Tips on Buying Cognac

Hattiesburg, MS

Trying a new alcoholic beverage can be intimidating when you are not sure what to expect. Your mind asks questions about the flavor, the aroma, how it is made, and how to consume it best to get the full-body experience. Therefore, your local liquor store in Hattiesburg, Lincoln Road Package Store, is sharing some tips on buying cognac.

What is Cognac?

coMade in a specific area of France, Cognac is a type of brandy. The surrounding Charente region of France us the epicenter for wine and Cognac production. Cognac made from wine is required to be distilled in copper, then placed in French oak to age for two years or longer. Cognac production is strictly regulated to ensure quality and industry standards to be officially labeled cognac.

The difference between cognac and brandy is a common question. Brandy is a product of the distillation process from wine. The aging process for brandy begins in the French oak barrels turning the brandy into cognac. Below are the variances between the types of cognac.

What are the different types of cognac?

• VS: Referring to the “low-end” of Cognac, VS stands for Very Special. Although the specification of the “low-end” quality, this type of cognac surpasses many other liquors because it is aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years but no more than four years.
• VSOP: The next step in the classification of Cognac, VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale. This type of cognac has aged over four years, but no more than ten. French oak casks are the aging container of choice for VSOP.
• XO: Originally requiring aging of six years, this cognac must now meet the minimum aging of ten years. Once aged ten years, the cognac receives the XO, or Extra Old designation on the label.
• Note: Some cognacs that meet the six-year aging rule and additional requirements are “grandfathered” into the rule. These cognacs don a legal label as Napoleon or Napoleon XO, which states they meet the requirements of the old laws, not necessarily the new ones.
• Hors d’age: Although not an official label for cognac, the term technically means “beyond age.” The term refers to old cognacs that are past ten years old, but it is a marketing tactic.
• Heritage: Heritage is another marketing label that refers to cognac, which is at least fifty years old or older. When you see this on a label, it is merely for increasing sales.

Which cognac is right for you?

With so many choices in brands and types, it could be confusing knowing which one to choose. Therefore Lincoln Road Package Store is sharing a few products that we believe will provide a quality introduction to the cognac world.

• Grande Champagne cognacs, any grade: Considered one of the best cognac varieties available, Grande Champagne is a cognac from Grande Champagne, France. Within the brand, you can find various grades providing a quality product at a reasonable price. Typically, these cognacs come in at VS or VSOP grading levels and are easy to sip and drink. Although VS cognacs mixes well into a cocktail, VSOP cognacs are best neat.
• Hennessy XO: A well-known brand name with an authentic cognac experience goes hand in hand with Hennessey XO. Paired with food or enjoyed alone, the extra old variety is a popular choice. Even if Hennessey is the most known, true cognac connoisseurs may tell you it is not the best on the market.
• Remy Martin VSOP: As an inexpensive, but a quality product, Remy Martin provides the same flavor and sophistication as other cognacs. Remy Martin VSOP offers features of a licorice vanilla flavor that may surprise and delight you.

Liquor Store at 2800 Lincoln Road, Suite A, in Hattiesburg, MS

With various types of cognac, it could be challenging to decide on which one to choose. Now that you have some information about the different kinds of cognac available, it may help you decide which to try. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact us by calling (601) 268-3677, emailing jamiefarris@gmail.com or come by Lincoln Road Package Store at 2800 Lincoln Road, Suite A, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to pick up a bottle today.