The Most Beautiful Distilleries to Visit in Cognac

Cognac is a simply stunning part of France that we explore in The Three Drinkers in Cognac. There is so much to see and do and although we’ve covered everything except the drinks in our guide here, it’s now time to cover what the region is most famous for – its distilleries. Let’s begin with some of the amazing locations we visit in the Amazon Prime series!

AS FEATURED IN THE THREE DRINKERS IN COGNAC

Courvoisier

The opening minutes of the first episode sees The Three Drinkers visit Domaine Guilloteau to see the operational production process, a picturesque winery owned by the iconic Courvoisier. The public attraction however is The Maison Courvoisier, the famous 19th-century house in the heart of Jarnac. The 90-minute tour covers the nuances of distillation, ageing and blending, Napoleonic history, local geology, a trip down into the cellars, and of course, a tasting of the delicious end product itself, in VS, VSOP and XO styles.

More information here

Rémy Martin

Not only can the historic Grande Champagne vineyards of Rémy Martin be seen in Episode Three, but also the tasting room of the house and even ‘Paradis’ in Episode Four. Dating back to 1724, it is the only cognac house founded by a winemaker (no prizes for guessing the name) and pioneered the region’s first wine cooperative – Alliance Fine Champagne. Their award-winning visitor experience is varied with plenty of different tour options, from train visits around the elegant estate to the magical Infinity Experience. One thing is certain however, you will see how this legendary liquid is made from grape to glass and you will taste from that glass at the end.

More information here

Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is the other best-known liquid in the area, and Episode Two explores its stunning home – the 17th-century Château de Bourg-Charente. Since 1921, the family has used it to store, age and blend their Cognacs but over the last decade, expansion of the site means it is also where the other most important ingredient in Grand Marnier is distilled – dried orange peel. If you want to know more about this incredible product then watch the show or check out our guide here!

More information here

Audemus Spirits

Episode Four of The Three Drinkers in Cognac shows the charming Audemus Spirits helping Aidy and Helena with their own gin. Famed for its inventive and renowned Pink Pepper gin among others, this one-of-a-kind distillery is also a living room. That’s right, a far cry from the majestic Cognac houses, this is a much smaller operation hence there are no public tours or anything unfortunately. Keep your eyes peeled on the website though for events that do pop up, and to peruse the unique blends Audemus produces.

More information here

MORE BEAUTIFUL VISITS

Au Coeur du Château - VSOP Baron Otard & VSOP D'Ussé

For a visit that combines history and cognac, it doesn’t get much better than the Château Royal de Cognac. Overlooking the stunning Charente, this castle began as a fortress a thousand years ago before evolving into a stately home. Catching the eye of Baron Otard, the site was transformed into a formidable Cognac house. So, not only will you see how the robust castle walls help produce delicious eaux-de-vie, but there are also secret cellars, old prison cells and eye-catching Gothic and Renaissance architecture to keep you entertained.

More information here

Hine

Deep in bustling Jarnac, Hine’s tours have developed a top reputation for clearly explaining the nuances of cognac production in layman’s terms. Not only are they producing some of the most unique cognac blends out there (such as their rum-esque VSOP), but their super engaging, visual and entertaining tour and exhibits leave you knowing the process inside out. They have a few different options when exploring their riverside house at 16 quai de l’Orangerie so just see which suits you best!

More information here

Hennessy Les Visites

Hennessy is another of the Big Four Cognac Houses, and one of the flagship brands of the drink’s cool comeback. The 90-minute tour is the complete package, with audio-visual presentation, art, boat ride, guided tasting with side dishes, ancient cellars and of course, every Hennessy bottle made including one-off rarities. Perched right beside the Charente and with the bridge in the background, you are guaranteed to feel the prestige of Hennessy before you even set foot on dry land.

More information here

If you want more things to do in and around Cognac, check out our other Things to Do here (you’d be amazed at what you can get up to!).

What is XO Cognac and What Should I Try?

With The Three Drinkers in Cognac exploring the stunning liquid that is cognac as well as its picturesque namesake surroundings, we thought it was about time we went into detail about what those letters on cognac and other brandy bottles mean. We’ve covered VS and VSOP cognac before and now it’s time for XO!

What is XO Cognac?

Whereas, VS (Very Special) is the youngest age statement of cognac and means no liquid in the bottle is younger than two years old, XO Cognac means Extra Old, which in numerical terms means that the liquid has been aged for a minimum of ten years. Some parts of the blend may be older, but ten is the minimum.

Interestingly, this actually changed in 2016 when six years used to be the XO minimum, so if you buy an older XO, you might find that there is in fact liquid younger than ten years old.

How Does XO Cognac differ to VSOP and XXO Cognac?

VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) bottles are quite significantly younger than XO, requiring at least four years of aging. XO (Extra Old) is the next official category along, with ten years of aging needed, and beyond that there is XXO (yep, you guessed it - Extra Extra Old) that must be fourteen years of age.

Cognac masters use different eaux-de-vie of various ages to add different characteristics to the blend, so even though VS and VSOP are more commonly used for cocktails and mixes, it is not as simple as ‘the older the better’. Some VSOP will contain eaux-de-vie that are mostly XO, but may include some much younger liquid for vibrance, thereby categorising it as VSOP.

There are all kinds of unofficial age statements and other terms like Napoleon and hors d’âge so check out our full breakdown of the age statements here (including top recommendations from each!).

So many parts of the production process affect the end product of cognac, but generally the longer cognac sits in the barrel, the richer, nuttier, and more complex it becomes.  In the world of cognac, there is a relationship between age and price, with VS usually the most affordable, and XXO and beyond commanding the biggest price tags.

How is XO Cognac drunk?

Whilst the bright and fiery youth of VS blends lend themselves to cocktails, the nuance and complexity of an XO is likely to be lost mixed with such strong ingredients. It would still be delicious, particularly in a simple Highball, but for the money, it’s probably best enjoyed on its own.

When we say on its own, we mean either neat as an aperitif, or with a few drops of water as some drinkers enjoy. This, like a little ice, dilutes the cognac slightly for a smoother experience and often reveals new aromas such as fruity, floral, and/or spicy notes. If the XO is good quality (like below), you will want to slowly sip and find your way around the liquid and its layers without intensely flavoured mixers… but as is the golden rule with drinking, enjoy it in whatever way you enjoy it!

Which XO Cognac should I try?

Courvoisier XO

A timeless classic with layers of complexity from aged eaux-de-vie from all across the Cognac growing regions. Oak-y throughout, the nose of apricot opens out into silky smooth berries with delectable orange to finish. This is a serial award-winning XO for a reason!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £114.95 // US $189.99

Rémy Martin XO

This Grande and Petite Champagne blend is masterful from grape to glass. Vanilla, caramel and warm spice weave harmoniously in a rich and sophisticated XO. This alongside a few squares of dark chocolate is a dream.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £174.99 // US $249.99

Prunier Tres Vieille XO

Unbelievably soft, this Prunier Tres Vieille XO fills the mouth with elegant richness, including some more unusual leather and white pepper notes alongside a tarte tatin reminiscence to die for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £170

Hine Antique XO Cognac

This is a gorgeously soothing XO with indulgence and subtlety. 40 different cognacs aged over a decade create layers upon layers of spicy pepper, fruits rolled in cinnamon and perfumed spice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £163 // US $234.99

Martell XO Cognac

Dating back to 1715, Martell is the oldest cognac house, and this XO radiates those generations of expertise. Mellow and soft in the mouth, it’s fragrant with citrus, walnut and blossom and every sip feels like a treat (exactly what you want from an XO).

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £182.99 // US $264.99

Maxime Trijol XO

Spiced orange and caramel swirl together in this gem of an XO that also provides pretty impressive value. It’s dry, fruity, and lined with vanilla butterscotch for complete indulgence. Many cognac aficionados return to this as their regular sipper!

Size: 700ml       
ABV: 40%
Find here: £102.99

Frapin Château de Fontpinot XO Cognac

Winner of the prestigious Master award for Single Cru XO in 2018, this Grand Champagne blend is moreishly fruity and floral with terrific poise. Subtle nuts and oaky vanilla round off a characterful and distinct XO that’s bursting with flavour.

Size: 700ml       
ABV: 41%
Find here: £134.99

Jean Fillioux Grande Reserve XO Cognac

At a lip-smacking 44%, this is a bold and powerful single Cru XO that is masterfully balanced. Oak, vanilla, and orange all work with one another and for under £100, you just don’t get XO cognac much better.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £91.75 // US $138.99

For more information about the rich world of cognac, check out the Beginner’s Guide (or The Three Drinkers in Cognac of course!)

What is VSOP Cognac and What Should I Try?

The Three Drinkers in Cognac follows Aidy and Helena as they explore everything the stunning region has to offer, and VSOP Cognac pops up again and again, so what exactly is it?

What is VSOP Cognac?

If you’re completely new to the world of cognac then do consult our Complete Beginner’s Guide, but in a sentence, cognac is a brandy produced in its namesake region in between Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. When the Dutch became invested in the 18th century, Cognac rose above the competition and it’s now a protected and prestigious type of brandy.

Newbies are often thrown by the baffling letters that appear on cognac bottles, but all these signify is the age of the bottle. Now, to be more precise, cognac is made up of different blends usually of various ages, so this age statement lettering tells us the minimum age of the youngest liquid in the bottle.

VS (Very Special) is the youngest age statement and means that the youngest eaux-de-vie used has been aged for at least two years. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) on the other hand is slightly older at four years. So, a VSOP Cognac will contain no liquid that wasn’t aged for four years, but is this as simple as older cognac equals better cognac?

How Does VSOP Cognac differ to VS and XO Cognac?

Each eaux-de-vie brings something different to the blend and you will find that a mixture of many different ages is commonly used to achieve the distiller’s vision. VSOP sits between VS (Very Special) and XO (Extra Old), because as mentioned, VSOP is a minimum of two years old, VSOP four, and XO must be at least ten! Beyond this, there are categories like XXO and unofficial names such as Napoleon cognac, so check out our comprehensive breakdown of age statements here (including recommendations from each!).

As a general rule, cognac becomes richer and often nuttier the more that it rests in the barrel, losing some of the fresh vibrance that VS brings. Whilst there is a correlation between cognac age and price, different bottles are used for different purposes as well as different mixers and like always, it all comes down to personal preference anyway! Which brings us onto…

How is VSOP Cognac drunk?

VSOP cognac is probably the most versatile age statement because it has the depth and complexity to be sipped over ice, but also can be enjoyed in cocktails. Like we say, there are no hard and fast rules because different bottles use different ages in varying proportions, but VSOP is what Aidy and Helena use most during The Three Drinkers in Cognac because it’s a fantastic balance of vibrance and depth.

It tends to give a cocktail such as the Sidecar a touch more extravagance and layering than a VS but might lack the complexity to be sipped on its own. You can find The Best Cocktails to Make with Cognac here where you can see that VSOP was used throughout the show, but particularly in long and simple serves like a Highball, a VSOP will absolutely shine.

Which VSOP Cognac should I try?

Courvoisier VSOP

Courvoisier are one of the main cognac houses we have to thank for the spirit’s resurgence and their VSOP is simply one of the best, picking up the Master award for Super Premium VSOP at the Luxury Masters. Around 10 years of ageing means the minimum requirements for a VSOP are easily exceeded creating a deep and warming richness plush with oaky vanilla, citrus, sugary coffee, and toasty spice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.95

Frapin VSOP

A renowned and highly respected Grand Champagne Cognac, Frapin’s VSOP blend is full of fruity orange, persistent vanilla and lofty florality. The smoothness and complexity are well worth paying slightly more for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £56.75

Hine Rare VSOP

Eaux-de-vie from the Grande and Petite Champagne regions are harmoniously blended into this elegantly floral expression that punches with fresh fruit and woody spice. With marmalade, toffee apples, ginger and candid orange at play, the rum-like finish is a pleasant surprise.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £54.95

Rémy Martin VSOP

The ever-dependable Rémy Martin produce a delicious smooth and mellow VSOP that has too many gongs to mention. Red berries, silky honey and warm vanilla from an iconic estate.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £40.99

Camus VSOP Borderies Single Estate

Most cognac bottles are blends of eaux-de-vie from various estates, often across multiple growing regions, but this is a little different. Made with eaux-de-vie from just one estate in the Borderies region, this is distinct with the nutty and floral notes associated with that particular cru. Super characterful and elegant, with a moreish touch of oil on the finish too.  

Size: 700ml       
ABV: 40%
Find here: £56.95

For more information about the rich world of cognac, check out the Beginner’s Guide. And if you want some delicious cocktails to make these VSOP bottles sing, go here!

What is VS Cognac and What Should I Try?

Helena and Aidy explore all kinds of cultural and gastronomic sites around the picturesque Cognac region in The Three Drinkers in Cognac, but it’s no surprise that the namesake spirit features heavily.

Probably the most common form of cognac available is VS cognac, so let’s break down exactly what this means, how to drink it, how it differs from other letters you might see and crucially, where to head to try some of the good stuff!

What is VS Cognac?

First off, just in case you haven’t consulted our Beginner’s Guide, cognac is a brandy that originates from the region of the same name in South-West France. This part of Charente quickly up a reputation for the best brandy in the 18th century, and since then heritage cognac houses have been perfecting the craft.

Within cognac production, you’re likely to find different letter combinations on the bottle. These letters signify the age statement. In the case of VS cognac, this stands for Very Special and means that the youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend will have been aged for at least two years. You might also see three stars instead which pretty much means the same thing!

Although VS stands for Very Special, this is actually the youngest cognac age statement and other letters signify higher minimum ages.

How Does VS Cognac differ to VSOP and XO Cognac?

In short, where VS Cognac must be at least two years old, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) must be four and XO (Extra Old) ten! There are older categories too so if you want to know more about what the different letters on cognac bottles mean, head here for a full breakdown with bottles to try from each.

Generally, the more time cognac spends in the barrel the nuttier and richer it becomes. VS, on the other hand, tend to be more vibrant and fresher, so this isn’t a case of one being better than the other.

How is VS Cognac drunk?

Though still thought of as a luxury drink, VS cognac is most commonly used in an array of cognac cocktails. As you’ll see in the show, cognac cocktails are versatile and delicious and VS or VSOP is usually used because it often has less complexity than much older blends. Having said that, because every cognac is a blend of eaux-de-vie of various ages, there are no hard and fast rules!

Because Cognac is made up of different blends like this, it means that depending on the mixer, fruits or herbs used in the cocktail, different notes of the cognac will be drawn out – hence why bartenders love it.

You can find The Best Cocktails to Make with Cognac here, but VS bottles work great in long drinks with soda, ginger beer, lemonade, and mixers like that.

VS is far from ‘cocktail fodder’ though. With years of barrel ageing still under its belt, it has stunning depth and character so just a little ice or drop of water is also a common way to serve VS Cognac. Or just neat because some drinkers find cognac too bland with too much dilution. At the end of the day, exactly how VS cognac is drunk is totally up to you. If you enjoy it that’s all that matters, right?

Which VS Cognac should I try?

Courvoisier VS

Situated in Jarnac, Courvoisier dates back to 1835 and as the star of Busta Rhymes’ ‘Pass the Courvoisier’ song, it was at the forefront of making cognac cool again. Though a VS, Courvoisier VS is a blend of youthful and aged cognacs so has a balanced profile featuring fresh apple and citrus and subtle florality. This is the cognac Napoleon took away with him during his years of exile too, so it must be good!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.95

Remy Martin VS 1980s

This is a piece of history, hence the hiked VS price. Dating back to 1724, Rémy Martin are cognac legends, and this is a charming bottling of their VS release from the 1980s. Unfortunately, unlike wine, once cognac has been bottled it stops maturing but this is still a rarity that few will ever get to try.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £150

Seignette VS Cognac

The swan on the bottle is taken from the coat of arms of the Seignette family, whose roots go right back to the 1600s in and around Cognac. This is a much more contemporary release with notes of candied apricot and ginger, soft vanilla and an unusual spicy complexity for a VS.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.89

Martel VS Single Distillery

Unlike most VS bottles, Martel VS uses eaux-de-vie from only one distillery, so this is a richer, more intense spirit than most. Zesty citrus and sweet juicy plum play off against one another in a stand-out smooth texture.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99

Hennessey VS

Over 40 different eaux-de-vie are blended for Hennessey VS which spends 2 years in French oak for a superbly full-bodied cognac carrying notes of dried fruits, subtle spice, and mellow vanilla. In fact, the entire age statement grading system was created by Maurice Hennessey so in a way, this is the definitive VS cognac!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.44

For more information about the rich world of cognac, check out the Beginner’s Guide. And if you want some delicious cocktails to make these VS bottles sing, go here!

Father's Day Gifts for Drinks Lovers

Sunday 18th June is Father’s Day, but don’t panic if that’s caught you off guard! We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite drinks and gifts that we think are perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

There’s something here for every budget and every drink, so there’s really no excuse to be turning up on the big day with socks as a present again (unless they’re protecting one of these delicious bottles from getting damaged that is!). Let’s get stuck in.

WHISKY

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

If we can be so bold, we absolutely love our collaboration creation and think that whether your Dad is new to whiskey or a seasoned sipper, they will too. We’ve teamed up with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers to produce Red Silkie, an Irish Whiskey that showcases the classic subtle and smoky style alongside classic fruitiness coming from our obsession with fine wine. Over in County Donegal, the blend is finished in red Pomerol barrels from Clos L’Eglise in Bordeaux creating a velvety, rich profile that is intense with red fruits, candied orange and gently smoked caramel. One last thing, £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog to support a variety of initiatives including free support for those struggling, so it’s for a good cause too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

Old Perth Original

A tribute to Perth in Scotland, this sweet Blended Malt Scotch is rich with raisins from ex-sherry cask ageing. The Christmas cake nose gives way to a buttery palate of a super comforting expression that provides a drinking experience far beyond its price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £36.75

Lochlea Our Barley

This Single Malt from Lochlea is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, but also re-charred barriques for a pleasantly rounded smooth and fruity character. It carries complexity beyond its years, masterful smoothness and a light vibrance plush with honied orange, grassy malt, peppery barley, and toasted oak. And let’s not forget a rather lovely bottle perfect for gifting too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £44.95

GIN

Audemus Pink Pepper Gin

Any of you who have tuned in to The Three Drinkers in Cognac will know how much we love Audemus. Pure innovation, Audemus’ most famous creation is this, their incredible Pink Pepper Gin. Spicy pink peppercorns lead the botanical line with cardamom and juniper, followed by baking notes of tonka and vanilla, and a more floral side with tonic. There’s a touch of warmth, florality, spice and fruitiness to this well-rounded gin that really has that special feeling in bucketloads. A must-try for any gin loving Dad.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £38

Atlas Shichimi Gin

Atlas has established a stellar reputation for exotic gins, and if you’re familiar with Japanese cooking, you might recognise shichimi as the popular spice blend used in Japan for centuries. This unusual but moreish umami profile is expanded with nori seaweed, gyokuro green tea, Sichuan peppercorn and ginger, with juniper and citrus injecting some familiar freshness. Wonderfully aromatic and warming, this is an exciting gin to try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48

RUM

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

This silky molasses-based Venezuelan blend uses exclusive rum reserves aged for up to 12 years before they come to rest in their charming vintage-style bottle. The mouthfeel will likely remind you of wine with a similar viscosity, with blossoming notes of toffee, orange chocolate and liquorice before an indulgent fudgy finish. Treat your Dad to the Gold Medal winner of the 2019 Rum Masters.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $41.99

Sansho Spiced Rum

Completely eye-catching, this stand-out spirit dresses premium English rum in Japanese flavours. The rum is packed full of vibrant and rich layers; the sansho berries provide tongue tingling peppery citrus notes, the base rum made with 100% sugar cane molasses gives a Christmas cake sweetness, the Okinawan sugar provides rich treacly layers and there is smoky soy and sesame which gives the usual tobacco and oak flavours you would expect to find in an aged rum. It is absolutely exquisite and sings with a good ginger beer and ice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £38

VODKA

Blacklion Vodka

How about Europe’s first sheep’s milk vodka for Father’s Day? After tasting a sip, you might wonder why it hasn’t been done before (the awards panels certainly are!). Unbelievably smooth, the sugars-rich whey left over from the cheesemaking process is triple-distilled and triple-filtered to produce this rare, visionary, small-batch, and eco-conscious British vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £6

Dimas Vodka

If you’ve never heard of Dima’s Vodka before then allow us the pleasure of introducing, you. Hailing from Ukraine, this multi-grain mix (wheat, rye, and barley) is brimming with spice and creamy character. To complete the experience, drink alongside pickles as is the tradition!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

TEQUILA/MEZCAL

Ilegal Joven Mezcal

Illegal’s mezcal portfolio is stunning and we could really recommend any of them, but we’ve picked out this young Joven Mezcal. Traditionally produced with roasted agave in an earthen pit, delicious notes of dried fruits and herbs come through as well as smoky, peppery agave and some caramel sweetness. The perfect present for a tequila-loving Dad who wants to dip into the underappreciated world of mezcal!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $36.99

Don Julio Tequila Blanco

When perusing quality agave concoctions, you’re never far from Don Julio. Their Blanco is bottled (and stylishly so) straight after distillation meaning it’s packed full of fresh agave flavour. There’s a subtle burst of bright citrus but overall, this is just a stunning Blanco that doesn’t shy away from agave and is one of the smoothest around.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $49.99

COGNAC

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

If your Dad is a cognac drinker then you’re in luck, because with The Three Drinkers in Cognac available to watch now on Amazon Prime, we are obsessed with the stuff. The ever-reliable Rémy Martin produced this delicious VSOP to celebrate Louis XV’S decision to let them plant new vines on their land back in 1738 (which was illegal at the time). Complex fruits swirl around with orange coming to the fore, as caramel and spice intertwine harmoniously – if that doesn’t sound delicious, I don’t know what does.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £55.74 // US $69.99

Courvoisier VSOP

The winner of the highly regarded Master award in the Super Premium category at the Luxury Masters, this VSOP from the iconic Courvoisier has aged for around 10 years (which is well beyond the legal minimum). The fruity citrus is deep and rich, but it’s the warm notes of coffee, brown sugar, buttery toast, cinnamon, and vanilla that stand out here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

Hermitage is notable for doing things a little differently from most cognac houses, in that each of their bottles including this 10-year-old are single-estate and unblended. Most cognacs use eaux-de-vie from different growing areas, but sticking to one estate creates a bold and expressive mix. The roasted nuts have come through with age, as has the peppery spice and oakiness. This is the perfect present for someone who likes to take their time and sip their cognac neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £59.95

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT

Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre

Grand Marnier is another legendary creation from the cognac region, and it is in fact half cognac itself. The other half is bitter orange, and the expert blending of the two (which you can witness in our new show… hint hint ;) ) is what makes this a bartender’s favourite. Their Louis Alexandre is a little less sweet and instead drier than the original as it is in fact not a 50:50 mix but goes heavier on the cognac instead... a nod to Louis himself who liked his serve a little stronger. Pure luxury.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £48.99 // US $69.99

Aphro Palm

If you want to try something completely new, look no further. Aphro is made using alcohol distilled from Palm Wine (from Palm tree trunks). This Palm Spirit is widespread across parts of West Africa, and Aphro wants to refine it for us all to enjoy. Triple distilled, it’s wonderfully smooth and infused with tropical fruits, herbs, and spices from all over the continent. ‘The Nubi’ is flavoured with pineapple, passion fruit and honey, and ‘The Moor’ is ginger xylopia Ethiopia (fruit tree) and honey. With such gorgeous bottling too, Aphro is perfect for the curious drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.99

BEST MIXERS

Franklin and Sons

Franklin and Sons are absolute pioneers of the soft drinks space, ever since their beginnings in Victorian London. They specialise in natural and innovative flavourings with tonics, mixers, and soft drinks to suit all kinds of serves. It’s totally worth checking out their full range here, but we really recommend their warm Original Ginger Ale, sunny Sicilian Lemon, and aromatic Natural Rose Lemonade. We use them all the time and boy can they elevate a drink to that next level.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £20 24x200ml

AMAZING GLASSWARE

Glencairn Dad’s Wee Whisky Bundle

If your Dad loves whisky, then Father’s Day may well be the perfect opportunity to fit him out with some premium glassware to enhance the drinking experience. We use the Glencairn glass not just for whisky but cognac too because it opens up the nuances in quality liquids and feels great – it’s the world’s favourite whisky glass for a reason.

Includes: Two Wee Glencairn Glasses, a Wee Glencairn Jug and a Glencairn pipette
Find here: £35 (usually more!)

If your Dad prefers Dark Rums, then we just happen to have released our 2023 Guide here with top notch recommendations!

Which Mixer Goes Best with Cognac?

There are plenty of different ways to enjoy cognac, and The Three Drinkers in Cognac takes us through many of them. This special liquid works so well in many a cocktail (which you can explore here), but what about a super simple cognac and mixer serve?

Well, absolutely! And you can even emphasise which cognac flavours you want to bring out depending on your preference. Let’s waste no more time as we get stuck into the mixers that go best with cognac…

Ginger Ale – for a spicy serve

Outside of tonic, ginger ale is probably the most popular mixer with cognac, certainly in France, which is why Helena and Aidy serve it to win Eddy round in Episode One! All of the time cognac spends in French oak, it matures and absorbs spice which a good ginger ale enunciates. Not only is ginger ale soul-warming, but it’s also refreshing with light bubbles and gentle sweetness complementing the fruity richness of the cognac so well. Franklin & Sons’ natural Ginger Ale is perfectly poised for the job.

Citrus Tonic – for a light citrus serve

A prime example of this is the Courvoisier Gala served in the first episode of the series. The delicate nature of a citrus tonic gives the notes in your cognac of choice room to breathe, but also brings a fresh burst of citrus that adds vibrance and refreshment. Where the ginger ale emphasises the spice, a premium citrus tonic brings out the citrus – simple mixology. We prefer lemon to lime, so brimming with natural sunny flavours, Franklin & Sons Sicilian Lemon is absolutely perfect.

Lemonade – for a sweet citrus serve

For a sweeter, more intensely flavoured citrus twist, a good quality lemonade makes a delicious pairing with VS and VSOP cognac. The citrus in the cognac is emphasized, the effervescence is refreshing and if you use a premium lemonade like this 1886 Original Lemonade, it won’t be cloying at all and will instead carry some tartness and tang to fill out the fruity flavour.

Tonic Water – for a nuanced serve

Similar to when served over ice, cognac and tonic is a traditional choice and one that shines the spotlight fully on the cognac. Particularly with XO bottles and older, a gentle and crisp tonic lets the complexity flourish and allows those notes to open up. Depending on the specific cognac blend, you’ll find that previously undetectable fruity, floral and spicy aromas will show themselves after even just a drop of water. Try Franklin & Sons’ Premium Light Tonic, or for a more Mediterranean vibe. their Mallorcan Tonic

Cola – for a sweet serve

Cola and cognac were unsurprisingly, not a popular choice for the traditional cognac drinker, but when hip-hop helped to rejuvenate the drink in the 1990s, that all changed. Younger drinkers, particularly in America began mixing the two and whilst it will be too sweet for some, don’t discount it! The oak, vanilla and caramel from the cognac marry the sweet fizzy cola wonderfully and actually enhance the floral essences too. A glass of VS Cognac, cola, ice, and lime is full of fizzy flavour and works surprisingly well.

Pineapple juice – for a tropical serve

A mixer that also became popular when the worlds of hip-hop and cognac collided, pineapple juice is another sweet alternative that adds some juicy body, as well as sunny tropical vibes. The smooth, oaky, rich fruits from the cognac provide the bold depth, and the pineapple provides lighter, summery sweetness. This can easily be adapted into a Sour style drink but then we’re getting into cocktail territory!

For slightly more complicated (but still pretty simple) concoctions, check out the Best Cognac Cocktails here!

If you’re into rum instead, then explore the perfect mixers for a fellow historic spirit here.

What Do the Letters on Cognac Bottles Mean, and Which Should I Try?

The labels on drinks are often confusing, especially to a newbie looking to explore a new liquor. It might seem like a small thing, but browsing the supermarket shelves and seeing all kinds of new words, terms and acronyms can be overwhelming enough to put people off all together. After all, if you’re spending a good chunk of change on something, you want to know what it is! So, without further ado…

What do the letters on Cognac bottles mean?

The letters on Cognac bottles are age statements, with each set of letters setting a minimum age for the Cognac.

Now, Cognac will include different blends, so this only sets a minimum age for the youngest blend meaning most of the liquid may actually be older. Let’s go through the letters you will most commonly come across.

Firstly, there are VS and VSOP bottles, most regularly used in Cognac cocktails like those listed in our Beginner’s Guide, and shown throughout The Three Drinkers in Cognac:

VS

This means Very Special, and the youngest Cognac will have been aged for at least two years. By the way, if you see three stars, this means the same thing!

Martell VS Single Distillery

This is a bold and intense 2017 Cognac that uses eau-de-vie from one distillery, rather than a selection as is the norm. The citrus zest gives way to juicer plum in one of the smoothest liquids at this price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99

VSOP

This means Very Superior Old Pale and is a blend of barrels of which the youngest is at least four years old. If you see VO (Very Old) then this means the whole thing is four years old.

Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

This VSOP from iconic Courvoisier won the prestigious Master award for Super Premium VSOP at the Luxury Masters. It’s matured for between 8 and 12 years so well beyond the minimum requirements of a VSOP, and is sourced from the renowned Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne Cognac regions. Vanilla and citrus give great depth and the warmth is super soft and pleasant with touches of coffee, brown sugar, buttered toast, oakiness, and cinnamon.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 / US $45.99

Beyond this, you will find variations of older cognac that may include terms like ‘Napoleon’ which is unofficial but usually refers to an age of at least six years, and some Vintage bottles that will print a distillation date but not a bottling date. More common though are XO and XXO:

XO

This means Extra Old and the youngest Cognac in the blend must be 10 years old or above. Bear in mind that if you have XO from before April 2018, that minimum is dropped to 6 years because the rules tightened up recently!

Rémy Martin XO

A blend of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, this is a quality Cognac masterfully produced by the historic Rémy Martin. Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard grapes are all used before 10 years of oak ageing. During this time, the grapes intertwine, and complex layers of oaky vanilla, caramel and spice are infused. It’s perfect for sipping with warm pastry notes to be explored alongside honied fruits and welcoming baking spice. Deliciously rich and smooth and many Cognac lovers’ go-to.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £163.99 / US $236.99

XXO

No prizes for guessing this one, it’s Extra Extra Old, using Cognac of at least 14 years of age.

Hennessy XXO Cognac

Head turner, collector’s bottle, whatever it is this is a very special XXO Cognac. The minimum for XXO is 14 years, but many of the blends in here are aged for much older, with some sat in French oak for more than 50 years. All that time results in so much richness with expressive notes of bitter orange, nutmeg, liquorice, subtle peppermint, and delicate spice. Complex, elegant and so refined, you could sit with this Cognac for hours.

Size: 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: £520

There is another term that you’re likely to come across if you fall for Cognac as hard as we have and that’s Hors d’âge:

Hors d’âge

Outside of Age. This is a term assigned by Cognac’s governing body for liquids that are usually much older and want to distinguish themselves beyond the XXO minimum and display high quality. 

André Petit Hors d’Age Grande Reserve de Famille 1990 Cognac

As we say, Hors d’âge overlaps with other age statements so don’t think that this category is ‘better’ than the others. It’s all down to personal taste and how you plan to use the Cognac, so every category brings something to the party. This André Petit bottle is less intense and more mellow, with woody, earthier notes, and richer subtle fruits. The 3 decades of ageing, on top of traditionally old methods at the time, has created a distinctive style that’s longer in the mouth and so satisfying. A glass of sophistication indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £147

As is the case with exploring most new drinks, it’s sensible to start in the mid-ranges. There’s no need to splash out on something you’ve never tried before, but at the same time, you don’t want to be burnt by a low-quality Cognac that puts you off it all together.

We suggest pulling together some of the simple cocktails in our Beginner’s Guide with a bottle of VS or VSOP Cognac, and then exploring some older sippers!

The Best Cocktails to Make with Cognac

Cognac’s versatility is underappreciated, and we think it makes one of the best cocktail stars out there. It adds incredible depth of flavour and a welcome splash of oomph to your mixes, a belief that was only cemented by the unforgettable cocktails made and enjoyed in The Three Drinkers in Cognac

The Cognac cocktails might not be as famous as some of the other spirits, but we’re trying to change that so let’s start with some delicious cocktails made in the show!

French Twist

Towards the end of Episode One, Beckie Sullivan shows us how to pull together this wonderful French Twist cocktail, with richness yet lightness, and sweetness yet tang – all in perfect harmony. Aidy, Helena and Eddy compete to make the best garnish, so you can design your own here or just steal one of theirs... maybe just pick the winning one though...

Ingredients
50ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
30ml Dry Curaçao
40ml Sparkling Water (we love Fever-Tree)
10ml fresh lemon juice
20ml simple syrup
Garnish (creative one yourselves!)

Method
Give everything except the sparkling water a good long shake with ice until chilled, then double strain over ice and top up with your soda!

Sidecar

One of the most famous ways to let Cognac shine through is the Sidecar, and that’s exactly what Aidy makes in Episode Three. There’s tangy lemon and sweeter orange but the star of the show is that delicious Cognac.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Rémy Martin 1738)
20ml orange liqueur (like triple sec)
10ml fresh lemon

Method
Shake with plenty of ice, strain and pour. To make the cocktail into more of an experience, rub lemon over the glass so that you smell it before you taste it!

Sidecarmalade

Aidy and Maxime didn’t leave it there though! Gloriously simple, the great thing about the Sidecar is how adaptable it is... enter the Sidecarmalade! Using two local additions really gives the cocktail a new lease of life. Verjus (green juice) is basically unfermented grape juice, but with a feel much more like lemons and limes. The tartness is balanced out by delicious sweet marmalade for a cocktail that combines sweet and tangy citrus perfectly.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Rémy Martin 1738)
20ml orange liqueur (like triple sec)
10ml verjus
Dollop of marmalade

Method
Brush some marmalade around the inside of the glass for a gorgeous glistening effect. Shake everything with plenty of ice so the marmalade is mixed throughout, then strain and pour!

The Gala Highball

Highballs are one of the best ways to show off a quality spirit because all you have to do is add a mixer and plenty of ice. Ginger ale works wonderfully well, but our choice in Episode One of The Three Drinkers in Cognac was Sicilian Lemonade for more zip and refreshment.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
80ml Sicilian Lemonade
Plenty of ice

Method
Highballs are simple so let’s keep it that way – pour everything over ice and give it a little stir.

French 75

When we say French 75, you’ll probably think of gin, but Cognac was traditionally used more, and it works so well. The Champagne adds great lightness and elegance to this bittersweet blend that is fruity, rich, and refreshing. Nom! Of course, Cava or Crémant work just as well!

Ingredients
30ml Cognac
10ml fresh lemon
10ml syrup
Champagne to top up
Lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Shake everything except your Champagne with ice and strain into your flute. Pour that gorgeous fizz over the top and just ease it into its new surroundings with a gentle non-bubble-breaking stir. Top off with lemon!

The Harvard

A twist on the Manhattan, The Harvard isn’t the most well-known of cocktails, but it is one of the oldest, first appearing in Kappeler’s 19th-century cocktail book. If you like cocktails that pack a punch, look no further. Hearty fruits from the vermouth and Cognac are balanced out by some bright citrus, dashes of bitters and a little sweetness. Delicious.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac
30ml Italian sweet vermouth
10ml syrup
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist (garnish)

Method
Mix everything with ice and once it’s fully stirred and chilled, strain and garnish! Voila!

There are plenty of other amazing cocktails in the show using other fantastic ingredients from the Cognac region too so if you want even more ideas, or just to see exactly how some of the above cocktails are made, get watching!