Cognac
Brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. It is produced by distilling wine.
Grades
VS - Very Superior: The youngest brandy is stored for at least 2 years in cask.
VSOP - Very Superior Old Pale: The youngest brandy is stored for at least 4 years but the average age of the wood is significantly older.
XO - Extra Old: The youngest brandy is stored for at least 6 years, but on average upwards of 20 years.
£3.70 Courvoisier VS 40% (France)
Cognac to Sip
£4.50 Maxime Trijol VSOP Grande Champagne Cognac 40% (France) All three cognacs here are very different styles, and if you have the time, it’s worth sampling the bunch. This is a deep and rich cognac, woody spice on the palate and long on the finish.
£4.80 ABK6 VSOP Cognac 40% (France) ABK6 single estate expression made by the family-owned Cognac house, whom have seen snapping up award after award in recent years. A sublime Cognac in many, many way. Named World's Best Cognac at the World Cognac Awards 2014.
£6.50 Le Reviseur XO Cognac 40% (France) Francis Abécassis the owner of Le Reviseur, distils this cognac on a single estate in the Petite Champagne region. He believes that blending from a single estate gives the cognac character and depth. The XO is really well balanced with lots of dried fruit and a really good finish.
£7.50 Delamain ‘Pale & Dry’ XO 40% (France) A Grande Champagne Cognac blended from well-aged eaux-de-vie, this enjoys a two year marriage. It is "pale" for it has a light hue, despite its age, and is "dry" for it has no added sweetener
Armagnac
A distinctive kind of brandy produced in the Armagnac region in Gascony, southwest France. It is distilled from wine usually made from a blend of grapes.
£4.60 C Clés des Ducs VSOP Vieil Armagnac 40% (France) This VSOP Armagnac was made by Clés des Ducs, which roughly translates to "The Keys of the Dukes", which sounds awfully royal and important. Unsurprisingly, this has influenced their fantastic Armagnac, as it tastes awfully royal and important as well!
£5.60 Baron de Sigognac 40% (France) A gold award winner at the 2005 International Spirits Challenge. This superb 20 year old Bas-Armagnac is made by a family that trace their roots back to the 12th Century. The Armagnac they make is artisan and made in small batches.