A BRIT has shown fighting spirit — by beating the French to produce the world’s best cognac.

       David Baker, 77, won a top international award, outdoing rivals including two from France.

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       David Baker won a top international award, outdoing rivals including two from France Credit: SWNS

       Judges from the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) described the brandy he selected and carefully aged as “spicy but gentle and supremely dry”.

       The exclusive ￡499-a-bottle liquor was awarded 99 points out of 100 and won him Brandy Producer of the Year 2021 — seeing off French brands Camus and Domaine Tariquet.

       David, from Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts, said French brandy producers have since been flocking to his 30-year-old firm Hermitage Cognac — which won a total of ten awards — to find the secret of his success.

       He said: “I’m delighted to win the awards.

       "We are well known now in France and French producers seek us out.”

       After a blind tasting, the judges said the Grande Champagne Cognac was “like opening an old leather-bound book”.

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       They described its flavour as: “Figgy pudding and rich dark chocolate, wonderful spices and bitterness of orange zest come through on the palate.”

       David sourced the brandy from the Cognac region of France and has patiently waited for it to mature.

       He added: “Originally our 45-year-old Grande Champagne Cognac, we have watched this remarkable brandy develop in its cask for many years.

       “It is now more than 50 years old and still it grows in maturity, richness and finesse.

       "Flavours of fruit cake, sultanas and porcini will continue to develop in this masterpiece.”

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       David said: 'I’m delighted to win the awards. We are well known now in France and French producers seek us out' Credit: SWNS 3

       David sourced the brandy from the Cognac region of France and has patiently waited for it to mature Credit: SWNS

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