Build a Bar Workshop: Cognac

Cognac is a variety of brandy, produced near the town of Cognac, in western France. Cognac must be made from specified grapes, of which Ugni blanc, known locally as Saint-Emilion, is the one most widely used. The grapes are typically very dry and acidic. The brandy must be twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. Cognac matures in the same way as whiskies and wine when aged in barrels, and most cognacs are aged considerably longer than the minimum legal requirement.

If a cognac has an age statement, the age is calculated as that of the youngest component used in the blend. Blending is important for obtaining a complexity of flavors absent from an eau-de-vie ("water of life") from a single distillery or vineyard.

There are several official cognac grades:
V.S. (Very Special) designates a blend in which the youngest brandy has been stored for at least two years in cask.
V.S.O.P. (Very superior old pale) or Reserve designates a blend in which the youngest brandy is stored for at least four years in a cask.
XO (Extra old) or Napoléon designates a blend in which the youngest brandy is stored for at least six years. In 2016, the minimum storage age of the youngest brandy used in an XO blend will be set to ten years.
Hors d'âge (Beyond age) is a designation which equal to XO, but in practice the term is used by producers to market a high-quality product beyond the official age scale.

The Cognac area is made up of 73,000 hectares (180,400 acres) of vineyards of which there are six different growing areas. Grande Champagne is known for making powerful cognacs. The second area is called Petite Champagne, and it is know to make elegant cognacs. (Both areas have chalky soil, like the Champagne region). Borderies is the third area, and makes well-rounded cognacs with violet aromas. The fourth area is called Fin Bois, and makes fine and elegant cognacs. The last two areas are named Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires.

Where cognac ends up is mostly China. Only about 3% of cognac is sold in France. Here in the US, Hennessy is, by far, the biggest selling cognac brand.

On the nose, Hennessy Very Special brings together an intense and fruity character with oaky notes. On the palate, powerful flavors suggest grilled almonds, supported by notes reminiscent of fresh grapes.

Another traditional top selling brand is Rémy Martin. Since 1724, Rémy Martin has turned the finest grapes into harmonious, complex and opulent cognacs.

Rémy Martin VSOP embodies the perfect harmony of powerful and elegant aromas. It is the symbol of the Cellar Master’s art of blending. The taste is a perfect harmony between the firm character of ripe fruit and subtle notes of licorice, offering a great complexity of elegant and powerful aromas.

Courvoisier VS is a mouth-watering blend of cognacs offering complex fruity notes, with a unique richness and depth. Perfect harmony and balance of aromas Aroma is everything for cognac. The character of each individual note is shaped by its terroir, grape, cask and years of maturation.  This is why  Courvoisier takes  great care to nurture every possible aroma at every possible stage of the cognac-making process.

We do carry multiple types of Hennessy, Rémy Martin and Courvoisier. If you enjoy cognac, we recommend exploring beyond those three brands.

Look for Delamain. The Pale & Dry XO is a blend produced exclusively from Grand Champagne, the first cognac growth, and aged for many long years. It comes draped in extremely bright, light amber robes, clear and shot through with flashes of gold that subsequently reveal its remarkable delicate elegance and distinction.

Its bouquet is characterized by the power and length of the intensely floral aromas, backed by the distinctive vanilla of its rancio. Its mellow roundness on the palate blossoms into a full-bodied fruitiness, with a slight and harmonious hint of licorice.

We also carry Planat Cognac. Planat cognac uses only the finest eau-de-vie from the main growths of the AOC area. It is noted for its nose and extensive bouquet. The Cellar Master truly respects every step of the aging process of this cognac, essential for obtaining the right balance and desired roundness. Amateurs of Planat cognac today can enjoy it neat, as in the 19th century, on ice, or mixed in traditional – or more adventurous – cocktails.

We also recommend Hine Rare VSOP Cognac. Enjoy notes of jasmine, acacia, vanilla, oak and fruit. Delicate, well-balanced, mellow and smooth on the palate. It's a Fine Champagne blend of over 25 cognacs. More than 50% are from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne and the remaining from the Petite Champagne, the 2 finest cognac crus.

Whether you enjoy cognac neat or in a cocktail, we have an option for you. Ask our in-store experts for assistance.

Some information courtesy of Forbes.com, wikipedia.com, cognac.com and the distillers.