Cognac
FlagshipGrande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, Bois Ordinaires
Famous For
Tasting Notes
Dried fruit (raisin, fig, apricot), vanilla, oak tannin, honey, baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg), floral (violet, jasmine in younger expressions), leather, tobacco (older expressions), orange peel, toasted almond. VS leans fruity and spirity. VSOP finds the sweet spot of fruit and oak. XO goes deep: leather, dried flowers, spice box, long finish. Grande Champagne crus tend toward floral elegance; Borderies toward nuttiness.
Brand Guide
Salignac, Paul Masson VS ($20-25)
Hennessy VS, Courvoisier VS ($30-38)
Rémy Martin VSOP, Hennessy VSOP ($45-60)
Hennessy XO, Rémy Martin XO, Martell Cordon Bleu, Hine Antique XO ($100-200+). Hennessy outsells everyone — know it cold, but respect the craft houses like Hine and Delamain