Learning about Cognac

Cognac is a type of distilled brandy. It got its name from the French town of Cognac, which is part of wine growing region within the French Departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime. For a distilled brandy to be labelled as Cognac, there are specific requirements that should be met during its production process.

Cognac must be made from certain grapes. One of the most used grapes is Ugni Blanc, which is also known as Saint-Emilion. The brandy must also be distilled twice using copper pot stills. Then it is aged for at least two years inside a French oak barrel from Troncais or Limousin.

Cognac ages in the same manner as wine and whiskies when placed in barrels. However,  many cognacs are aged longer than the minimum requirement for alcoholic beverages. This drinks is also known as the kings of spirits.

Types of Cognac

How to Taste Cognac

Colour of the Cognac

Cognac comes in different colours. It may be copper, golden amber, orange-brown, bronze, or mahogany.  The colour doesn’t dictate the age or quality of cognac.

Scent of the Cognac

Scent or the nose of the cognac indicates its flavour. You can determine the scent by swirling the cognac very slowly in the brandy glass, and then sniff the aromas from it. The distilled brandy can have scents of cigar, oranges, apricots, vanilla, and spices, just to name a few.

Mouth

To drink cognac, you should first take a slow sip to allow the alcohol beverage remain in your mouth for several seconds before you drink it. After you swallow the cognac, you will be able to determine the different flavours it holds. Keep in mind that the profile often differs from the scent. The distilled brandy can taste fruity, woody, chocolate, leather, or gingerbread. You can determine the length of the cognac by determining how long the taste lingers on the tongue and mouth after swallowing it.

Should You Mix or Add Ice to Cognac?

After opening the bottle, it is recommended that you drink cognac straight first. That way you will be able to appreciate the maker’s artistry in blending and ageing the distilled brandy. You should also use a tulip glass and drink it at room temperature to truly enjoy its taste.

However, there are some people who drink cognac with ice or water. Before you try mixing cognac, it is best that you first taste it straight.

Cognac, Tonic and dehydrated orange.

‘The Whisky Exchange runs a series of excellent whisky and fine spirit tastings. They are extremely popular and give whisky and spirit lovers the chance to meet the people responsible for making their favourite drams. Many of its tastings are whisky based, but it also covers a wide range of other drinks and spirits, including rum, gin, vermouth and Tequila. Its masterclasses are hosted by the biggest names in the industry, with master blenders and distillers flying in specially for the event’

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