Cognac

Cognac is a specific type of brandy made from grapes grown in the Cognac region of western France. It is distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged in oak casks, which transforms a sharp, acidic white wine into a rich, complex spirit. You can expect flavours of dried fruit, warm spices, vanilla, and toasted oak. The youngest expressions are lively and fruit-forward, while older bottles develop deep, earthy notes of leather and forest floor.

When choosing a bottle, the letters on the label are your guide to age. VS (Very Special) is aged for at least two years and works brilliantly in cocktails. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is aged for at least four years, offering a smoother balance. For slow sipping, look for XO (Extra Old), which spends a minimum of ten years in wood. Enjoy it neat after dinner, or paired alongside dark chocolate and blue cheese.