If there’s one bottle you’re not going to want to miss, it’s the award-winning cognac that’s shaking up the global spirits market across the U.S. Launched by 3x champion and pro-football Hall of Famer, Shannon Sharpe, Le Portier is the drink of choice for your next evening out.
Shannon Sharpe Launches Le Portier Cognac in Las Vegas
Sharpe’s VSOP (Shay) is the inaugural release from Le Portier, selling out in just a few months. The remaining bottles featuring the inaugural ‘L’ are a collectible, they are the only release and will be the final chance for collectors to get their hands on the all-important first letter. Many exciting Vegas hotspots within Resorts World, such as Alle Lounge on 66, Eight Lounge and Brezza restaurant are quick to make it part of their collection.
After a recent trip to Nth Whiskey Exchange in Las Vegas, where Shannon took time out of his schedule to engage with Cognac aficionados from across the globe, the former NBA superstar celebrated with Superbowl Champion Ray Lewis, over a cigar and cognac in Eight Lounge, where Shay by Le Portier is served. Alle Lounge on 66 also serves the spirit, with Shannon’s dedication behind the bar inspiring the creation of ‘V.I.P.’, a cocktail that incorporates Le Portier with a hint of açai berry to give a feminine, fruity touch. Brezza, an Italian restaurant that sits within the casino has also incorporated the cognac into its menu, a delicious digestif that pairs well with the restaurant’s famous steak.
This premium cognac is dedicated to Shannon Sharpe’s grandmother, Mary Porter. In naming Le Portier after her, he honors the sacrifices she made and the values she instilled in him. While Shannon knew exactly what he wanted from his cognac, the quality he likes to sip is more commonly found in an XO. He then partnered with Jay Bradley, Founder of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and creator of the world’s best Irish single malt, challenging him to create a VSOP that drank like an XO. Years of work allowed Shannon and Jay to fine-tune this Cognac, creating the same sophistication and complexity found in XO cognacs retailing at $500+, but in a VSOP that retails online for $98.99.
Shannon expands, “When I decided to create my own cognac, I knew I had to find someone who really knew about taste and how to build up those layers of flavor I love. And who better to do it than the man behind the world’s Best Irish Single Malt? But the flavors I love are in XO cognacs. So for Jay to be able to recreate them in a VSOP proves he was the man to choose. And now the best palates on the planet have recognized that Shay is basically an XO at the price of a VSOP.”
About his experience at Nth Whiskey Exchange, Shannon Said: “I thoroughly enjoyed our recent trip for Le Portier to Nth Whiskey Exchange last week. The event took place in one of my favorite cities, beautiful Las Vegas, and the opportunity to speak with so many Cognac lovers was truly special. Creating a spirit of the level of Shay by Le Portier is a labor of love, so getting the opportunity to speak with people who love Cognac as much as I do was a real pleasure. I’ll definitely be back next year!”
This VSOP is aged for longer than most, putting it closer in age to a XO, but without the price tag. 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.
Read Also: App for Managing Cloud Kitchens – Food & Beverage Magazine
Jay Bradley’s dedication to crafting a premium flavor profile into the cognac has resulted in a taste that has judges taking notice. A rich aroma of caramelized spiced apple, residual butterscotch and hints of chocolates are like the welcoming scent of home while the silky mouthfeel carries a warming embrace of dried fruits, butterscotch, and a hint of spice. The sweet smokiness of s’mores with toasted marshmallows on the finish leaves you wanting more.
For further information, please contact:
Matthew Carter-Burwell – Head of PR – matthew@craftirishwhiskey.com
Lucy Harrison – Global PR Manager – lucy@craftirishwhiskey.com
