This is Hine’s most entry level Cognac that is blended from more than 15 Cognacs, all more than four years old. Nose Blended with eaux-de-vie exclusively from the premier cru, Grande Champagne, this Hine XO Antique Grande Champagne Cognac is innovation, a relic from the times of Georges Hine brought to life for the modern Cognac connoisseur. The recipe was developed in 1920 by Hine himself, and was relaunched in 2010 by the Cognac house as a single cru XO. The 40 different Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie have been aged for a minimum of 10 years in traditional French Limousin oak casks, a homage to Hine’s heritage and the Cognac house’s history of fine craftsmanship.

Among the oldest Cognac brands in the world, with a legacy that spans some 300 years, Martell rightfully takes its place as one of the industry’s most respected Maisons. Despite its towering history and famous legacy, Martell isn’t afraid of innovation. Neat and next to the below bottling (aged in France) of the same vintage to see the difference. Price As expected from the nose, this vintage is fuller, darker and more robust than the previous vintage. Suggested ServePut simply, cognac is the crème de la crème of the brandy world. Made in a specific region, it must be aged in French oak for a minimum of two years, and undergo two distillations. The second distillation produces the ‘eau de vie’, which is then blended, aged, and released when the brand deems it ready. What is the highest quality of cognac? Brandy is a very broad category comprised of all distillates made from fermented fruit juice, be it from grapes or another fruit, including apples, pears, berries, and more. Cognac is a specific category of brandy. It is made from grapes—usually ugni blanc, colombard, or folle blanche—within the Cognac region of France. Cognac is the spirit you should be reaching for and drinking now,” says certified cognac educator Ms. Franky Marshall. That’s, in part, because of its diversity. Made from grapes—primarily high-acid, low-alcohol ugni blanc variety—that are fermented, twice-distilled, and then matured in oak barrels before blending and bottling, this brandy from France’s Cognac region is not just for sipping after dinner by the fire. In fact, it’s one of the widest-ranging spirits categories out there. A rich nose filled with leather, honey and vanilla, and dappled with hints of spice and floral elements. Taste The result is an extraordinary cognac that offers a finish that can evolve on the palate for an hour. Some of these eaux-de-vie can take up to 70 years to reach their peak, so needless to say, Louis XIII has a vested interest in the future.

Matching the nose, the Homage is fuller on the palate with lovely fresh orange oils, pepper spice, hints of nutmeg and a rich prune ending. Suggested Serve Although it may vary slightly, cognac prices are relatively consistent. Needless to say, older cognacs are more expensive and some Hors d’Âge blends like Louis XIII can easily cost several thousand dollars. Our panel — made up of accredited cognac experts and consumers — tested each bottle blind; first neat, then diluted with water to soften the alcohol and allow the core flavours to shine. They were looking for well-balanced examples offering a smooth mouthfeel and complexity. Younger cognacs should display a light and lively profile of fruit and floral notes, while aged examples should bring greater complexity, heavier oak and jammy dried fruit. If you’re looking for a vintage comparison between Early Landed and Jarnac aged, why not try Hine 1983 Vintage Cognac alongside Hine 1983 Early Landed Vintage Cognac . Hine 1985 Grande Champagne, Aged in Jarnac More recently, Martell released an ultra-rare cognac, Assemblage du Lapin, in honor of the Lunar New Year. The special release features the house’s most precious blend, L’Or de Jean Martell 1715, mixed with rare vintage eaux-de-vie that were distilled in past Years of the Rabbit.

8. Hennessy VSOP Privilège Cognac

These single estate and single vintage Cognacs from the Bonneuil vineyard in Grand Champagne are about producing and demonstrating Cognacs with a wine approach. Both versions we try are aged to around 19 years old and come from the same plot, meaning the only difference is the year they were harvested (so what the grapes tastes like that year). There are around 8,000 bottles released and Rudolph, who is hosting our tasting, explains the expressions need longer ageing, but are still an interesting experiment into terroir. Nose Unlike certain wine regions, which are based on appellations and vinification methods, cognac works on an easy-to-get-your-head-around ageing classification. While food pairing is possible, generally speaking, cognac is best served as a digestif, or aperitif. While the old-school set would only serve it neat and at room temperature, we’re not ones to follow the rules. If you’re looking for something truly special, however, the spectacular Hennessy XO x Kim Jones edition will certainly make your drinks cabinet pop. The maison partnered with the Dior artistic director in early 2023 to create a capsule collection featuring two decanters, as well as a pair of sneakers. Single vintages have been our signature for decades. Each and every one of them is a liquid snapshot of a particular year, echoing the elaboration of fine wines and champagnes. It takes years for optimum natural conditions to make for a remarkable expression.