Cognac

Over the past year I've tried 20 different expressions of Cognac, ranging from entry-level to premium. My conclusion: the character is the most reliable indicator of quality across price points. Served chilled, the differences are pronounced and educational. The best value wasn't the most expensive…

I use Cognac primarily in cocktails and it excels in that role — the depth of flavour comes through in a mixed drink in ways that complement rather than dominate. Served neat chilled it's fine but not where it shines for me personally. If you're building a home bar, having a quality Cognac is essen…

I came to Cognac late — not until I was in my 4s. Had assumed it wasn't for me based on nothing in particular. A partner's recommendation changed that. Tried it on the rocks and the character was immediately interesting rather than off-putting. Several years on and it's firmly part of how I drink. …

Something I've noticed with Cognac: the season changes the experience significantly. In summer chilled it's lighter and more refreshing, the complexity on the palate sitting differently in warm weather. In winter the same drink served the same way feels richer and more substantial. I now think abou…

Quality Cognac sits at the premium end of my drinks budget and that's fine — it's an occasion drink for me. Served neat at the right moment it's hard to beat. The depth of flavour on a well-chosen bottle is extraordinary. That said, the price variation in this category is wild. You absolutely get w…

I resisted Cognac for a long time based on a bad early experience. Then a friend insisted I try a properly made version served neat and everything changed. The smooth aftertaste I'd missed the first time was suddenly the point. Been drinking it regularly for about six months now and find myself act…

I expected more from this Cognac given the price point and the hype around the category. Served in a proper glass at room temperature as recommended. The smooth aftertaste was underwhelming compared to bottles at half the price I've enjoyed. The premium end of this market has a lot of marketing att…

Cognac has a specific character that isn't universally appealing and I respect that. Some people find the complexity on the palate overwhelming. Served chilled it's at its most polarising — full flavour, no hiding. For those it clicks with, the payoff is enormous. I'm firmly in that camp and have b…

Took a bottle of Cognac to a dinner party where nobody had thought much about it before. Served it on the rocks after the meal and it sparked a genuine conversation. The balance between sweetness and bite did the work — once people noticed it they couldn't stop asking questions. There's something s…

One of the things I love about Cognac is the regional variation. The same category produced in different parts of the world tastes completely different. The complexity on the palate shifts dramatically depending on origin, and served neat those differences are most apparent. If you've only tried on…