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When we think cognac, we think of SNL's "Ladies Man," others think of Cary Grant or James
Bond. What comes to mind for you?
What exactly is cognac you ask? Well, all cognac is brandy but not all brandy is cognac. This
spirit gets its distinction from the double distillation process. Here's an interesting fact for ya:
Per a decree from the French goverment, distillation of each year's vintage must be completed
by the following March 31 in order to capture the fresh, fruity qualities of the wine.
There are four classifications for Cognac, all derived from English words as cognac's popularity
first grew among the English. It's classified
according to the youngest Cognac used in a blend. So while
a two-and-half-year-old VS designation may be blended with
older vintages, it still can be labeled only a VS, signifying
the youngest blend. So here's the breakdown:
| VS - Very Special, aged a minimum of two and a half years |
| VSOP - Very Superior Old Pale, aged a minimum of four and a half years |
| NAPOLEON - aged a minimum six and a half years |
| XO - Extra Old, also aged a minimum of six and a half years,
though because of tradition and consumer demand is generally blended with many Cognacs aged several decades or more |
The "Big Four" Cognac giants are Remy Martin, Martell, Hennessy and Courvoisier, whose sales
account for 85 percent of the total worldwide market. Each house strives for a recognizable style
and a uniform standard of taste and consistency, and over the centuries each has developed a
discernible signature taste.
Here are our top cognac picks:
| · | Courvoiser VSOP | · | Alize VSOP |
| · | Otard VSP | · | Delamain XO |
| · | Remy Martin VSOP | · | Martell VSOP |
| · | Hennessy VSOP Privilege |
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