Otard was founded in 1795 by Jean-Baptiste Otard just after his return from exile in England having almost been killed during the Revolution. He bought the only royal château in Cognac, which had become a property of the State. His “Voûtes Basses” low-vaulted cellars on the banks of the Charente offered good humidity and consistent temperatures for ageing cognac. After the business struggled at the end of the 20th century, the brand was relaunched by Bacardi, who renamed it Baron Otard after Jean-Baptiste Otard’s title of nobility.

Otard Napoléon is a blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Les Borderies and Les Fins Bois. Napoléon is an unofficial age appellation in the official classification V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale), which requires at least four years ageing in oak casks. A Cognac V.S.O.P. can be called a Napoléon if it has been aged for at least six years.