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You've probably heard Cognac shouted out in a Drake song. And maybe you know it's a key ingredient in a classic sidecar cocktail. And maybe you've seen a relative sipping on a glass after dinner. Cognac has a reputation for being classy and expensive, if a little dated. But, like, do you actually know what Cognac is?
You can think of the relationship between Cognac and brandy as similar to the one between Champagne and sparkling wine. Cognac is a type of distilled wine (so, a type of brandy). But what sets Cognac apart from all other types of brandy are the strict regulations producers must follow when using grapes from the Cognac region of southern France.
At its core, Cognac is an aged grape-based spirit. But depending on the bottle you buy, the taste can vary significantly. Younger Cognacs resemble the grapes more closely with fruity and floral flavors. The longer it ages, the more the casks impart dry and spice notes. It's also a surprisingly versatile spirit: you can just as easily mix it into a cocktail as you can sip it neat to enjoy the expression to the fullest.
Beyond just from a flavor perspective, Cognacs also vary when it comes to price. You don't necessarily need to make a major investment to enjoy high-quality Cognac. You can splurge on some special bottles and also ball out on a budget. Don't know where to start? We've rounded up our eight favorite bottles of Cognac that span a wide price range.
Want more bottle recommendations? Check out our favorite whiskeys, tequilas, and gins.
In this case, V.S. stands for Very Special. That means it's been aged for the mandatory minimum of two years. You'll find your least expensive cognacs under this descriptor, but brands like Camus still have a subtle, refined flavor.
Hennessy Hennessy Master Blender's Selection No. 3
Even if you've never tasted cognacm you've definitely heard of Hennessy. A favorite of Nas, Drake, and Meg Thee Stallion, this brand is certainly the most popular in the country. For the very best of the brand, this smokey master blend is worth every penny.
Very Superior Old Pale (or V.S.O.P) is a fancy way of saying the cognac has been aged for at least four years, bringing out even more of the natural earthy and oaky flavors. We like this bottle from Hine because it balances the woodsy flavors with sweet, fruity notes.
On the most aged end of the spectrum is X.O. cognac—a qualifier that means the liquor has been aged at least 10 years. These tend to be the most flavorful (and expensive!) bottles. However, this midrange Maison Surrenne bottle won't break the bank for a spirit bursting with flavor.
Enjoying a glass after dinner? Martell has notes of vanilla and plum—making it the perfect dessert.
Hennessy may be the most sought-after brand in the United States, but overseas, it's Rémy Martin. This brand's popularity in Europe may have something to do with its full-bodied flavor and silky finish.
François Voyer X.O. Gold Grande Champagne Cognac
This small, family-operated producer has been crafting Cognac since 1870. This expression is aged for at least 14 years, so it has the depth and complexity of a mature Cognac while still retaining fruity notes of pear and peach that you'd find in younger bottles.
Whether it's a housewarming present or a Father's Day gift, this bottle of Rémy Martin will look amazing on any bar cart.
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