Best Cognacs To Drink Straight: Revealed
Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Cognac has a reputation for being an elite, prestigious drink, which is why many people feel intimidated and dont know much about it.
Heres something to note: much of the flavor difference between cognac bottles have something to do with their aging period. The aging period is not relative to the smoothness of the spirit, though.
Consider this article a helping hand when choosing the best cognac to drink straight. Check out our list below.
Contents
How To Properly Drink Cognac
Firstly, there is no wrong way to drink cognac as long as you are enjoying it. For instance, cognac is traditionally served neat but it can also be enjoyed chilled with ice or even as part of a cocktail.
Nevertheless, there are ways that you enhance or optimise your tasting experience to really appreciate what a cognac has to offer.
Firstly, we would refrain from chilling or adding ice to cognac. Cognac is specifically hydrated from its original 70% ABV to 40% ABV in order to provide the optimal concentration that offers the best experience. As the ice melts, it dilutes the spirit.
Although some spirits such as whisky can benefit from adding water, you usually only introduce a drop to open the flavours. However, as the ice melts, it often waters it too much and dilutes the cognac until it loses its body.
Similarly, chilling a spirit slows the evaporation. Consequently, it doesnt release its aromatic compounds and also loses its flavour.
Finally, cognac is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal. However, it is recently being appreciated as an excellent beverage for pairing with meals. Cognac is known to marry well with cheese yet younger blends can be enjoyed with charcuterie or even fish!
Otherwise, chocolate is an excellent accompaniment and we have even written extensively about pairing cigars with cognac, too!
Which Grade Of Cognac Is The Best
Les og lær om:skjul19Will cognac give you a hangover?
Hors dAge is widely considered the highest quality Cognac. This will have been aged, usually for more than 30 years but in many instances, it is difficult to tell the exact age of Cognacs in this classification as they have been around for so long.
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Whats The Difference Between Brandy And Cognac
Brandy can be produced anywhere in the world but Cognac has to be made from white grapes from specific French terroirs. Both generally contain 3560 percent ABV. Brandy is typically made from grapes but can also be produced from another fermented fruit mash. However, a brandy made from a different fruit is typically called just that, for example, apple brandy or pear brandy.
Cognac is more complex and can only be labeled as such if its produced in the Cognac region in Southwest France. This region is made up of six premium districts, known for their superior grapes and growing conditions. The Premier Cru, known as the best group of vineyards, is situated right at the center of these six and is the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. The remaining four crus are the Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires.
Cognac must also be distilled twice using copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
Which Brandy Is Good For Health
Brandy is an alcoholic beverage that is made from distilled grapes or other fruit wines. While it is not typically recommended for health purposes, some studies suggest that brandy has certain health benefits.
Studies have shown that brandy can help to reduce the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It has also been linked to a decrease in cancer risk. This is thought to be due to the polyphenols, which are antioxidants found in brandy.
These polyphenols are known to help to protect your body from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Brandy can also help to improve digestion, relax muscles, and reduce stress. In addition, it has been found to contain a range of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
It is important to note that it is best to drink brandy in moderation. Heavy drinking of brandy can lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Therefore, if you are going to drink brandy, it is recommended to do so in moderation and visit your doctor to make sure that it is not having a negative effect on your health.
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What Type Of Alcohol Is Brandy
Brandy is a type of distilled spirit that is made from wine or other fermented fruit juices, specifically referring to a spirit of between 36%-60% alcohol by volume . Brandy is a broad category of spirits with many varieties, including Cognac, Armagnac, American brandy, Calvados, and grappa.
The name brandy comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, which means burnt wine. This term refers to the process of distillation, in which the fermented base product is heated and the alcohol is vaporized and collected later as a clear, highly-concentrated liquor.
It is generally aged in wooden barrels or casks, and it can vary in color from light gold to a deep, golden brown. Brandy is traditionally enjoyed in its neat form or as an aperitif or digestif. It can also be used to make popular cocktails such as a Brandy Alexander, Martini, and Sidecar.
Best Armagnac: Darroze 40 Year Les Grand Assemblages
Region: Gascony, France | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Nutty, Fruit forward, Bright citrus, Endless finish
Distilled once in a simple column still and less diluted, Gasconys artisanal brandy is richer, more rustic, more texturaland less industrialthan its better-known competitor, cognac. It also often aged much longer, and as Desoblin points out, you can get something really old made in small quantities by real people who are also the farmers, for the fraction of the price of a cognac.
This 40-year-old Armagnac offers very long and intense flavors: nutty, fruity, and citrusy with a rich, seemingly everlasting finish. At less than $200 a bottle, its an amazing gift to yourself, says Desoblin, so go ahead and splurge.
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What Is The Smoothest Vsop Cognac
What is the smoothest vsop cognac?
9 Ultimate Smooth Cognacs
Which grade of cognac is the best?
Hors dAge Is widely considered the highest quality Cognac. This will have been aged, usually for more than 30 years but in many instances, it is difficult to tell the exact age of Cognacs in this classification as they have been around for so long.
Is vsop cognac better than vs?
Younger cognacs, such as a VS, tend to have a fresher, livelier aromas of fruit, where as older eaux-de-vie such as VSOPs tend to be smoother, with clear notes of oak and spices. There are some very good VSOPs on the market, many of which are delicious drunk neat.
Which is the best cognac brand?
Hennessy is a cognac house that needs no introduction as its one of the most well-known cognac brands in the world its also the top-selling brand in the United States. Hennessy has one of the largest collections of eaux-de-vie in the world, with over 350,000 barrels stored in 65 cellars.
Is remy martin the best cognac?
Rémy Martin
The most dominant names in cognac are Hennessy, Courvoisier, and this one right here: Rémy Martin. Founded in 1724, the top cognac house straddles a full spectrum of ages and prices. Its best-known expression, VSOP, is the biggest-selling VSOP worldwide, and a perfect base for your next sidecar.
What Are Brandy Types
Brandy is a type of distilled spirit made primarily from fermented fruit juices and has been popularly consumed since the 15th century. There are various types of brandy which are classified based on the type of fruit used to make them, their alcoholic content, and the length of their ageing period.
The four main types of brandy are grape, fruit, grain, and pomace brandy.
Grape brandy, also known as cognac, is made from grapes and has been aged for two or more years in oak barrels. It is usually 40-50% alcoholic content by volume.
Fruit brandy is made from fermented fruit juice and is usually between 30-40% alcoholic content by volume. Common examples of fruit brandy include calvados and eau-de-vie .
Grain brandy is made from grains such as wheat, rye, or barley and is usually between 30-60% alcoholic content by volume. Popular variants include rye whiskey, rum, and vodka.
Pomace brandy, also known as marc, is made from the pomace or residue of grapes left over after pressing and is usually between 30-60% alcoholic content by volume.
In addition to the main types, there are also additional variations such as peach brandy, raspberry brandy, and apricot brandy which are made from various fruits and are generally sweet and lower in alcohol content than the main types.
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Best For Sipping: Camus Xo Borderies
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Cognac, France | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Flowers, Figs, Walnuts, Citrus Zest
The only globally available cognac sourced exclusively from the premium Borderies cru, this unique bottle is a solid one for sipping, says Desoblin. Its very round, very mellow, very velvety, he says, and what else would you want in a fine sipping cognac besides excellent texture? How about a very fruity profile? A zippy, flowery nose resolves to dried-fruit flavors with a touch of nuttiness, making this surprisingly affordable bottle a benchmark for the appellation.
Hine Rare Vsop Cognac
Hine Rare VSOP Cognac is considered Fine Champagne.
All the grapes used are from the Grande or Petite Champagne areas. This Cognac carries the VSOP label for being aged up to twelve years in authentic French Limousin oak barrels.
Hine Rare VSOP is a luxurious amber color and has the aromas of apricots and nectarines. On the palate, you get orange, oak, and vanilla notes. The finish is smooth and features notes of ginger and oak.
Hine Cognac can trace its roots back to the 18th century. Over the last two hundred years, Hine has consistently produced outstanding Cognac known the world over.
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Should You Refrigerate Cognac
The consensus is that Cognac can be stored upright in a cool dark place. No need to store it on its side or rotate the bottle. Once opened, the contents can evaporate slowly and the flavors fade, but you probably wont notice any change for months.
What is the best brand of Cognac?
Hennessy is the best-selling Cognac brand in the world with steadily rising sales in the U.S. The brand is owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy and like LVMHs other brands , Hennessy has become a mark of sophistication. But the best-selling Cognac is far from mass-market swill.
How To Drink It
As a general rule of thumb, youll want to reserve older cognacs for sipping neat, with perhaps a drop or two of water to open them up. Younger cognacs are perfect for mixing and are the base of many classic cocktails, including the Sidecar, the Between the Sheets and even the original Mint Julep. Both the original French 75 and Sazerac were made with cognac before the English put their spin on the former and Phylloxera sabotaged the latters exportation, creating an American pivot to a classic homegrown spirit, rye.
If simplicity is more your thing, you can also add an ounce of cognac to a glass of Champagne or a glass of ginger ale, which is often how you’ll find the French enjoying their preferred pour. A simple highball of cognac, a splash of soda water, and some ice can also work well. Try adding a lemon wedgeor just a swath of zestfor an aromatic lift.
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Most Popular French Cognac Brands
Contrary to what its name implies, cognac is a little simpler. The French spirit should be treated as you would treat wine, its closest relative will help you better grasp it. Cognac is a type of brandy produced in the western French commune bearing its name.
Similar to the greatest wines, it is associated with a specific geographic location and must be produced using a limited number of grapes. Cognac has matured and blending criteria similar to an Italian wine from the Chianti region or a Bordeaux. The proper technique to drink cognac is using a specific type of cognac glass. Enter and give it a good sniff and taste.
Cognac has its types, and leaving them out in this article would confuse you more than educate. Here are some of the types of Cognac:
How Man Of Many Chose This List Of Cognac
While Man of Many are sticklers for research and certainly know a thing or two about Cognac, that didnt stop them from turning to the experts for this list. They compiled this list through the personal experience of author Christopher Osburn and online research from drinks critics and expert cognac reviewers. Man of Many only looked at higher-rated Cognacs through Dan Murphys reviews and took into account the major gripes and positives from the public. For the most part, theyre sticking with globally recognised names that you either know and love or should know and love, such as Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier, but theyre also throwing a few curveballs your way courtesy of their findings.
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Best For Beginners: Hine Rare Vsop
Courtesy of Drizly
Region: Cognac, France | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Almonds, Orange, Chocolate, Dried flowers
A really youthful cognac can often taste hot and alcoholic, says Thorn, so though VS cognac is less expensive, it might turn off beginners. Instead, she suggests spending a bit more money to invest in a cognac with some age on it.
I love the Hine Rare VSOP, she says. Its great for both tall, light cocktails and more spirit-forward drinks. But to get the most out of it, novices should try it on its own. Almond skin, dried petals, and plenty of fruit meet a luscious mouthfeel and round, nutty flavors. Its a lovely sipping spirit with very well-balanced, beautiful characteristics, says Thorn.
Cognac Brands Ranked Worst To Best
It’s official: Americans absolutely love their cognac. According to Yahoo Finance, plenty of people turned to cognac and champagne during the pandemic, perhaps as a small way to give themselves a premium treat while riding out the pandemic at home. Now that the world is opening up again, sales of these fine liquors show no signs of slowing down. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, cognac is a top-notch experience and an age-old luxury that dates to the 17th century.
Cognac undergoes a specific and detailed distillation and maturation process, and many connoisseurs love the litany of different delicious notes and finishes that you can get from the good stuff. No matter what your taste or budget, there’s bound to be a cognac out there for you. The following cognac brands range from the delectable to the divine, and all of them are worthy of a prime spot at your home bar.
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What Does Vsop Mean
VSOP means Very Superior Old Pale. What this translates to is that the oldest cognac in the blend must be aged at least 4 years. VSOP cognac drinks are a massive step up from VO and VS varieties, though we will clarify this later.
Apart from in the case of VO, when blending two cognacs together the age is always determined by the youngest cognac used. This means that most cognac brands are keen to make their VSOP incredible products, as they take so long to produce. This does normally make a higher price point in most cases.
Frapin’s Chteau Fontpinot Xo Is The Best Of The Best
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Liquors / Chloe Jeong
Cognac is the spirit you should be reaching for and drinking now, says certified cognac educator Ms. Franky Marshall. Thats, in part, because of its diversity. Made from grapesprimarily high-acid, low-alcohol ugni blanc varietythat are fermented, twice-distilled, and then matured in oak barrels before blending and bottling, this brandy from Frances Cognac region is not just for sipping after dinner by the fire. In fact, its one of the widest-ranging spirits categories out there.
Much of the difference between bottles has to do with how long they are aged. Younger VS, or very special, cognac is blended from brandies at least two years old, while an XO cognac, or “extra-old” cognac, gets its rich depth because it must be aged at least six years. The VSOP, or very superior old pale cognacs, blended from four-year and older brandies, are right in the middle, with characteristics of both youth and age.
We consulted with our experts and have curated the best cognacs to get right now. Thanks to its balanced flavors and intense aromatics, Frapin’s Château Fontpinot XO is our top pick.
Read on for our complete list to find your next favorite cognac.
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Whats The Difference Between French Cognac And Brandy
All cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Specifically, brandy is a spirit made by distilling wine. Therefore, cognac is a brandy just like tequila is a mezcal or an IPA is a beer. Cognac is a brandy, but its a specific type of French brandy that must be produced in a specific area of Southwest France and follow certain guidelines and rules. Its more complicated than that, but this is the simplest explanation.