The Baroque era emerged in the 17th century as a style of Western art and architecture defined by opulence and grandeur. Originating in Italy, it was characterised by intense drama, dark colour palettes, large-scale works, and intricate, ornate details. With the help of the influential Catholic Church, it spread across Europe, influencing artistic and architectural styles throughout the continent.
Despite the diversity of art generated as a result of the interweaving of naturalism and Renaissance classicism, its underlying intention was to evoke emotional states by engaging the senses in dramatic ways. Some of the qualities most associated with the Baroque style today are sensuous richness, vitality, emotional exuberance, and a tendency to blur distinctions between art forms.
Image Courtesy of L’Époque Baroque
Introducing L’Époque Baroque XO
Inspired by this lavish and opulent era in art history, a new Cognac project, composed entirely of long-aged eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, has entered the market for those seeking a more immersive and sensorial experience. Under Cognac regulations, XO requires the youngest eau-de-vie in a blend to be aged for ten years. Many expressions, therefore, are built close to that threshold, but L’Époque Baroque XO is not. Its age profile extends significantly beyond the minimum, with the youngest components resting for twenty years.
What sets this Cognac apart, particularly, is that L’Époque was conceived around rare access to fully evolved stocks and a belief that the most important work in Cognac has already been done in the cellar. In fact, from the outset, the project focused on selection rather than production, bringing together eaux-de-vie that had already spent decades developing before blending began.
Image Courtesy of L’Époque Baroque
The talent behind the liquid
Founded independently by Tatiana Kharchylava and Nikita Bourtakov, this powerhouse duo invited Yohann Pinol to work with the stocks at an early stage of the company’s establishment. A former Louis XIII ambassador and now also a Rhône winemaker, Yohann approaches Cognac as a spirit whose character begins in the vineyard. He spent a year assessing Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie blind, returning repeatedly to the same components. Yohann is an expert in what he does but not only that, he has a deep understanding of the softer skills needed to explain the Cognac to people, no matter their knowledge level. This skill is encapsulted throughout the process with delicate, subtle signposts that really make the liquid shine through on and off the shelf.
Some of these components selected reach back almost half a century, and more than 10% of the final blend draws on these oldest spirits. The result is a Cognac rich in depth and persistence, designed to elate the senses and unfold gradually rather than declare itself immediately. ‘These were eaux-de-vie that already knew who they were,’ says Pinol. ‘My role was not to impose direction, but to listen, and to assemble them with care.’
Two thousand bottles have been released at 40% ABV. And even before its commercial launch, L’Époque Baroque XO was awarded a Master medal at the 2024 Spirits Masters, marking it among the most highly regarded Cognacs assessed that year.
Still Life with Fruit and Roemer (Pieter Claesz 1644) Image Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Flavour Profile
Mirroring the opulence of the Baroque era itself, each facet of L’ÉPOQUE’s personality—its taste, its design—was conceived as a celebration of emotionally evocative art, just transformed into liquid form.
Aged in Limousin oak barrels, aromatically, L’Époque Baroque XO opens with brioche and candied citrus, followed by peach, red berry notes, and white flowers, with nutmeg and sandalwood beneath. A well-seasoned palate will pick up a gentle pepper note, before deepening into dark cherry and leather, carried by a long, mineral finish.
Gastronomy consultant and writer, Douglas Blyde, who joined the project in early 2026, describes his first encounter with L’Époque Baroque XO as ‘love at first sip’, noting ‘a perfume of violets, followed by a lifted, vinous feel – refreshing even – which sets it apart from heavier, oak- driven expressions in the category.’
Food Pairings
L’Époque Baroque XO lends itself to equally sophisticated gastronomic pairings, in keeping with its multi-layered complexity. While aged Comté brings out the nutmeg and sandalwood underneath, roast duck with cherry glaze enhances its darker fruit tones. For those who prefer contrast, dark chocolate (70% cacao) highlights the deeper notes of leather and spice in the Cognac, while caviar on warm brioche intensifies its mineral finish. The experience develops in phases, much like the Baroque pieces that served as its inspiration.
Image Courtesy of L’Époque Baroque
A Bottle With Identity
Tatiana Kharchylava has shaped the identity of L’Époque. As Creative Director of Birley Clubs, she defines the outward language of some of London’s most closely watched destinations, including Annabel’s winter façades, which rework the building each year and draw crowds.
That authorship carries directly into the project. Tatiana believes the bottle is not just packaging; it was designed as a three-dimensional tribute to the Baroque era. It features a sculptural, architectural silhouette that evokes classical Baroque forms, making it a decorative object rather than merely a container. The tactility is deliberate. The glass is thick and heavy, and its weight becomes part of the sensory experience. Even the closure is resolved with intent: The gold metal stopper reflects elements of Baroque rosettes, adding a refined ornamental touch.
Image Courtesy of Maison L’Époque
Art Interweaved Throughout
Presentation extends the narrative beyond the bottle itself. The box presents a modern interpretation of classical Baroque design. Its interior reveals radiant gold rays inspired by Bernini’s iconic Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. The black exterior creates a striking contrast with the warm, amber glow of the liquid inside, enhancing its visual impact.
Art is embedded in the project. A portion of global sales supports museums, national art institutions, conservation initiatives, and emerging artists. Nikita Bourtakov, an entrepreneur, co-founded L’Époque with Kharchylava and oversees its development and daily operations. His role has been to ensure that decisions made around the liquid could be carried through intact, from bottling to distribution, without pressure to compromise.
The George Club in London
The George Club is one of London’s most upscale private members’ clubs, located on Mount Street in the heart of Mayfair. Hosted in this venue, amongst connoisseurs and cultural influencers, L’Époque Baroque XO had its debut. George was established in 2001 by Mark Birley and is currently a part of the prestigious Birley Clubs portfolio. It has long been praised for its unrivalled fusion of discreet luxury, first-rate service, and a lively social environment.
We discovered the components of the Cognac through an impeccably designed tasting menu. From a first taste of extra mature Parmesan wrapped in bresaola through to the most moreish braised veal agnolotti with black truffle, every bite was brilliant. The highlight of the evening and something that has become a core memory – The Vieux Carré. Created with L’Époque Baroque XO, Bénédictine D.O.M from the 1960s and Brother’s Bond Rye, this was magic in a glass. The liquids combined over an elegant piece of ice to create a taste sensation. A new favourite cocktail.
Image Courtesy of The Spirits Business
Where can you find it?
In the UK, L’Époque Baroque XO is available through Hackston’s and Selfridges & Co, with a recommended retail price of £360. If you are out and about, it is poured at leading private members’ clubs, restaurants, and bars, including The Fat Duck, The Waterside Inn, The Cocochine, and Pied à Terre.
In Monaco, the Cognac is available through Gaia – Les Chais Monégasque, with presence at established addresses including Rampoldi and Le Bar Américain at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
For more information, please visit: maison-lepoque.com
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