National Cognac Day: Celebrating the Heritage and Flavours of Cognac

Every June 4th, enthusiasts and producers of brandy come together to honor National Cognac Day. Cognac, a popular type of brandy, derives its name from the town of Cognac in France, where it is meticulously crafted. This region is also renowned for its vineyards and the art of winemaking.

Cognac is a type of brandy, often encounters misinterpretation as a generic term for brandy. However, Cognac specifically refers to a particular variety of brandy produced solely in the Cognac region of France. In contrast, brandy can be crafted in various locations worldwide. Both Cognac and brandy share the commonality of being derived from grapes and originating from white wine, although brandy may incorporate other fruits as well.

Renowned as one of the oldest spirits worldwide, Cognac is cherished for its rich heritage and finds its place in the creation of timeless, iconic cocktails.

The categorization of Cognac is formally defined by the following:

V.S. (Very Special) Eau de vies with a minimum age of two years (also known as Three Stars).

V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) Eau de vies with a minimum age of four years (also known as Reserve).

Napoléon Eau de vies with a minimum age of six years (newly recognised classification since 2018)

X.O. (Extra Old) Eau de vies with a minimum age of ten years (also known as Hors d’Age – Beyond Age – which unofficially indicates particularly old or premium releases).

Why Celebrate National Cognac Day?

1. It’s a celebration of history

National Cognac Day serves as a commemoration of history, offering a treasure trove of lessons and captivating anecdotes. Beyond the evident wine-related aspects tied to this occasion, there are intriguing narratives about immigration, export and import dynamics, and the scientific exploration of evolving flavors within the beverage.

2. It’s a celebration of winemaking

Winemaking is a captivating art. The meticulous steps involved result in delectable drinks, making the learning process truly fascinating.

3. It’s a celebration of invention

Brandy’s invention stemmed from the sheer necessity of the circumstances at hand. The well-known saying, “Necessity is the mother of all inventions,” rings particularly true when it comes to the creation of Cognac.

Celebrate National Cognac Day with Cognac Cocktails

Without a doubt, National Cognac Day is among the most magnificent celebrations to partake in! Enhance your enjoyment of this occasion by crafting enticing Cognac cocktails.

While savoring cognac in its pure form is delightful, an excellent approach to fully appreciate its flavours is by transforming it into a range of captivating cocktails.

Classic Sidecar

Arguably one of the most renowned cognac-based beverages, this particular cocktail combines Cointreau, lemon juice, and is elegantly presented in a martini glass adorned with a rim coated in sugar.

Royal Manhattan

Derived from Remy Martin’s esteemed Accord Royal, this libation harmoniously blends vermouth and bitters, beautifully garnished with a brandied cherry.

French Connection

For an effortless and delectable sippable beverage, combine cognac with amaretto, creating a delightful drink that can be savored over ice.

Cafe Royale

Café Royale is a specialty coffee made with Cognac and coffee. It is a simple and strong hot drink which is a fine finale to a good dinner. Place a sugar cube in a coffee glass, pour Cognac, and fill with coffee.

Browse below to discover a selection of the cognac collection available both in-store and online:

Courvoisier VS Cognac                                   Hennessy VS Cognac                             Remy Martin VSOP Cognac

Courvoisier XO Cognac                                        Delamain Pale & Dry XO Cognac