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Cognac is a type of brandy made from local grapes in Cognac, France. It is aged for several years and blended to achieve a consistent aroma. Quality is based on age and other factors, with VS, VSOP, and XO labels indicating different levels of aging. The ultimate experience is enjoyed from a balloon or tulip-shaped glass, often accompanied by a cigar.
Cognac is a type of brandy produced exclusively in the area around the city of Cognac in western France. Cognac distilleries make this drink by pressing and fermenting local grapes, then boiling the liquid until it has a high alcohol concentration. The resulting product is aged for several years and is finally blended with other varieties to achieve a consistent aroma. Cognac production is closely monitored by the French government and must comply with certain quality grades based on age and other factors. A first-time buyer looking for the best cognac for themselves might try a bottle labeled “Very Special” (VS), which indicates the cognac has been aged for at least two years; someone looking for a bottle as a gift or for a special occasion might look to a more expensive Very Special Old Pale (VSOP) or Extra Old (XO) denomination.
Age is the most important factor in determining the value and quality of the best cognac. Less expensive labels marked with VS will only be aged for two years and may have been mixed with water to get the correct alcohol content. These blends will have absorbed less flavor from the combination of aging and evaporation of the alcohol. Bottles with the VS label are appropriate for newer cognacs, which may not have developed a sophisticated enough palate to appreciate the intricacies of the older brandies and, therefore, would be spending money unnecessarily buying a higher quality cognac. The cognac’s flavor doesn’t develop after bottling, so consumers can’t buy a VS label and keep it on the shelf to age.
The VSOP label indicates a blend where the youngest component is aged for at least four years. These bottles offer a slightly more nuanced experience than the VS label while still being affordable for most occasions. This label represents the best cognac for the savvy consumer who wants to enjoy the occasional after-dinner drink.
The appellations XO, Napoleon and hors d’age are applied to blends aged for at least six years. Some of the more expensive cognac varieties might be aged for 20 years or more. These products are intended for the discerning cognac consumer and represent a great deal of time and craftsmanship on the part of the distiller. XO labels can be saved for special occasions where the consumer is looking for a unique taste.
Those looking for the ultimate cognac experience should sample from a balloon or tulip-shaped glass. This glassware allows the delicate aroma of the brandy to concentrate before it is consumed. Many cognac drinkers enjoy this drink alongside a nice cigar to complete a fine dining experience.
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