden box for less than a hundred dollars.
Interesting Facts
Quick History
Le Portier was born through the collaboration of the Fox Sports co-host and Pro-Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and Jay Bradley, the founder of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.
According to Shannon, creating Le Portier cognac honors his grandmother (Mary Porter), to whom he owed everything he has become because she raised him since he was young.
He also acknowledged that the determination and discipline his father instilled in him are the same qualities his grandmother used to nurture him into becoming a legendary athlete.
Production Process
Every bottle of this new premium cognac is traditionally distilled on Charentais copper pot stills and matured in French oak barrels for four years.
Le Portier brings an impeccable taste of Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, and Fins Bois blends.
This cognac is a testament to Sharpe’s unmatched passion for cognac. Sharpe and Bradley researched and developed a dynamic new approach to the spirit market by leveraging the team’s industry expertise and insider resources.
Read: What’s the Cheapest Cognac Under $20?
Tasting Notes
- Palate – This cognac features a silky mouthfeel that envelops a warming embrace of dried fruits, butterscotch, and a hint of spice.
- Nose – It exudes a rich, evocative scent of caramelized spiced apple, providing a welcoming scent of home. Its aroma also provides residual butterscotch and hints of chocolates.
- Color – This cognac features an amber color with golden hints.
- Finish – After a delightful sip, you’ll experience a sweet smokiness of s’mores with roasted marshmallows.
Who Founded Le Portier Cognac?
Shannon Sharpe founded Le Portier Cognac. It’s in partnership with leading luxury spirits experts Jay Bradley, widely regarded as a skilled master cask connoisseur, and Battle Born Spirits, LLC.
Shay by Le Portier was launched at an exclusive launch party in Los Angeles, California, in 2021.
Sharpe, a former American football tight end for the National Football League (NFL), hosted an elite crowd of friends, entertainers, athletes, and VIP guests.
It is where he introduced Le Portier, promising to deliver the spirit lover’s signature “Club Shay Shay” state of mind to cognac connoisseurs across the country [1].
Fun Fact: Sharpe is the only NFL personality to hit over one billion engagements in 2019, beating some top social media influencers.
Common Le Portier Cognac Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Shay Le Portier Cognac VSOP | 750 ml | 40% | Around $98.99 |
Compared to Other Cognacs
Frapin
Frapin VSOP cognac comes with balanced, persistent flavors of fruity orange notes and a finish with spicy pepper or cinnamon notes.
It is orange because it was aged in Limousin oak barrels, unlike Shay Le Portier, aged in French oak barrels.
Frapin is less expensive than Le Portier since it only costs roughly $69.99 per 700 ml.
Hennessy
Hennessy VSOP Privilege Cognac costs a little higher than Frapin but still less expensive than Le Portier. You can score this cognac bottle at roughly $74.99 for 750 ml.
Remy Martin
Rémy Martin VSOP is also less expensive than Le Portier. It only costs roughly $57.59 per 750ml. This bottle provides a multi-layered yet well-balanced spirit with notes of stone fruit, vanilla, and licorice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Le Portier cognac expensive?
Le Portier Cognac is esteemed for its premium quality and meticulous craftsmanship, often commanding a price that reflects its exceptional standards.
While it may be considered more expensive compared to mass-produced cognac brands, the value it offers in terms of complexity, depth, and overall experience is widely acknowledged.
For connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate the finer nuances of cognac, the investment in Le Portier is often seen as justified, as it delivers an unparalleled sensory journey that transcends mere affordability.
Can you easily buy Le Portier Cognac?
Finding Le Portier Cognac can be a delightful quest for enthusiasts seeking refined spirits that evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. While it may not be as readily available as ubiquitous cognac labels, Le Portier can often be discovered in select establishments that curate exceptional liquor collections.
Upscale liquor stores, specialty boutiques, and prestigious online retailers frequently showcase Le Portier among their offerings, catering to discerning clientele who seek nothing but the finest in spirits.
Despite its exclusivity, the pursuit of Le Portier is a rewarding endeavor, culminating in the acquisition of a cognac that epitomizes excellence and refinement.
How would you describe the flavor profile of Le Portier Cognac?
Le Portier Cognac captivates the senses with its sumptuous and multi-dimensional flavor profile, enchanting even the most discerning palates with its opulent character. From the moment it caresses the nose, Le Portier entices with a bouquet redolent of luscious ripe fruits, such as succulent apricot, velvety peach, and tantalizing plum.
These fruity notes intertwine harmoniously with delicate hints of creamy vanilla, toasted oak, and exotic spices, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate.
With each sip, Le Portier unfolds its full-bodied richness, enveloping the senses in a velvety embrace that lingers long after the glass is empty.
In essence, Le Portier Cognac is a testament to craftsmanship and artistry, delivering an unparalleled sensory experience that transcends the ordinary and elevates the spirit of indulgence to new heights.
What age statement or blend varieties does Le Portier Offer?
Le Portier offers a range of age statements and blend varieties, each meticulously crafted to showcase the brand’s commitment to excellence and tradition. Among its offerings, you may find expressions ranging from VS (Very Special) to XO (Extra Old), representing different maturation periods and flavor profiles.
The VS typically denotes a younger cognac aged for a minimum of two years, while the XO signifies a more mature blend aged for at least ten years or more.
Additionally, Le Portier may offer special limited editions or single-vintage releases, allowing enthusiasts to explore unique expressions of the brand’s artistry and expertise.
Where is Le Portier Cognac produced and bottled?
Le Portier Cognac is produced and bottled in the prestigious Cognac region of France, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of crafting exceptional brandies. Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards and sun-drenched landscapes of southwestern France, the distillery and aging facilities of Le Portier embody the essence of terroir and craftsmanship.
Here, skilled artisans meticulously oversee every stage of production, from the careful selection of grapes to the patient aging process in oak barrels. It is within this hallowed terroir that Le Portier Cognac is born, embodying the rich heritage and savoir-faire of the region.
How should Le Portier Cognac be enjoyed?
Le Portier Cognac should be savored and appreciated in a manner that honors its complexity, depth, and craftsmanship. To fully experience its nuanced flavors and aromas, consider serving Le Portier in a tulip-shaped glass, which allows the spirit to aerate and release its bouquet. Before sipping, take a moment to admire the rich amber hue and swirl the cognac gently to awaken its aromatics.
Then, bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply, allowing the fragrant notes of ripe fruits, oak, and spices to envelop your senses. When tasting, allow the cognac to linger on your palate, savoring its velvety texture and evolving flavors.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a classic cocktail, Le Portier Cognac promises an exquisite drinking experience that delights and enchants with every sip.
Is Le Portier Cognac widely available, or is it limited in distribution?
Availability of Le Portier Cognac may vary depending on your location and the distribution channels in your area. It may be available in select liquor stores, specialty shops, or online retailers.
Final Thoughts
Le Portier cognac is a luxury cognac founded by Shannon Sharpe and Jay Bradley, an Irish whiskey expert. They crafted this cognac bearing the qualities of XO and XXO cognacs, aiming to rival VSOP older cognacs at an affordable price.
Shay by Le Portier is a modern expression of an ancient craft, a sophisticated, world-class blend of Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, and Fin Bois.
Its sleek bottle sits in a dark wooden box; each curve hugged by the soft gray lining protecting the spirit.
Each limited-release bottle features a different initial monogrammed closure in black obsidian, which spells LE PORTIER.
Reference:
