What Is Cognac? Everything You Need to Know About This French Brandy

There’s nothing quite like the first sip of cognac. Rich and smooth, it coats the palate with layers of fruit, warm spice, and delicate floral notes, unfolding into hints of oak and a lingering finish. The aroma alone is an experience—ripe orchard fruits, subtle vanilla, and a whisper of jasmine rising from the glass. 

A true icon of French craftsmanship, cognac is more than just a spirit; it’s a tradition. Crafted under strict regulations, this luxurious brandy has been refined over centuries to achieve its distinctive character. Whether you’re a complete newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s always something delicious to discover.  

This guide takes you through cognac’s history, how it’s made, the different classifications, and the best ways to enjoy it. 

What is cognac?

Cognac is one of the world’s most celebrated spirits, a hallmark of French craftsmanship and tradition. It is a type of brandy produced exclusively in the Cognac region of France, where centuries of expertise have perfected its production. Unlike other brandies, it follows a strict set of production rules under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), ensuring authenticity and quality. 

At its core, cognac is distilled white wine, made primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes. This grape variety is prized for its high acidity and low alcohol content, which translates into a refined and balanced spirit after distillation. The winemaking process is intentionally minimal to preserve the grape’s natural characteristics, resulting in a base wine that is light, crisp, and slightly tart. 

The Cognac region itself is divided into six distinct growth areas, known as crus: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires. Each terroir contributes unique characteristics to the final spirit, with Grande and Petite Champagne being the most sought after for their ability to age gracefully and develop exceptional depth. 

Every bottle of cognac is an expression of its origins, shaped by the region’s soil, climate, and the skill of the craftspeople who made it. Whether enjoyed neat, in a cocktail, or paired with food, cognac offers a gorgeous drinking experience, steeped in history and tradition. 

How is cognac made?

The journey from grape to glass is one of meticulous craftsmanship that has been honed over centuries.  

1. Double distillation in copper pot stills

The process begins with white wine, which is distilled twice in copper pot stills. This method, unique to cognac, concentrates the flavours and refines the spirit, giving it its signature smoothness. The result is a crystal-clear eau-de-vie, which is then transferred to barrels for ageing. 

2. Ageing in French oak barrels

The magic of cognac unfolds in the ageing process, where it spends at least two years maturing in French oak barrels. These barrels, often sourced from the Limousin and Tronçais forests, allow the spirit to slowly develop its signature depth, smoothing out the sharp edges while infusing it with rich notes of fruit, spice, and wood. Over time, the interaction between the spirit and the oak creates layers of complexity, introducing flavours of caramel, vanilla, toasted nuts, and even floral and citrus notes. 

3. The key grape varieties

While Ugni Blanc is the backbone of cognac, other grape varieties are sometimes used to add nuance. Ugni Blanc’s high acidity makes it ideal for distillation, setting the scene for a bright and structured spirit that ages beautifully. 

Also see: 14 Easy Cognac Cocktails (Simple Recipes & Perfect Mixers) 

Types of cognac: understanding the classifications

Every bottle of cognac falls into a specific classification, based on the minimum time it has spent ageing in oak barrels. These categories help define the flavour profile and best drinking style of each expression. 

V.S. (Very Special)

Aged for at least two years, V.S. cognac is young, vibrant, and fruit-forward. Expect bright notes of apple, pear, and citrus, balanced with a touch of oak. It’s great for mixing in cocktails, where its lively character shines. 

V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale)

With a minimum of four years in the barrel, V.S.O.P. cognac develops deeper layers of flavour. Here, stone fruits like apricot and plum emerge, alongside subtle florals and a more pronounced oak influence. It’s versatile—smooth enough for sipping but complex enough for stirred cocktails. 

X.O. (Extra Old)

X.O. cognac must be aged for at least ten years, allowing it to reach its full potential. This is where the magic happens—rich notes of fig, raisin, and candied orange meet creamy vanilla, cocoa, and warm spice. The mouthfeel is luxurious, with a long, silky finish. Best savoured slowly. 

Hors d’Âge and special editions

Some houses produce special editions that go well beyond the standard X.O. requirements, blending eaux-de-vie that have aged for decades. These expressions are rare and highly sought-after, offering unparalleled depth and refinement. 

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What does cognac taste like?

Cognac is all about balance—smooth yet bold, complex yet approachable. Every sip tells a story, shaped by years of ageing and expert blending. Younger cognacs burst with fresh orchard fruit, light florals, and a gentle touch of oak. As they mature, deeper, richer notes develop, with layers of spice, caramel, and dried fruit adding to the experience. 

V.S. cognac is lively and fruit-forward, offering crisp apple, juicy pear, and a hint of citrus. Spring blossom and fresh oak add a subtle vibrancy, making it a great choice for mixing into cocktails or enjoying with lighter eats and treats. 

V.S.O.P. brings more depth. As the spirit spends more time in oak barrels, stone fruits like apricot and plum come forward, alongside a touch of jasmine and vanilla. The oak influence introduces a soft spice, reminiscent of warm gingerbread, creating a well-rounded profile that works beautifully in both classic cocktails and neat pours. 

X.O. is where things get really luxurious. With extended ageing, the flavours become rich and indulgent. Think velvety layers of fig, raisin, and candied orange, wrapped in an exotic bouquet of iris and autumn spices. The oak influence really shines here, bringing in notes of crème brûlée, toasted almonds, and a long, silky finish that lingers on the palate. This is the kind of cognac meant for slow sipping, best enjoyed in moments of special indulgence. 

Learn more: 15 Popular Brandy Cocktail Recipes to Try 

How to drink cognac: serving & pairing tips

Neat or on the rocks

For the purest experience, sip cognac neat in a tulip glass to concentrate its aromas. A splash of water can open up the flavours, while serving it over ice softens its intensity. 

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Cocktails

Cognac’s complexity makes it a fantastic base for cocktails. Classic drinks like the Sidecar, Sazerac, and French 75 showcase its depth, while modern creations like a Cognac Old Fashioned or a Cognac Spritz highlight its versatility. A V.S. or V.S.O.P. works best in mixed drinks, adding warmth and structure without overpowering the other ingredients. 

Food pairings

Pairing cognac with food elevates both, bringing out deeper flavours in each. A V.S.O.P. typically pairs beautifully with aged cheeses like Comté or Gruyère, charcuterie platters, or roasted duck. For canapés, try smoked salmon on blinis, foie gras on toast, or prosciutto-wrapped melon. 

For main courses, an X.O. complements rich dishes like braised short ribs, beef bourguignon, or spiced lamb tagine. The layers of fruit, spice, and oak harmonise with the deep umami flavours of slow-cooked meats. 

Cognac and chocolate pair perfectly for dessert. Pair an X.O. with dark chocolate truffles, chocolate cake, or a spiced pear tart. If you prefer something creamier, opt for crème brûlée or vanilla bean panna cotta.  

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Cognac vs. brandy: what’s the difference?

Cognac is a brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. The key difference lies in where and how they are made. Cognac must come from the Cognac region of France and follow strict production methods, including double distillation in copper pot stills and ageing in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years 

Other brandies, like Armagnac, are made in different regions with distinct processes. Armagnac, for example, undergoes single distillation, resulting in a bolder, more rustic character. Meanwhile, American and Spanish brandies have their own styles, often using different ageing techniques and grape varieties. 

Cognac is more than just a sensational sip; it’s an experience. Crafted with precision, aged with care, and rich in history, it’s one of the most rewarding spirits to explore. Whether you enjoy it neat, in a cocktail, or paired with food, there’s a style for every palate.  

Try different expressions to find your favourite, and if you’re feeling adventurous, mix up a classic cognac cocktail. For more inspiration, check out Courvoisier and Grand Marnier’s websites for recipe ideas. Want more expert tips? Sign up for our newsletter and stay in the mix.