In this blog, we will discuss some interesting facts about the 15 best cognac brands in the world. The word ‘Cognac’ might trigger some wonderful memories and experiences for all alcohol lovers. Yes, we are talking about the champagne of brandy.
Cognac has an interesting origin and is prepared under extremely strict laws and regulations. After gaining knowledge about these fun facts, you will fall in love even more with this brandy.
What is Cognac?
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, Cognac is a special type of brandy that is prepared specifically in the Cognac region in France. Hence, the name ‘cognac’. It is prepared from white wine using certain specific kinds of grapes. There are strict laws and regulations for making cognac. Any other brandy that is made outside the Cognac region cannot be classified as Cognac.
Fun Fact: People celebrate June 4 as the ‘National Cognac Day’ every year.
How was Cognac Discovered and Invented?
There is an interesting story behind the invention of Cognac. The origin of the Cognac Brand dates back to the 16th century when some Dutch settlers traveled to the Cognac region of France for purchasing salt, wood, and wine.
Since they faced difficulty preserving the wine while returning home, they distilled it into eau-de-vie to preserve it. Although the process was successful, it required further distillation. After the second distillation, the wine had a finer, elegant, and pleasant taste —leading to the invention of the world-famous Cognac.
Top 15 Cognac Brands that you definitely try in 2022
1. Pierre Ferrand
Age: 32 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $2.9 – $3000
Tastes Like: Rich, Apple, Pear, Balanced
Founded by Alexandre Gabriel in 1989, Pierre Ferrand, commonly known as Maison Ferrand, was founded by Alexandre in partnership with Pierre Ferrand. The cognac brand works in distilling and aging exceptional Pierre Ferrand cognacs and distributing them all over the world.
Cognacs of this brand are made using 100% Grande Champagne vines located in the Angeac terroir. This land is considered a part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ with chalky soils and rolling landscapes. The cognac is distilled on the lees to create body and flavor which is then stored in small barrels across seven aging cellars. After maturing the Eaux-de-vie, it is blended by fifth-generation cellar masters to develop a perfect blend of high-quality cognac.
Try it with: Brandy and ice cocktail, with crème de cacao white liqueur, peppermint schnapps, milk and peppermint stick.
2. Kelt
Age: 33 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $45 – $6638
Tastes like: Delicate vanilla oak scent, touch of port wine, rose and violet, hazelnut and licorice
Founded by Olev Keltes in 1987, Kelt cognacs are made from Ugni Blanc grapes from Grande Champagne. The distillation is done in copper pot-stills and stored in Limousin oak barrels. Cognacs of this brand have a special unique taste due to their ocean maturation inspired by early shipping journeys of cognac barrels.
Kelt ditches the traditional standard production by sending their barrels to sea for maturation for three months. The power of the ocean makes Kelt cognac special. Factors such as the motion of the ocean, air pressure changes, and the unique sea environment contribute to making this brand exceptional.
Try it with: Brandy and ice cocktail, with crème de cacao white liqueur, peppermint schnapps, milk and peppermint stick.
3. Hermitage
Age: 41 years
ABV: 41%
Average Price: $80 – $7000
Tastes like: Peppery spice, dried orange-peel and marzipan with roasted pineapple notes, sloes and rancio
Founded in 1980 by David Baker, Hermitage cognacs produce one of the finest cognacs in the world. They are prepared using specific distillation qualities and long, careful aging in oak casks from a single estate producer, unlike other brands. Hermitage is considered one of the luxury cognac brands. It has a smaller yield of products as compared to other brands.
Hermitage is a relatively young cognac producer who involved research in finding small cognac distillers to create their product range. The brand focuses on making its products without any additives or caramel for coloring.
Try it with: Brandy and ice cocktail, with crème de cacao white liqueur, peppermint schnapps, milk and peppermint stick.
4. Francois Voyer
Age: 60 years
ABV: 43%
Average Price: $39.96-$239.76
Tastes like: Sweet and Floral nose bursting with vanilla, lime and white flower aromas
The François Voyer VS Cognac is one of the top choices for those who are looking to step inside the world of Cognac – particularly Cognac from the Grande Champagne terroir. The palate is delicate and fruity, with fresh notes of peach mingled with rich dried apricot.
Categorized as VS or Very Special, the François Voyer VS is aged for at least two years in virgin Limousin oak barrels. Using exclusively Ugni Blanc grapes harvested from the Grande Champagne terroir results in a blend of extreme finesse and a formidable floral bouquet. Described as a “mouthwatering and sippable” VS, it earned a prestigious score of 89/100 in Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2013.
Try it with: Ice, lemon, sugar cane syrup.
5. Frapin
Age: 751 years
Year of Establishment: 1270
Founder: Frapin family
Average Price: $60 – $4000
Frapin is the only cognac brand producer that makes every single bottle of cognac entirely on the family estate. They own a single estate of 240 hectares of vineyards in Grande Champagne. The brand still employs growing and production methods that were originally used during its establishment.
The distillation of cognacs for the brand is done by the Master Distillers after which the cognac is aged in a series of barrels. The warehouse for storage has two levels that allow two different atmospheric conditions – greater humidity on the ground level, or a drier climate in the attic.
6. Bache-Gabrielsen
Age: 117 years
Average Price: $29-$119.99
ABV: 40%
Tastes like: Apple, Plum, Flowers, Cinnamon
The Bache-Gabrielsen is a medium-sized fourth-generation and family company. Founded in 1905 by Thomas Bache-Gabrielsen, the cognac brand has a huge-fan club in the modern times. Today, Bache-Gabrielsen is one of the top-selling cognac brands in Norway and is selling over million bottles annually. This on-demand cognac brand is prepared from a blend of ugni blanc grapes from the Fins Bois, Petite Champagne, and Grande Champagne crus.
Try it with: Grapefruit soda, sparkling cider or wine, tonic or soda water
7. Camus
Age: 159 years
AVP: 40%
Average Price: $60 – $550
Tastes like: Floral notes of iris white flowers and hawthorn in the nose.
With origins dating to 1863, Camus combines traditional knowledge and expertise along with scientific innovation to produce more intense and delicious cognacs. They have their vineyards where they produce the Broderies range consisting of single-estate blends.
Its grapes are sourced from Ile-de-Re – a small island off the coast of La Rochelle that tastes more like ‘maritime’. However, the company matures its cognacs in Tawny Port barrels to infuse different flavors.
Try it with: drink straight with or without ice or long with tonic or green tea
8. Meukow
Age: 160 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $9.99 – $13,969
Tastes like: Fruity sweetness and the taste of dark chocolate.
Meukow is a Russian cognac brand. It is known as ‘Jaguar Liquor’ or ‘Panther Liquor’ due to its distinctive bottle design. This popular cognac brand was founded by Christopher and Gustav Meukow in 1862. Meukow has been awarded the Pack d’Or twice due to its distinctive Feline bottle. That symbolizes power, elegance, and suppleness.
Meukow Cognac consists of distinct flavors including wood, fruit, and nuts. Every bottle of cognac for the brand also displays the first logo of the house – the flowery hand along with the panther.
Try it with: Key limes, Cane sugar, and Crushed ice
9. Courvoisier
Age: 186 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $35 – $410
Tastes like: Delicate, Caramel, Nut, Balanced
Founded in 1835 by Felix Courvoisier, Courvoisier is the only cognac brand that controls the entire production process of cognac — from grape to glass. This cognac brand uses grapes from over 800 grape-growers in Grande and Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois. The wine is distilled on the lees, and the Eaux-de-vie is stored in hand-made barrels of 200-year-old oak trees.
Courvoisier was one such cognac brand that was preferred by the troops of the Napoleon War. Moreover, it is one of the top cognac brands that was chosen to celebrate the grand opening of the Eiffel Tower at the Universal Exhibition in 1889.
Try it with: Fresh grapes, Sidecar (a classic marriage of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon)
10. Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP
Age: 200 years
Average Price: $30.99
ABV: 40%
Tastes like: Apple pie, Roasted peach, Spiced tea, and Speculoos cookies
Since 1819, Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP cognac brand has asserted a great place in the market space. With an inimitable bouquet of flavors, Bisquit & Dubouche produces complex and evocative bouquet of flavors of ripe fruits, honey and sweet spice aromas underscored with floral touches. This warm cognac is beautifully balanced and has generous, full and ripe fruit flavours with supple notes of honeysuckle, citrus and mango.
Try it with: Cocktails and on the Rocks
11. Hennessy
Age: 255 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $50 – $3500
Tastes like: Delicate, Caramel, Nut, Vanilla, Balanced
Founded by Richard Hennessy in 1765, Hennessy was the first cognac brand to arrive in New York and is also the best-selling brand in the US. It is the most globally recognizable cognac brand—producing and supplying approximately 40% of the world’s cognac.
The cognac brand operates mainly in the Charente region and is a leader in sustainability. It incorporates eco-friendly practices in all their activities. Hennessy XO (Extra Old) was the first-ever XO produced.
Try it with: Coca Cola, Iced Tea, Infused Water, Tonic, Cognac & Ginger Ale
12. Hine
Age: 258 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $55 – $660
Tastes like: Apricots, white pepper, flowers
The House of Hine functions with the core belief or principle that cognacs cannot be great without the great white wine. Therefore, the brand draws its identity from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.
Hine cognacs are prepared using vintage crus that encapsulate the uniqueness of the stated year. This combined blend of vintages and crus is fundamental in maintaining the perfect balance of consistency and virtuosity.
Try it with: Dash of cold tonic, cider or ginger ale, garnished with a twist of lime, cucumber or rosemary.
13. Remy Martin
Age: 300 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $50 – $35,000
Tastes like: Sweet flavors of toffee and vanilla with a burst of dry fruit
Remy Martin is one of the world’s largest cognac producers and the only cognac house that was founded by a winemaker. The distillation of the wine is done by the traditional method on the lees in small copper stills. The popular cognac brand was founded by E.Remy Martin in 1724.
The Remy Martin Louis XVIII cognac is processed from grapes that are aged between 50-100 years from the Grande Champagne region with a 3-liter bottle. Remy Martin VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is the world’s best-selling VSOP that has been deemed an Appellation d’Origine Controlee under French law.
Try it with: Fatty cheese, Dried apricot, and Licorice, Ginger, Pepper and Lemon.
14. Martell
Age: 306 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $40 – $360
Tastes like: Bittersweet softness, Lime and licorice, Cryst
Martell is the oldest cognac brand that uses grapes grown in the Borderies. The popular cognac brand was founded in 1715 by Jean Martell. They are the smallest and rarest of crus and are grown in silica clay soils that give distinct floral aromas making it an exceptional brand.
The Millesimes 1972 is one of the most complex cognacs that has been aged in barrels for 43 years making it the most vivid, intense, and elegant brandy. The most precious Eaux-de-vie is stored in Paradis – a hidden cellar.
Try it with: Pomegranate, Lime, Grapefruit juice or Lemon peel
Our Recommendation
15. Croizet
Age: 400 years
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $90
Tastes like: Round, crisp, fruity medium body. Warming butterscotch and leather lead into a rich chocolate ganache finish.
The stylish bottles are one of the first things you’ll notice about Croizet cognac. In 1805, Simon Croizet established his cognac house on the back of a career in winemaking in Grande Champagne. He was also the sommelier of the High Command of Napoleon I. More than 210 years later, the brand has an illustrious history and award-winning collection.
The award-winning Croizet VSOP Chic Cognac has been aged for well over the minimum four years required, giving it balance and a great aromatic richness of caramel, leather and chocolate. Simply sublime.
Try it with: French Champagne, Sparking grape juice, Red fruits syrup
Exploring other Luxurious Cognac Brands
The above top 15 cognac brands are very special and luxurious with each brand having a special quality making them unique. There are many other cognac brands that are loved by everyone and considered equally luxurious. Some of them are Louis XIII, H.Mounier Marquis de La Fayette, De Luze, D’Usse, H by Hine, Hardy, and Guillon Painturaud.
Now that you have learned about each of these cognac brands and their specialties, which one do you think will be your favorite?
Also Read: Made in India: 20 Famous Indian Brands thriving throughout the World
