How many types of cognac are there?

Beyond the primary three types of Cognac there are several other names and titles used on Cognac bottles, such as: Premium (VS), Extra (essentially VSOP– with at least six years aging), Napoleon (between VSOP and XO), Vintage (a single vintage Cognac), Réserve Familiale (Family Reserve), Très Vieille Réserve (Very Old …

What are the three types of cognac?

The current legally defined categories of Cognac include:

• V.S.: Eau de vies with a minimum age of two years. Also known as Very Special or Three Stars.
• V.S.O.P.: Eau de vies with a minimum age of four years. Also known as Very Special Old Pale or Reserve.
• X.O.: Eau de vies with a minimum age of six years.

Which is better XO or VSOP cognac?

The designations you see on Cognac labels—VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old)—are a guarantee of how long a Cognac has been aged. VS indicates that the Cognac has been aged at least two years, VSOP at least four years and XO (Extra Old) at least six years.

What is the highest quality of cognac?

Hors d'Age 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.

What does XO stand for cognac?

→ XO or Napoleon means Extra Old – aged at least six years. There are even plans to change the definition of XO to be oak aged for at least ten years. → Extra Cognac is also aged at least six years but is a Cognac superior to an XO.

Is GREY goose a cognac?

Grey Goose is a brand of vodka produced in France. It was created in the 1990s by Sidney Frank, who sold it to Bacardi in 2004. The Maître de Chai for Grey Goose is François Thibault, who developed the original recipe for the vodka in Cognac, France.

Is brandy a cognac or whiskey?

Brandies are made from grape or fruit wine. Whiskey is made from grain. Cognac is a type of brandy. All cognacs are brandy, but not all brandies are cognac.

Is Remy Martin good cognac?

Rémy Martin's dark, rich VSOP expression has the flavor profile of a more mature XO bottling, and for a fraction of the price. Those searching for the bright, fruity hallmarks of a VSOP may be disappointed, but it's an excellent cognac in any case.

Which is better Hennessy or Courvoisier?

While Courvoisier is slightly more affordable, it doesn't really lag in quality. In fact, it's your better choice if you prefer a sweeter cognac to be slightly sweeter. Meanwhile, if you prefer to splurge and go for luxury, Hennessy is your better alternative.

Is Hennessy better than Remy Martin?

Remy Martin Vs Hennessy – What to Choose? The answer depends on what you're looking for in your Cognac. If you want a smooth and mellow drink that's great on its own or with food, then Remy is probably your best bet (though it's worth mentioning that both brands make excellent VSOP Cognacs as well).

Is Remy Martin a cognac?

Remy Martin is a world-renowned French cognac producer, and Louis XIII cognac is one of the most celebrated and expensive spirits in the world.

Is VSOP a cognac?

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old.

Is cognac drunk straight?

As an aperitif, cognac is usually consumed neat. Adding a drop of water will reveal more fruity, floral, and spicy aromas, making the tasting experience smoother.

What does VSOP stand for?

You're probably wondering what does VSOP mean. Well the official term stands for for “Very Superior Old Pale”, although it is often referred to as “Very Special Old Pale”.

Does cognac expire?

Unlike wine, which can go on improving, cognac ceases to age when in bottle. Thus, a bottle of cognac can be stored for a very long time provided it has not been opened and the cork remains intact. Storing the bottles upright in a dry, dark place will maintain the quality of both cork and cognac.

Do you put ice in cognac?

COGNAC'S VERSATILITY – THE PERFECT PAIRING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Similarly, adding two ice cubes will further dilute the cognac and reduce the alcohol percentage, revealing the same aromas while making the taste more refreshing. The ice cubes should melt slowly, gradually revealing new aromas.

Is Remy Martin better than Hennessy?

Remy Martin Vs Hennessy – What to Choose? The answer depends on what you're looking for in your Cognac. If you want a smooth and mellow drink that's great on its own or with food, then Remy is probably your best bet (though it's worth mentioning that both brands make excellent VSOP Cognacs as well).

What are the Big 4 cognac houses?

In a sea of brandy producers, “The Big Four” — Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier — have stood the test of time. Recognized by spirits aficionados around the world, each of the four houses offers drinkers a legacy and signature style befitting of every Cognac lover.

Is courvoisier or Hennessy better?

While Courvoisier is slightly more affordable, it doesn't really lag in quality. In fact, it's your better choice if you prefer a sweeter cognac to be slightly sweeter. Meanwhile, if you prefer to splurge and go for luxury, Hennessy is your better alternative.

Is cognac a healthy drink?

Cognac comes out as a surprising heart supporter. In addition to reducing free radicals, cognac lowers risk of blood clots and the strain that pumping has on your heart, which in turn lowers risk for heart disease. The most beneficial cognac is said to be XO cognac, which is aged in oak barrels for a long time.

Which is best VSOP or VS?

Again, it all comes down to personal preference. If a cognac has been aged for longer, it does not necessarily mean it is better. 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.

What kind of person drinks cognac?

While Cognac has long been well-established in the US among black drinkers, who largely drink the spirit casually at home, white drinkers in the country are increasing their Cognac consumption – often through the on-premise channel and as an after-dinner digestif.

Why do rappers drink cognac?

In the late 1990s as hip hop began to truly go global via MTV, cognac and Hennessy in particular started to be referenced by rappers. It was dropped into tracks as a reference point for old-world luxury, enjoying the finer things in life and sharing a good time.

Should you freeze cognac?

Cognac can even be consumed frozen, which makes the liquid very viscous (the high alcohol content prevents it from freezing completely) and gives an experience that is almost velvety in the mouth.

Should cognac be chilled?

Traditionally cognac is served at room temperature and warmed in the hand. However there are now some cognacs that have been specifically created for drinking chilled, such as ABK6 Ice or De Luze's A Blend.