Unlike certain wine regions, which are based on appellations and vinification methods, cognac works on an easy-to-get-your-head-around ageing classification. Our panel — made up of accredited cognac experts and consumers — tested each bottle blind; first neat, then diluted with water to soften the alcohol and allow the core flavours to shine. They were looking for well-balanced examples offering a smooth mouthfeel and complexity. Younger cognacs should display a light and lively profile of fruit and floral notes, while aged examples should bring greater complexity, heavier oak and jammy dried fruit. This cookie is set by Rubicon Project to control synchronization of user identification and exchange of user data between various ad services.

Cognac is a specific type of brandy, made from distilled white wine. However, just as all champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is champagne; all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac... you follow? While food pairing is possible, generally speaking, cognac is best served as a digestif, or aperitif. While the old-school set would only serve it neat and at room temperature, we’re not ones to follow the rules. Put simply, cognac is the crème de la crème of the brandy world. Made in a specific region, it must be aged in French oak for a minimum of two years, and undergo two distillations. The second distillation produces the ‘eau de vie’, which is then blended, aged, and released when the brand deems it ready. What is the highest quality of cognac? Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.