Informations

What are the differencies between Cognac and Brandy ?

What are the differencies between Cognac and Brandy ?

Informations EMMANUELJuly 21 | 5:44 PMBack to Blog

Brandy and cognac are two distilled beverages that share many similarities but also significant differences. Despite this, everyone agrees that they are both excellent drinks rich in history and tradition. To better compare them, let’s take a closer look at brandy, the spirit loved by the Dutch and now produced in various regions around the world. However, it is important to note that cognac, while being a type of brandy, has a particular prestige due to its origin and unique production process.   What is brandy? Brandy is an alcoholic beverage obtained after the distillation of grapes. It comes from the Dutch word “brandewijn,” which can be translated as “burnt wine.” This term refers to the warmth felt when drinking

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How to choose the best Cognac?

How to choose the best Cognac?

Informations EMMANUELJuly 21 | 5:34 PMBack to Blog

Cognac is a perfect example of France winegrowing know how. Produced in the region of the same name, the amber coloured spirit is sold all over the world. It’s one of the most exported French products. For example, 216.5 million bottles were sold in 2019. But how to choose great cognac. Here is some advice:   According to the age and the vineyard The taste of cognac is very different from a producer to another. According to the vineyard and the age, each cognac has different flavours and specific notes. Depending on the age, there are: – Cognac VS (Very Special) with at least 2 years old eau-de-vie – VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) with at least 4 years old

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The ageing process

The ageing process

Informations EMMANUELJuly 21 | 5:18 PMBack to Blog

Once the distillation is finished, it’s now time to place the new eau-de-vie in oak barrels. This step is essential for the development of the eau-de-vie.   Maturating cognac The long process of ageing cognac takes sometimes decades. This is made possible thanks to the porous nature of the wood that enables interactions between the eau-de-vie and the air. Thereby, these interactions with oak wood are changing the eau-de-vie colour going from golden yellow to fiery brown. This exchange with oak’s natural characteristics leads with time to the creation of the « rancio » and the development of the unique cognac aromas.   The Cellar Master The work of the Cellar Master is a result of a great experience. Through the Cellar Master,

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Cognac Distillation

Cognac Distillation

Informations JPainturaudNovember 2 | 5:23 PMBack to Blog

We use a still known as Charentais, all made of copper, to produce our eaux-de-vie. The wine starts in the boiler and brought to boil. Alcohol fumes are released, they gather in the Hat, move to the Swan’s neck then down the Coil. When in contact with the refrigerant, the alcohol fumes condense and flow into “brouillis”.   This slightly cloudy liquid measures between 28 and 32% in volume. It is then poured into the boiler for a second distillation, this is called “la bonne chauffe”. The distiller then proceeds a very delicate task, “la coupe”. The first portion “les têtes” is very high in alcohol and put aside (1-2% volume). Then comes “le cœur”, an eau-de-vie clear and limpid

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Pineau des Charentes

Pineau des Charentes

Informations EMMANUELOctober 25 | 12:14 PMBack to Blog

A LEGENDARY ORIGIN
According to legend, pineau des Charentes was created by a Charentais wine-grower by accident in 1859. The man poured by mistake grape must (juice) in a barrel that already had cognac eau-de-vie. A few years later, after a big harvest, the precious barrel was needed. He discovered a beautiful drink, pineau des Charentes.

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Cognac VS, VSOP, XO : the different Cognac quality grades

Cognac VS, VSOP, XO : the different Cognac quality grades

Informations EMMANUELOctober 25 | 11:43 AMBack to Blog

When it comes to choosing a bottle of Cognac, the range of different grades on offer can make selecting the best one a little complicated. The labels on the bottles are printed with V.S., X.O., V.S.O.P. and there are sometimes stars on the classification too. The price of each of the Cognac grades varies a great deal as well, so what does it all mean? What is the difference between a VSOP Cognac and XO Cognac ? Have a look at our guide to the classification of Cognac so you can understand what you are buying.   The Classification of Cognac What is the difference between brandy, Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados?   Firstly, it is important to know that Cognac

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