Denis Lahouratate

Denis Lahouratate grew up among the vineyards of the Bordeaux region, where his lifelong relationship with wine and terroir began. With over three decades devoted to the art of Cognac, Denis Lahouratate stands among the most respected Cellar Masters in France. His career began a renowned Sancerre estate, refining his craft through hands-on winemaking. His move to Cognac in 1995 marked a pivotal step, joining Leopold Gourmel as Cellar Master and Bottling Manager.

A guardian of tradition and a champion of meticulous craftsmanship, Denis now oversees every step of maturation at the historic Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac, from barrel selection and blending to the stewardship of the estate’s oldest reserves. His philosophy is rooted in patience, precision, and respect for the long arc of time that exceptional Cognac requires.

Denis’s relationship with The Last Drop Distillers began through the discovery and selection of extraordinary casks resting in the Domaine’s quiet cellars. His rare expertise and instinct for revealing the character of each eau-de-vie led to his invitation to join The Assembly, where he contributes unparalleled mastery of the Cognac world.