"SIPPIN ON WINE"

Cognac is a type of brandy which comes from the Cognac region of France. It is rightfully famous, requiring a lengthy distillation and aging process which yields a very distinctive spirit. The name is also used to describe any very fine quality brandy. Small portions of brandy are often served as after-dinner drinks in large glasses called snifters. After enjoying the strong smell, tiny sips allow the drink to be savored for a long time.
The big trading houses who developed cognac into internationally recognized liquor were virtually all from the British Isles – Hennessy (Irish), Remy Martin (English), and Martell (English). These later, in the age of branding, became the big industrial brands of Cognac. The longer a cognac is aged, the better it becomes, developing complex flavors while mellowing in oak has becomes more expensive. Cognac is a nice drink to have after dinner, but best enjoyed with good friends or at least in front of a crackling fire.

 

Armagnac is blended with old vintages than similarly labeled cognacs. A V.S.O.P. Armagnac could be considered a better value than a similarly aged cognac. Armagnac is brandy made in the Armagnac region of France.

 

Just follow this handy guide to understand Cognac grades:

 

A.C.: Two years old. Aged in wood.

V.O.: Very Old: Aged a minimum of four years.

V.S., Very Special: Three years of aging in wooden casks. Very often called three Star.

V.S.O.P.:   Very Superior Old Pale: Minimum aging is eight years in wood for the youngest in the blend. Industry average is between 10 and 15 years old, which is why it's sometimes known as Five Star.

X.O., Extra Old: Also called Luxury. Has a minimum age of eight years. This class also can include Napoleon and Vielle ("Reserve").

Napoleon/Extra/Vielle Reserve: Napoleon had nothing to do with it, except to order this type of Cognac. At least four years old, but generally much older than that.

Varietal: Made using only one type of varietal grape.

Vintage: Aged and was put into the bottle in the year of the vintage.

Hors d'Age: Too old to figure out the age. A true gem.

Cognac is a type of brandy which comes from the Cognac region of France. It is rightfully famous, requiring a lengthy distillation and aging process which yields a very distinctive spirit. The name is also used to describe any very fine quality brandy. Small portions of brandy are often served as after-dinner drinks in large glasses called snifters. After enjoying the strong smell, tiny sips allow the drink to be savored for a long time.
The big trading houses who developed cognac into internationally recognized liquor were virtually all from the British Isles – Hennessy (Irish), Remy Martin (English), and Martell (English). These later, in the age of branding, became the big industrial brands of Cognac. The longer a cognac is aged, the better it becomes, developing complex flavors while mellowing in oak has becomes more expensive. Cognac is a nice drink to have after dinner, but best enjoyed with good friends or at least in front of a crackling fire.

 

Armagnac is blended with old vintages than similarly labeled cognacs. A V.S.O.P. Armagnac could be considered a better value than a similarly aged cognac. Armagnac is brandy made in the Armagnac region of France.

 

Just follow this handy guide to understand Cognac grades:

 

A.C.: Two years old. Aged in wood.

V.O.: Very Old: Aged a minimum of four years.

V.S., Very Special: Three years of aging in wooden casks. Very often called three               Star.

V.S.O.P.:   Very Superior Old Pale: Minimum aging is eight years in wood for the youngest in the blend. Industry average is between 10 and 15 years old, which is why it's sometimes known as Five Star.

X.O., Extra Old: Also called Luxury. Has a minimum age of eight years. This class also can include Napoleon and Vielle ("Reserve").

Napoleon/Extra/Vielle Reserve: Napoleon had nothing to do with it, except to order this type of Cognac. At least four years old, but generally much older than that.

Varietal: Made using only one type of varietal grape.

Vintage: Aged and was put into the bottle in the year of the vintage.

Hors d'Age: Too old to figure out the age. A true gem.