Cognac Flashcards
(15 cards)
How is Cognac Graded?
Cognac is typically graded by their ageing.
VS (Very Special) - 2+ years
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) - 4+ years
XO (Extra Old) - 10+ years
Louis XIII - Prestige Blend, aged up to 100 years.
What is Cognac?
Cognac is a type of brandy made under strict rules in the Cognac region of France.
It’s distilled from white grapes (mainly Ugni Blanc) and it’s double distilled in copper pot stills, and aged in French Oak.
What type of Cognac is Hennessy VS?
Hennessy VS has an age statement of 2+ years.
It has tasting notes of fresh grapes, toasted almonds, oak wood, and spice.
What type of Brandy is Courvoisier VS?
Courvoisier VS has an age statement of between 2-5 years.
It has a fruity flavour profile with notes of pear, apple, oak wood, and light vanilla.
Napoleon is said to have taken several barrels of Courvoisier VS with him into exile.
What type of Brandy is Martell VSOP?
Martell VSOP has an age statement of 4-7 years.
It has tasting notes of red berries, dried fruits, oak wood, and spice.
It is a version with a stronger oak-influence.
What type of Brandy is Martell VS?
Martell VS has an age statement of 2-3 years.
It has flavour notes of plums, lemons, and caramel.
Martell distills their brandy with lees (a yeast sediment) which makes it richer and adds texture.
What type of Brandy is Remy Martin VSOP?
Remy Martin VSOP has an age statement of 4-12 years.
It has tasting notes of apricots, baked apples, cinnamon, and toasted nuts.
Remy Martin VSOP is made exclusively from Grande & Petite Champagne Crus which defines it’s higher quality.
What type of Brandy is Martell XO?
Martell XO has an age statement of 10 years with a blend that often includes Eaux-De-Vie aged 20+.
It has tasting notes of Figs, Walnuts, Chocolate, Honey, Leather, and Spice.
Best for Connoisseurs.
What type of Brandy is Louis XIII by Remy Martin?
Remy Martin’s Louis XIII is an eaux-de-vie with an age statement of 40-100 years.
It has tasting notes of Rancio (the aroma of aged wine), Saffron, Honey, Sandalwood, Cigars, and Dried Fruits.
Which Cognac’s are the best for beginners?
Hennessy VS - iconic and smooth
Martell VS - fruit forward and easy
Courvoisier VS - soft and floral
Which Cognacs are best for cocktails or with mixers?
Martell VS - Sidecar Cocktail, French 75 Cocktail
Hennessy VS - Pairs Well with Citrus Mixers or Ginger
Courvoisier VS - Works well in an Old-Fashioned Variation.
Which Cognacs are best for sipping neat?
Remy Martin VSOP
Martell VSOP
Martell XO
Louis XIII
What makes a cognac a ‘fine champagne’?
A cognac is classified as a ‘fine champagne’ if it’s made exclusively with Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne Crus - considered the best terroir (terroir = sense of place)
Does Cloud 23 offer a Fine Champagne?
Remy Martin VSOP qualifies as a Fine Champagne.
How is Cognac Made?
- Cognac is distilled twice in copper pot stills (Charentais Stills)
- It’s then Aged in Limousin or Troncais Oak Barrels
- Blended from many ‘eaux-de-vie’ (distilled wine) to achieve a consistent house style.
- Graded by age (VS, VSOP, XO, etc)
Charentais = a small melon
Troncais + Limousin = A French Forest Area of Oak Trees
Stills = distillation apparatus used to seperate components
