What is Cognac?
Cognac is a distinct spirit that’s made from certain grape varieties found only in France. This spirit is named after the French town - Cognac. The areas surrounding Cognac are home to the vineyards that are used in making the drink. Only wine made from grapes grown in specific areas that surround the town of Cognac can use the Cognac name.
The origins of Cognac
The birth of Cognac has an interesting story, Farmers stumbled across the creation by removing the water from wine, so transportation was easier during their expeditions. This method also allowed the farmers to be taxed less, as the wine was taxed by volume. People quickly fell in love with the warm, fruity taste that left a sweet burnt aftertaste in their mouth and the rest is history.
Rise in popularity
Cognac has been the favourite drink of many famous historical & contemporary figures. Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill and more recently Snoop Dogg and Kanye West have all expressed their admiration for the French elixir. Popular Cognac brand, Hennessy, has helped promote the explosion in Cognac consumption in recent years.
What’s the difference between Cognac and Brandy?
Is cognac brandy? There are similarities between Cognac and brandy but no, they are not the same thing. One essential difference is Cognac’s regional exclusivity. Brandy can come from anywhere around the world, whereas Cognac can only come from the Cognac region in France.
Also, during the distilling process for brandy, fermented juice from fruits like apples and grapes is used, whereas Cognac is made mainly from the Ugni Blanc grape found only in France.
The many aromas of Cognac
50 cellar masters, wine experts and writers from around the world spent four days of rigorous tasting to develop the Cognac Aroma Wheel. The experts analysed more than 5,000 tasting notes then pared it down to a final list of 63 aromas. From here, the list was broken down into the five principle aromas that best describe Cognac - vanilla, prune, caramel, orange and apricot.
The best way to drink Cognac?
Famous French Poet, Victor Hugo, described Cognac as “the liquor of the gods”. The elixir is synonymous with elegance and is perfect for enjoying neat on a cold winter's night nestled under a blanket as rain trickles down the window.
We recommend drinking Cognac slowly, so you can savour the variety of aromas. Ernest Hemingway coined the the “Carburetion” technique in which the drinker takes a mouthful of Cognac, but doesn’t swallow it. Instead, swish it around your mouth for one minute. Hold it and exhale through your nose until you have no air left in your lungs. Then swallow the Cognac, open your mouth and inhale as deep as you can. Give this technique a try if the cold weather is making your feel a little sluggish - it’s sure to give you a kick.
Try this cocktail (perfect for a winter’s night!)
The Sidecar is a popular Cognac cocktail,. Perfect for when the weather is too cold to venture outside. Invite a couple of friends over to your place and impress them with this easy to make Cognac cocktail as you sit back, relax and watch a movie in front of the fireplace.
Ingredients:
45mL Cognac
22.5mL Lemon Juice
22.5mL Cointreau/Triple sec
10mL Sugar Syrup
How to make:
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Top up with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and finish with an orange twist.
Copper & Oak stock popular Cognac brands including Hennessy, Courvoisier VSOP and Martell VS. You can purchase now through our online liquor store.
