Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Zippity-A Got The Jab & Went to Cognac Today
Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zippity-A… I Got the Jab and Went to Cognac Today
The holidays are upon us, and there have been so many little miracles lately that it’s hard to recall them all.
That feeling becomes even more pronounced in a foreign country, where the knee-jerk reaction to most questions seems to be:
“Non.”
Still, onward we go.
The Booster Adventure in Jonzac
Today I ventured out to see if I could get the Covid booster in Jonzac, France, not too far from where I’m staying.
My new friend and amazing translator, Malcolm, helped communicate with the hospital staff about my desire to receive the shot. After discussing it with the doctor on staff, they placed me right in line for the “jab.”
Given the uncertainty of holiday travel and whatever mayhem might unfold in the coming weeks, I figured it was best to get ahead of the curve.
Cultural Differences, Computers, and the Hashtag That Broke France
The art of cultural differences became immediately apparent during the long process of getting me “into their system.”
There were four nurses gathered around a computer screen, all trying to enter my Johnson & Johnson lot number. The group was utterly perplexed. They could not understand why the number would not enter correctly into the computer’s J&J field.
And then it hit me.
They didn’t understand the hashtag.
They simply could not compute that the symbol didn’t matter.
It was like an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Where everything is made up and the points don’t matter.
After reiterating several times that “hashtag means number, it’s ok,” we finally got past it.
Oui, oui. Peu importe.
Spirits at Château Royal de Cognac
After the jab, it was time for spirits.
Naturally.
We headed to Château Royal de Cognac for a private English-speaking tour, and it was far more extensive than I expected. Our guide, a young Ukrainian woman, was fluent in three languages and incredibly knowledgeable about the castle’s rich history.
The Royal Castle of Cognac, overlooking the Charente River, was originally built as a fortress in the 10th century to stop the Norman invasions. By the 15th century, it became a stately home, and it is known as the birthplace of one of France’s most illustrious kings: Francis I.
Later, in 1795, Baron Otard founded and acquired his Cognac House, forever tying the castle to the legacy of Cognac itself.
The castle is now a historical monument and a witness to both French history and fine spirits.
Barrels, Aging, and “Hot Damn”
Inside, the castle housed countless barrels of distilled Cognac:
-
aged 2–4 years
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5–10 years
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10–15 years
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and some so old they might as well be ancient relics
Many barrels are stored elsewhere to reduce the risk of explosion or fire.
Hot damn.
Based on the fumes wafting up from the cobblestones outside, I’d say the castle has long surpassed its legal limit of stored spirits.
One fascinating detail: the “Angel’s Breath” on the basement walls, the dark residue, is caused by the natural evaporation process of Cognac aging. The alcohol vapors feed a fungus that creates black staining, leaving the cellar walls looking almost haunted.
History has a scent, and in Cognac, it smells like oak barrels and fire risk.
The Paradise Cellar
Once the Cognac is transferred to glass bottles, the aging process stops. Some bottles can rest for decades.
And yes, the darker the better, rich, smoky, caramel tones with a smooth finish.
The castle also has a special cellar called “Paradise,” where original aged bottles sit behind lock and key. Some are valued at €60,000, roughly $68,000 USD.
Paradise, indeed.
Leonardo da Vinci, Architecture, and a Two-Way Fireplace
The circular architecture of some of the rooms was said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and one of the large openings between two spaces served as a massive two-way fireplace.
The craftsmanship throughout the castle was breathtaking.
A Darker Chapter of History
One room was less inspiring, not because of the design, but because of the history tied to it.
It was said to have held 150 English and Irish troops captured by the French during the war in Canada in 1767. According to the story, they were rescued by Native tribes who were torturing and eating them after being denied treasure promised by the French.
There are carvings on the walls believed to have been made by some of the captured men.
Standing in that room was a sobering reminder that history isn’t always romantic.
Sometimes it’s brutal.
And the walls remember.
All in all, it was a fascinating day, equal parts surreal, historical, and slightly absurd.
From a French hospital hashtag crisis… to a castle filled with Cognac fumes… to the “Paradise” cellar.
Not a bad way to spend the day.
Cheers,
jMf
Arrival / Exterior
Tour Guide / Tour Moments
A private tour led by a brilliant multilingual guide, the kind of travel
luck you don’t take for granted.
One of those tours that turns into a full history lesson, and I loved
every second.
Castle Views / River
The Charente River below, quietly carrying centuries of stories.
Barrels / Aging Rooms
The smell of oak, time, and a little bit of trouble.
Somewhere between history and “hot damn.”
Cellar / Dark Walls
The “Angel’s Breath” in action, the
natural evaporation that stains the cellar walls.
Cognac doesn’t just age in barrels, it
leaves its mark on everything around it. Blackened walls, heavy air, and the
unmistakable scent of centuries.
Architecture / Fireplace / Room
Details
A two-way fireplace built for warmth, conversation, and royal drama.
The craftsmanship here is unreal, history carved into every curve.
Paradise Cellar
Some bottles valued at €60,000… no pressure.
Sobering Historical Room
A reminder that history is complex, and sometimes heartbreaking.
Walls that witnessed more than they should have.
Closing / Cheers Photo
Cheers to 2022, and to the unexpected adventures in between.
One day in France, one jab, one castle, one unforgettable story.
Closing / Cheers Photo
Cheers to 2022, and to the unexpected adventures in between.
One day in France, one jab, one castle, one unforgettable story.
Neat adventure! Well, not the jab part but the history part. I was moved by the part about the poor queen who died of exhaustion...her name was Claude at least according to the website I want to to read more about the Otard family. It's wonderful that you are near so much history.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, Claude! Hard to remember all the details. And I can't remember the French Philosopher who stayed there for a while (he's the head statue I posted with the light on him).
DeleteThe country roads are the best. Seeing all the old remains it's remarkable. I drove by an old train station today and you would never know it! It's amazing here!