Interview with Romain Bodenan: The Vision Behind Cognac Festival
Who is Romain and why the Cognac Festival?
Romain Bodenan is a passionate spirits enthusiast who has been exploring the world of fine spirits for over a decade. With countless visits to distilleries and participation in spirits festivals, his journey has been fueled by a love for whisky and a deep desire to share his passion. Romain is also an entrepreneur who founded Ma Dégustation Privée, an initiative born from his frustration with having to travel far for distillery visits or festivals. His vision is to create a comprehensive ecosystem for spirits enthusiasts, encompassing tastings, festivals, and educational opportunities.
"I found it paradoxical," Romain shares, "that so many people are eager to discover spirits, yet the options for doing so often feel distant and inaccessible. I wanted to build a space where everything comes together under one roof."
The Cognac Festival: A One-Day Celebration of Spirits
The inaugural Cognac Festival will take place at La Grande Poste, with up to 36 exhibitors showcasing their best offerings. Currently, 18 exhibitors are confirmed, representing a diverse range of producers, tonnelleries, and associations.
The event promises a rich experience, with free unlimited tastings, affordable tickets, and all-inclusive access to masterclasses for only 15 EUR. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant day from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with side events potentially happening the night before or later in the evening at local bars.
Special Features and Experiences
- Mixology & Food: Romain envisions an innovative mixology school where cocktails are customized with spirits from exhibitors. Alternatively, a dedicated Grande Poste bartender will serve expertly crafted drinks. The food offerings will be led by the Grande Poste’s chef, ensuring a complete gastronomic experience.
- Masterclasses: Aimed at groups of 25, these sessions will feature exhibitors or industry stakeholders discussing the cognac-making process, from raw materials to bottling.
- Tasting Freedom: Exhibitors are encouraged to bring as many bottles as they wish, ideally offering 5-6 selections per stand.
- Glassware & Shop: Glasses will be provided by the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac), and Cave Saint Seurin will handle the event’s retail needs.
- Special Bottling: A confirmed exclusive bottling will debut at the event, with more potentially in the pipeline (but we can’t give you more details at the moment, just so you know, looks VERY promising)
Digital Presence
The Cognac Festival’s website and social media platforms feature dedicated pages for each exhibitor, promoting their work through engaging profiles. Each domain answers three thought-provoking questions about their craft, giving attendees a deeper understanding of their offerings.
What’s Next?
Romain dreams of establishing a broader ecosystem and more immersive experiences for spirits lovers. "Whether you're here for the tastings, the education, or simply to enjoy a day celebrating cognac, I want this festival to be the start of something bigger," Romain concludes.
Get to know more:
Website: cognacfestival.fr
Instagram: Cognac Festival
Facebook: Cognac Festival
LinkedIn: Cognac Festival
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this unique event!