Alain Royer

Alain's background is Cognac, his family has been involved in the producing region as long as record exists and probably since Cognac exists. Born and educated first in Cognac, then at the Sorbonne in Paris where he got an MA in English and an MBA. Worked in Austria as a distiller and blender for spirits and liqueurs before before joining the French Air Force for military service. He then returned to Cognac, his true passion. He has been at the origin of many innovations and creations such as the Lafite Rothschild reserves of Cognac and Armagnac, created and developed the A de Fussigny line of rare cognacs and brought it to an international recognition. Curiosity and passion also led him to be part of the Paradisio El Tesoro tequila venture, co signed the Millenium blend Bourbon with Boker Noe. He is now VP Development with Jean-Pierre Cointreau with the Renaud-Cointreau group and has a strong foot in Armagnac with Château du Busca Armagnac which he has brought to the US working very closely with Preiss Imports from California. His territory of predilection are the US but he is also very active in Europe working with some of the key premium importers for fine wine and spirits.