“Unlock the Secrets of the Quintessential French Drink: Enjoying the Finer Things in Life with Cognac.”
Cognac is one of the finest and most celebrated drinks in the world. It’s a spirit distilled from white wine and aged in oak barrels. Its AOC label gives it an air of prestige and marks it with a certain sophistication – connoisseurs recognising its exceptional quality, smoothness, and complexity.
Cognac is an emblematic French drink from the Charentes region. It has a long history of production, and originally earned its reputation during the 18th Century when British citizens highly prized it. Since then, Cognac has spread around the globe, and is now enjoyed in many different countries.
The unique production, aging and distillation process of Cognac all go into creating its distinct flavour and aroma. The grapes used to make Cognac are picked during the last two weeks of September and then pressurized to extract the juice. The juice then ferments in tanks, before being distilled twice and later aged in oak barrels.
Cognac sure knows how to tantalise the taste buds. From delicate fruity and floral aromas, to sweet and spicy notes, each Cognac variety has something special to offer. These notes can be more easily identified when the spirit is served neat, requiring that you swallow after a few seconds and respond to the changes that the Cognac makes in your mouth.
If you are not able to appreciate the nuances of this exceptional drink neat, there are several unique ways to serve it. If you’re not up for straight up, you can try mixing it with ice or a mixer. Popular Cognac-based cocktails such as the French 75, or newer creations such as the Cognac Caesar and New York Sour, are versatile and balanced.
When selecting your next bottle of Cognac, it’s important to understand the advantages and characteristics of each label. The most popular Cognacs specially reserve with the VS, VSOP, and XO varieties. They mainly differ in aging time and complexity, but the extra time in barrels brings an additional element of complexity.
Another point to consider is the addition of caramelized sugar, which is known as “liqueur d’expedition” in French. These are added to all Cognacs before they are bottled and can instantly enhance the final product.
Cognac is an excellent intermediate between aperitifs and digestives and is ideal to be served in a variety of situations. From special occasions to casual dinners, Cognac elevates any event. When looking to make sure you get the best of quality, your next bottle can be found in a local or online specialist.
Whether it’s enjoyed neat, over ice or as part of an intriguing cocktail, Cognac has the power to transport you to another realm of sophistication. So, why not unlock the secrets of this quintessential French drink, and enjoy a true taste of fine living?