We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Cognac?

By David Bishop
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,237
Share

Cognac is a type of brandy made exclusively in the area around the town of Cognac in western France. Cognac distilleries produce this drink by pressing and fermenting local grapes, then boiling the liquid down until it has a high concentration of alcohol. The resulting product is aged for several years and is eventually mixed with other varieties to achieve consistent flavoring. Cognac production is carefully monitored by the French government and must conform to certain quality grades based on age and other factors. A first-time buyer looking for the best cognac for himself 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 could look for a more expensive Very Special Old Pale (VSOP) or Extra Old (XO) designation.

Age is the most important factor in determining the value and quality of the best cognac. Less expensive labels marked VS will only have been 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 alcohol. Bottles with the VS label are appropriate for those new to cognac, who may not have developed a sophisticated enough palate to appreciate the complexities of older brandies and, thus, would be spending money unnecessarily if they were to buy a higher-quality cognac. The flavor of cognac does not develop after bottling, so consumers can’t purchase a VS label and keep it on the shelf to age.

The VSOP label denotes a blend in which the youngest component has been aged for at least four years. These bottles offer a slightly more nuanced experience than the VS label while remaining affordable for most occasions. This label represents the best cognac for the experienced consumer who wants to enjoy the occasional after-dinner drink.

The XO, Napoleon and hors d’age designations are applied to blends that have been aged for at least six years. Some of the most expensive cognac varieties may have aged for 20 years or more. These products are for the most 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 when the consumer is looking for a unique taste.

Those looking for the best cognac experience should taste from a balloon- or tulip-shaped glass. This glassware allows the delicate aroma of the brandy to concentrate before being consumed. Many cognac drinkers enjoy this drink along with a nice cigar to complete a fine dining experience.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-cognac.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.