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Cognac

Cognac is a type of Brandy, traditionally popular with royalty, statesmen, leaders, people with acquired taste in general and... well, hip-hop superstars too. It's a very specific type of Brandy, though. Most importantly, Cognac can only be produced in the Cognac region of France. It's produced by distilling wine from grapes called Ugni Blanc. This wine is very dry, acidic, and thin but excellent for distillation and aging.

After double distillation in a copper pot still, Cognac is aged in Limousine or Tronçais oak casks and usually blended before bottling.

There are six different wine-growing areas (called cru in French) authorized to produce Cognac; in descending order of prestige they are: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires. A blend of Grande and Petite Champagne Cognacs, with at least half coming from Grande Champagne, is known as Fine Champagne.

Depending on the age of the youngest Cognac in the blend, Cognac is categorized in three categories, defined by law: V.S., V.S.O.P., and X.O.

Wish to expand your liquor cabinet without hurting your wallet? Browse our selection of Cognacs under $50 or – if your budget is even bigger – our selection of best Cognacs under $100! Or discover Cognac flavors with these Cognac Tasting Boxes. Turn yourself into a confident sipper, get exclusive tips of the trade, connect with a like-minded community and explore the contents of your Tasting Box with Flaviar-Exclusive guided tasting called Unboxing Flavors.

 

Speaking of boxes: for the true lovers of the Spirit, Flaviar offers Cognac-themed subscription boxes with rare and premium brands.

What is the difference between Cognac and Brandy?
All Cognac is Brandy, but not all Brandy can be considered Cognac. Brandy is any distilled Spirit made from fermented fruit juice. Cognac is produced by distilling Wine from grapes called Ugni Blanc. Most importantly, Cognac can only be produced in the Cognac region of France.
Why is Cognac so expensive?
Cognac is made from delicate, seasonal raw material: grapes. And unlike Tequila, Cognac is barrel-aged for a much, much longer time. Its high price is justified by its extremely limited production (Cognac makes up less than 1% of the world's Spirits by volume!).
VS, VSOP and XO
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.
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Cognac
Laws concerning Cognac-making are strict as hell. Only three types of grapes may be used, and they can only be harvested in October; Cognac must be aged for at least two years in barrels made from French oak - and get this, from one of two specific forests! Then, the stills must be of a particular French shape (no, not the baguette shape); and we guess La Marseillaise has to be sung during the entire process.
Cognac
Believe it or not, the French aren’t all that fond of Cognac. In fact, they export nearly 90% of their production.
Cognac
Nine liters of white Wine must be distilled for a single liter of Cognac!
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The Art of Tasting is a never-ending journey, but Rome wasn't built in a day either, so sit down and relax, you'll be home schooled now. Let the tasting begin!

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warning! After finishing the course, you might become a full Spirits-dawg and drown in the Sea of knowledge. Dangerous paths, my friend. Only a true adventurer can take them. Just try not to also take an arrow in the knee.

flaviar studios presents:
Cognac Videos
 A Brief History Of Cognac
A Brief History Of Cognac
 What's the Difference Between Cognac and Armagnac?
What's the Difference Between Cognac and Armagnac?
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