Cognac

About

From historic houses to innovative, modern ventures, explore cognac, a bartender's must-have, with Curiada. There are few spirits as old and historic as cognac. But, there are also few spirits as innovative and vibrant as the modern category. At once complex but approachable, it is a wonderful addition to every home bar. What is cognac? Cognac is a variety of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. Made primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes, it is double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels to create a smooth, complex spirit. The long aging process allows it to develop notes of fruit, spices, flowers and oak. What are the different types of cognac? There are several grades of Cognac based on aging time: VS (Very Special) - Aged at least 2 years VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) - Aged at least 4 years XO (Extra Old) - Aged at least 6 years, generally much longer Napoléon - Aged at least 6 years Hors d'âge - Aged over 10 years Beyond these broad categories, Cognac houses produce vintage and single estate offerings that highlight distinct terroirs and winemaking traditions. How is cognac made? Production begins with a double pot still distillation of white wine made primarily from the thin-skinned, acidic Ugni Blanc grape. The grapes are harvested in early October and pressed quickly to avoid tannins from the skins. The wine undergoes initial fermentation for 2-3 weeks before a first distillation in copper pot stills traditionally heated by an open flame. This brouillis distillate has an ABV of 28-32%. The brouillis then goes into a second distillation in smaller antique stills. The 'heart' of this distillate becomes eaux-de-vie. It is traditionally distilled to around 70% ABV. The new spirit then ages in French Limousin or Tronçais oak casks for at least 2 years to become cognac. However, most is aged far longer - upwards of 4 to 6 decades for the most high end expressions! During aging, the spirit interacts with the oak, picking up caramelize