Shay by Le Portier VSOP Cognac by Shannon Sharpe 750ml

Shay is the first release from Le Portier, the Cognac brand created by Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe in honor of his grandmother, Mary Porter. “Le Portier” is the French rendering of “Porter,” and the Cognac is a tribute to the foundations she built. It was created with master blender Jay Bradley, with the goal of making a VSOP with the richness Sharpe prefers, which, the brand notes, “is more commonly found in an XO.”

It’s a blend of eaux-de-vie from three Cognac crus, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois, made from Ugni Blanc grapes. The spirit is double distilled in traditional Charentais copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels for at least four years, longer than the minimum for a VSOP. The brand’s claim is that it has “the same sophistication and complexity found in XO cognacs,” in a VSOP; that’s a marketing statement, but the awards suggest that it’s drinking above its category. It was released in November 2021 and sold out its first drop in just a few months. It won Platinum, Best in Class at the SIP Awards 2022, the highest-awarded VSOP for taste that year, and Gold at The Spirits Business Cognac Awards 2022.

The tasting notes describe a “rich, evocative aroma of caramelised spiced apple,” with “hints of chocolate and lingering butterscotch,” a “silky mouthfeel with warming notes of dried fruits and a hint of spice,” and “a sweet smokiness reminiscent of s’mores by the campfire.” Other descriptions find a nose of “dried fruits, vanilla, and toasted oak with spice,” a palate where “rich caramel, ripe plums, and warm spices coat the tongue,” and a finish that is “smooth, lingering, and balanced with oak, cocoa, and honey.” Customers consistently describe a smooth, easy-drinking, slightly sweet Cognac that’s enjoyable neat.

A collector’s detail: each limited release has a different initial on its closure, and a collector who secures all nine releases of 25,000 bottles can spell out “LE PORTIER.” It’s a good sipper neat or on the rocks, and a versatile base for Cognac cocktails such as a Sidecar, Old Fashioned, or French 75. It’s a popular gift, with a story behind the name, and a sweeter, softer VSOP than the traditional style.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Shay by Le Portier VSOP Cognac is produced in the Cognac region of France for Le Portier, the brand of Shannon Sharpe. It is a blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois, from Ugni Blanc, double distilled in Charentais copper pot stills and aged at least four years in French oak barrels. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof, 750ml. Each limited release features a different initial monogram on the closure.

Critics Reviews

SIP Awards 2022 — Platinum, Best in Class (the highest-awarded VSOP for taste of 2022)

"The aroma of this Cognac from the Fine Champagne region shows concentrated vanilla and oak, with a hint of allspice. The palate resounds with plenty of vanilla, plus mocha richness and fleeting sweet spice on the midpalate. The elongated, generously spiced finish reflects oak, clove, black pepper and allspice. Consider for a dessert accompaniment." Wine Enthusiast 93 Points

The Spirits Business Cognac Awards 2022 — Gold

Le Portier (official tasting notes):
“Rich, evocative aroma of caramelised spiced apple. Hints of chocolate and lingering butterscotch. Silky mouthfeel with warming notes of dried fruits and a hint of spice. Sweet smokiness reminiscent of s’mores by the campfire.”

Retailer tasting notes:
“Nose: Aromas of dried fruits, vanilla, and toasted oak with spice. Palate: Rich caramel, ripe plums, and warm spices coat the tongue. Finish: Smooth, lingering, and balanced with oak, cocoa, and honey.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Caramelized spiced apple, dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak, with cocoa and butterscotch.

Palate
Silky and warming, with baked apple, ripe plum, chocolate, dried fruit, and gentle spice, with measured sweetness.

Finish
Long and smooth, with oak, cocoa, honey, and a soft, campfire-like sweet smokiness.

Quick Overview

Cocktail & Serving Suggestions

Neat or on the rocks — the best way to taste its fruit, chocolate, and caramel.

Sidecar or Old Fashioned — with Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon, or sugar, bitters, and orange.

French 75 — topped with sparkling wine.

Food Pairings

• Dark chocolate and chocolate desserts
• Caramel and butterscotch desserts
• Aged cheeses
• Dried fruit and nut boards