Liquor is Cognacs
Cognac has become a staple in trendy nightclubs, the drink of choice for uber-trendy hip hop stars, and a spirit that millennials seem to be falling in love with. But it is also an ancient spirit that has a rich and sophisticated history. Cognacs are brandies, and they are distilled from white grapes that grow in France’s Cognac region (the Appellation d’Origine Controlee, or AOC). While it may sound complicated, it is actually quite simple to understand how the cognacs are made.
The grapes are pressed and the juice fermented for a short period of time. Then it is distilled twice to create what is called eau-de-vie. The eau-de-vie is then aged for years in oak barrels. The aging process is what gives Cognac its character and flavor. Different eaux-de-vies will age differently depending on how much of the grapes are used in the production, how long they are left in the barrels, and even whether they are stored in dry or humid cellars. The French have a very specific set of rules for these things that dictate how the cognac is to be produced, how it’s to be labelled, and so on.
Once the eau-de-vie has been distilled it’s then bottled and sold. It can be sipped neat or in some classic cocktails such as the Brandy Alexander. But many Cognac lovers like to sip their cognacs in a snifter, allowing the nose to appreciate its rich aromas.
There are four major Cognac producers (Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin, and Courvoisier), each of which has its own distinct line-up and blends. These are known as the ‘big houses’, and they account for the highest sales of Cognacs.
What Liquor is Cognacs?
This is partly because they have strong marketing organizations and a global reach, but it’s also because they produce some of the very best Cognacs. Hennessy’s XO, for example, is a prestigious product that is aged 10 to 12 years and blended to produce a smoother finish.
As far as the other brandies go, there are a few that come close to the prestige of Cognac, including grappa (an Italian grape pomace brandy), pisco (a clear, Peruvian brandy distilled from squeezing the leftover juice of unfermented grapes), and Armagnac (Cognac’s younger sibling and a worthy rival). But none of these are as good as a good cognac.
Cognac is a complex and delicate spirit that should be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail. It is very easy to get wrong, especially when you are trying to figure out how to pair it with food. That’s why it’s best to learn from the experts and visit a good quality Cognac bar. There, you can ask for a tasting and find the perfect Cognac to complement your next meal or cocktail. Enjoy!
Cognac is a renowned French brandy that has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and distinct flavor profile. Produced in the Cognac region of southwestern France, it is considered one of the finest spirits in the world. Cognac has a rich history, meticulous production methods, and a unique set of regulations that ensure its authenticity and high standards.
