D'USSE Cognac Expands to Six Major Cities Nationwide

19 Feb 2013 --- D'USSE, the newest innovation in Cognac, plans for expansion in the United States. Following a highly successful launch in New York City and Washington DC launch last summer, D'USSE is now set to officially hit shelves in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Houston. D'USSE, pronounced "dew-say," is a bold Cognac expression masterfully crafted in the cellars of the Chateau de Cognac – a home with a 200-year legacy of creating some of the world's finest Cognacs.

D'USSE established early merit among industry elite by earning exceptional marks at the 2012 Ultimate Cocktail Challenge, part of the Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) led by spirits guru Paul Pacult. From there the brand has continued to collect acclaim from well-known mixologists, celebrities and consumer connoisseurs. D'USSE will be introducing its unique VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) cognac to its growing roster of U.S. markets via a series of exclusive, city-specific soirees that leverage culinary icons and cultural happenings over the next few months. Cocktail culture will also heavily influence D'USSE cognac's roll-out strategy to help drive trial and experimentation.

"We've been delighted by the incredible response to D'USSE cognac in New York and are now set to expand to additional markets," said Giles Woodyer, VP Brand Managing Director of D'USSE. "Our goal was always to bring something new to the cognac category by offering a meticulously crafted and distinctly smooth new product, and I believe we've succeeded. We've been particularly excited that D'USSE has appealed not only to current cognac drinkers but also to a new generation of inquisitive drinkers that are appreciating the complexity and versatility of this brand. D'USSE lends itself to being consumed neat, but is also paving the way for a renaissance in cognac, with a mixability that is landing it onto the specialty cocktail list."

D'USSE is a uniquely powerful Cognac that delivers a bold flavor and a smooth finish. This remarkable liquid starts with an intense aroma unlike any other Cognac on the market, rich in woody aromas that are then backed by touches of cinnamon and floral notes. The taste delivers subtle accents of honey and dried fruits. The combination of its bold flavor, smooth finish and honey notes represent a differentiated taste that sets it apart from other known Cognacs.

D'USSE is the vision and passion of Cellar Master, Monsieur Michel Casavecchia. "After years as the curator at the Chateau de Cognac, I was given the opportunity to put my blending skills to the test," said Casavecchia. "I developed my own vision of a distinctively bold, yet remarkably smooth Cognac. With an appreciation for the heavy responsibility that goes along with every decision in the Cognac making process, I was honored to set forth an important legacy with D'USSE."

D'USSE Cognac derives its distinguished smoothness and roundness from the humid cellars located deep in the lower levels of the Chateau. These cellars are protected by French stone walls that are three meters thick. These walls interact harmoniously with the nearby Charente River climate to maintain a constant temperature of 59 degrees along with 90 percent humidity year round – which creates the ideal atmosphere for aging Cognac.

D'USSE VSOP Cognac is supported by a fully integrated launch plan inclusive of advertising/media, public relations, celebrity and local influencer seeding, experiential and trade activations, and brand education. New launch dates include: Miami (December 2012); Las Vegas (January 2013); Chicago (late-January 2013); New Orleans (late-January 2013); Los Angeles (February 2013); Houston (February 2013). D'USSE is also expanding East Coast availability to New Jersey and Connecticut (February 2013).  Additional expressions are in development for future offerings.