Best Cognac Under $50

Fruity and chic Cognac celebrating brotherhood. Every part of the world has its own "water of life." For Scotland and Kentucky it's Whisky; for Russia it's Vodka; for Mad Max Australia, it's gasoline. But ask any French person and they'll tell you it's either Wine or Cognac. The Merlet & Fils Distillery from Saint-Sauvant in the Cognac region has been making Cognacs since 1850, when USA had only 30 states. In 1973, Gilles Merlet took over the distillery and his sons are the fifth generation distilling astounding Spirits. In 2010, after 160 years distilling for large Cognac houses, Merlet developed their own Cognac and since then, created numerous blockbusters. In addition to that, the distillery organizes its own cocktail competition in almost twenty countries. The French are known for their cries for fraternity, but in this bottle’s case, it’s a celebration of actual brotherhood. Gilles Merlet and his sons Pierre and Luc created this blend as a new expression for the new generation. They took four Cognacs from Fins Bois crus and one from Grande Champagne, aged it for at least four years, and created a glamorous union of different ages, a unique release where the youngest Cognacs bring power and energy, and the oldest bring maturity and complexity. Merlet Brothers Blend's perfect fruit aromas are accompanied by floral flavors, making this delightful potion very easy to sip, and excellent in cocktails (Sidecar or Orchard & Vine, for instance). The harmonic union of the ingredients exemplify the philosophy behind this endeavor. People at San Francisco World Spirits Competition agree, as they gave this bottle a golden medal in 2016. 

The showhorse of House Merlet.     Traditionally, the Merlet family were wine growers, supplying grapes to winemakers across the region. But in 1850, Firmin Merlet assembled the first pot still near the picturesque town of Saint Sauvant, and started transforming their surplus grape inventory into fine eau-de-vie for famous Cognac producer Hennessy. Gradually, they acquired their own ageing barrels, and then started bottling, thus becoming an independent producer.    It’s still an "all in the family" operation. Gilles Merlet took over the reins forty years ago, streamlining, modernizing, and expanding their product lines. Now joined by his sons, Pierre and Luc, they produce their famous Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, Brandies and Liqueurs. Viva le Merlet!   We do not have to tell you that there are no artificial colors or flavors to speak of, or that this Cognac comes from a limited terroir in France. We don’t have to tell you that it is aged exclusively in Limousin oak, and has no added sugars, alcohols, or juices. Why? Because the label says "Cognac," that’s why. We do not have to tell you that Merlet VS Cognac is a blend of fine vintage Cognacs that are at least two years old… that’s what the VS stands for.    Cognac is one of the most strictly legally defined and regulated Spirits in the world. The French take it VERY seriously. Every attribute is scrutinized; every letter on the label has meaning. So step up and buy with confidence. And while you are at it, whip up the signature Merlet Cognac cocktail — The Horse’s Neck — with one part Merlet VS, two parts Ginger Ale, a dash of Angostura bitters and orange zest. Tasty!      

Swanky VSOP blend, neat or in a cocktail. Every part of the world has its own "water of life." For Scotland and Kentucky it's Whisky; for Russia it's Vodka; for Mad Max Australia, it's gasoline. But ask any French person and they'll tell you it's either Wine or Cognac. The Merlet & Fils Distillery from Saint-Sauvant in the Cognac region has been making Cognacs since 1850, when USA had only 30 states. In 1973, Gilles Merlet took over the distillery and his sons are the fifth generation distilling astounding Spirits. In 2010, after 160 years distilling for large Cognac houses, Merlet developed their own Cognac and since then, created numerous blockbusters. In addition to that, the distillery organizes its own cocktail competition in almost twenty countries. For their VSOP Cognac (Very Superior Old Pale, where the youngest Brandy is barreled for at least four years), the Merlet trio blended Spirits from various Cognac regions, the majority coming from Fins Bois crus, known for their fruitiness and fast maturation. The complexity comes from Petit Champagne Cognacs. Merlet's VSOP is rich and intense, yet subtle in its fruity notes and round palate. It should be enjoyed straight or in a flamboyant cocktail such as Brandy Alexander, Vieux Carre, or Cognac Collins. 

Bonaparte’s choice of tipple.   Courvoisier … not many brand names are as synonymous with prestige and quality as Courvoisier’s. The name has seeped into our culture like few others. It has appeared in Woody Allen and James Bond films, been rapped about by Busta Rhymes and Ice Cube, has been praised by Stevie Nicks, and has appeared in hundreds of TV shows. Every seduction begins with Courvoisier.   That’s quite the pop-culture resume. But they’ve earned their place in history. Founded in 1809 by Emmanuel Courvoisier, the company, now owned by Beam Suntory, has been making Cognac, and only Cognac for more than 200 years.    Courvoisier VSOP is labelled “The Cognac of Napoleon.” And this isn’t marketing hype … the little emperor with the funny hat and his fingers stuck in his coat actually paid them a visit. In 1811, Napoleon visited the main Cognac market in Bercy, France, declared that he had made his choice and took two barrels of Courvoisier with him.    The ambitious Frenchman may not have chosen the best time to invade Russia, but he sure knew his Cognac. Courvoisier VSOP is still the standard by which all other Cognacs are judged. The famous aroma, the full body and luscious mouth-feel, the nutty and gentle spice wrung from more than four years of rest in the finest Limousin oak … everything is spot on, nearly becoming the definition of Cognac in France.    SmartAss Corner One of the most famous paintings of Napoleon ever made was painted by Etienne Bouhot, capturing the emperor’s visit to the Cognac market in Bercy, France, where he acquired a few barrels of his favourite Cognac: Courvoisier.   

Martell’s VSOP gets it first update in five decades with a Cognac aged exclusively in middle-aged "red" casks. Jean Martell opened a trading business on the banks of the Charente River in the Cognac region of France in 1715. Soon after he was purchasing local grapes, distilling Cognac, and aging them in fine-grained Tronçais oak. The business stayed in the family for generations and created their famous VSOP in 1831 which became an instant success in demand all over the world — enjoyed by royalty from England to Japan. Seagrams purchased the company in 1987, and as such has been in the Pernod Ricard portfolio since 2001. They are the most famous Cognac maker in the world with a wide-ranging product lineup. Like all makers of aged Spirits, Martell Cognac takes wood seriously. New oak can have a slight bitter bite to the Cognac. Old casks allow continued oxidation, but the wood adds little complexity. According to them, the sweet spot is Tronçais oak barrels that have aged Spirits between four and eight years — they call these "red" barrels because the oak itself takes on a reddish hue. Before 2019, Martell VSOP Medallion was the heart of the brand aged in a combination of new, red, and old barrels. That standard had not changed in nearly fifty years. Martell VSOP Red Barrel is the same eaux-de-vie aged for five years exclusively in those middle-aged "red' casks to develop the signature fruit-forward profile without a trace of bitterness.