Read on for our complete list to find your next favorite cognac.
- Best Overall: Frapin Château Fontpinot XO.
- Best VS: Bache-Gabrielsen Tre Kors.
- Best VSOP: Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP.
- Best Innovation: Camus Ile de Ré Fine Island.
- Best Double Cask: Pierre Ferrand Réserve.
- Best Under $50: H by Hine.
What are the top shelf cognac?
8 of the Best Brands of Cognac to Drink
- Hennessy Black. Now 77% off.
- Rémy Martin XO. Courtesy.
- Hine Antique XO Premier Cru Cognac. Courtesy.
- Ferrand 10 Générations Grande Champagne Cognac. $750 AT RESERVE BAR.
- Courvoisier XO Cognac. Courtesy.
- Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac VSOP. $74 AT RESERVE BAR.
- Martell XO.
- Louis XIII Cognac.
What are the big 4 cognacs?
In a sea of brandy producers, “The Big Four” — Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier — have stood the test of time. Recognized by spirits aficionados around the world, each of the four houses offers drinkers a legacy and signature style befitting of every Cognac lover.
What is best cognac to start with?
Best Cognac for beginners: eight bottles to try
- Augier L’Océanique.
- Domaines Hine Bonneuil 2008.
- Frapin 1270.
- Guillon-Painturaud Réserve Single Estate.
- Hermitage Cognac Marie Louise Crystal Decanter.
- Jean Fillioux Réserve Familiale.
- Martell VSOP.
- Rémy Martin XO.
Which brand of cognac is best? – Related Questions
Is Remy Martin better than Hennessy?
Remy Martin Vs Hennessy – What to Choose? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in your Cognac. If you want a smooth and mellow drink that’s great on its own or with food, then Remy is probably your best bet (though it’s worth mentioning that both brands make excellent VSOP Cognacs as well).
Is courvoisier better than Hennessy?
While Courvoisier is slightly more affordable, it doesn’t really lag in quality. In fact, it’s your better choice if you prefer a sweeter cognac to be slightly sweeter. Meanwhile, if you prefer to splurge and go for luxury, Hennessy is your better alternative.
Which cognac is better VSOP or XO?
For cocktails, we advise that you choose a Very Superior (VS) or Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) Cognac and save those pricey XO and Hors d’Age Spirits for sipping. If you’re a Cognac purist who wants to enjoy your Cognac neat, use a ‘taster’s glass’ with a long and narrow tulip shape.
Is Hennessy good for beginners?
Furthermore, it must be aged in oak barrels for a period of time specific to its categorization. With a minimum aging requirement of two years, VS cognac is a great place to start exploring cognac. Hennessy VS Cognac costs less than $30 and is an easy beginner brandy to find.
Which is better XO or VSOP brandy?
But generally XO Brandy will be of higher quality than the VSOP. When referring to Cognac or Armagnac these terms refer to minimum legal aging requirements in oak barrel. For example, a Cognac labelled VS must have a minimum two years aging, while VSOP is four years and XO is six.
Is VSOP cognac better than VS?
Again, it all comes down to personal preference. If a cognac has been aged for longer, it does not necessarily mean it is better. Younger cognacs, such as a VS, tend to have a fresher, livelier aromas of fruit, where as older eaux-de-vie such as VSOPs tend to be smoother, with clear notes of oak and spices.
Is Courvoisier a good cognac?
Based on 217 votes, the average rating for Courvoisier VSOP Cognac is 7.3/10. ― Absolutely delightful – very easy sipper. ― As far as smoothness goes, it can give Hennessey a run for its money in my book.
Is cognac a high end brandy?
Named after the Cognac region of France, this style of aged brandy is among the most revered in the world. Cognac is prized for its smooth and soft character and the high quality grapes it’s distilled from. “It’s an extension of wine, in that you can still taste the grape in it.