Cognac has traditionally been used to celebrate unique moments, round decades, or other worthy celebrations. Cognac is the most famous Finnish coffee avec drink at the end of a supper. Cognac also goes well with mixed drinks and, at Christmas time, with light glogg or a classic tot, for example.
It is said that all cognac is brandy but not all brandies are cognac. Brandy is in a sense the name of the way the drink is made, but a drink made with the same method of production can only be called cognac if it is made from grapes in the Cognac region of France and distilled twice.
The ageing time of cognac is expressed in precise terms:
VS or very special, aged for at least 2 years, with a light and fruity taste.
VSOP or very superior old pale, aged for at least 4 years, fruity, spicy, and oaky vanilla.
XO or extra old, aged at least 10 years, with a dry fruity and aromatic taste.
The age of maturation is expressed according to the youngest distillate used. However, a cognac can contain dozens of different distillates from different years, and the skill of the cellar master is weighed in finding the best blend. Like vintage wines, cognac can be the product of a single harvest. In this case, the label Vintage means the same as in Single Barrel whiskies. The product is made from a single vintage and a single plantation.
Cognac is one of those drinks that also divides opinion. Drunk in the right glass, at the right temperature and in good company, cognac rewards the drinker and softens even the most hesitant.
A few tips for enjoying cognac:
The right glass: a tulip glass brings out the aroma and flavors in the best way
The right temperature: room temperature, around 18 degrees
Cognac is suitable to be served with desserts or as a dessert on its own. Feel free to try it with Christmas dishes such as ham. The flavor pairing may surprise you in a positive way.
DID YOU KNOW: the first cocktails known to history were made from cognac. Cognac is also historically known to have been used to make the first cocktails as far back as the early 19th century.