Cognac is back with a bang and it’s not just for cocktails, my friends. Cognac is a spirit made with grapes, which is then aged in oak and it can be a great place to ease yourself into the spirits world. Often, it can be a little softer than whisky, with mellow flavours of candied orange peel, fudge and cinnamon spice. Like whisky, it has many levels of quality from the entry-level VS style all the way up to XO (extra old) and vintage cognacs (There’s our little video here with some basics if you want to know more.) In the meantime, here are some special cognacs that are perfect for gifting and sipping this festive season.
Camus Cognac VS Elegance
The Camus family has always been deeply involved in winemaking and distilling and make a wide range of Cognacs at differing quality levels and styles. This is their gentle, easy-going entry-level Cognac which boasts aromas and flavours of blossom, dried apricot, vanilla pod and spice. A brilliantly accessible introduction to Cognac.
Size: 1l
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £32.96 // US $30.99 (70cl)
Courvoisier Fine VSOP
This classic VSOP, a quality step up from VS, is made by one of the best known producers of the region: Courvoisier. With its incredibly rich history, especially as the producer of cognac for the Napoleonic wars, Courvoisier has had a long time to perfect its style and this is an absolute benchmark for VSOP. Think of a silky smooth spirit, with notes of baked pear, red apples and hints of cinnamon spice, coffee bean and toast.
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £34.95 // US $42.99
Rémy Martin Royal Accord Cognac
Powerful, smooth and rich with notes of toffee and cherry wood, this cognac sits between a VSOP and XO style. It was named in honour of King Louis XV granting the ‘Accord Royal’ to Rémy Martin in 1738, which allowed them to plant vines on royal land. This is a rich and robust Cognac. Given its age and pedigree, this cognac is an absolute steal!
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £42.45 // US $53.99
Delamain Pale & Dry
This exceptionally elegant and delicate ’Grande Champagne’ cognac is the flagship spirit of the historic house of Delamain and it is celebrating its 100th year this year. Grande Champagne is the premium grape growing area of the region and it produces the finest eaux-de-vie to make cognac. As the label states, this extra old cognac is pale and dry, with a subtle, floral perfume, a hint of leather and a complex, yet round, fruited finish.
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £97.45 // US: $135.54
Frapin Vintage 1990 Cognac
With cognac, the quality of the grapes matters, even though they are being distilled and in a fantastic year, the base for some exceptional cognacs are produced, such as this one from 1990. Made with grapes from one single vineyard, this is a concentrated and powerful, yet elegant cognac with a perfume of jasmine and apricot blossom along with some darker notes of nuts and star anise.
Size: 70cl
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £140
Courvoisier XO Initiale
This bottling is relatively new for Courvoisier and yet is another timeless, beautifully blended spirit where its complexity comes from very old eaux-di-vie from all over the Cognac region. Think of dried peach, red fruits, cocoa powder and a touch of worn leather. Delicious. A great one for dark chocolate too.
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £86.95 // US $99.99
And in case you were feeling flush…
Rome de Belleguard Cognac XO Limited Edition
Rome de Belleguard is home to the most expensive Cognac in the world and no this isn’t it. Made with grapes grown exclusively in the Grand Champagne appellations in Cognac, the spirit is stored in new casks for 3-5 years before being matured in oak barrels for up to 30 years. Ethereal and perfumed, this is a very elegant spirit with vanilla cream, citrus peel and woody spice.
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: £3000
Have you checked out our wine, no-low and cocktail gift guides yet?