A superb Cognac isn’t only for Christmas – and it isn’t just for after-dinner sipping both. A top-quality VS or VSOP can also be a wonderful base for a refreshing aperitif or a palate-sharpening cocktail.
You possibly can maintain it easy with ice and tonic, or dial up the flavour by mixing your favorite Cognac with ginger ale.
Cocktail lovers may wish to transfer into extra refined territory by mixing a zesty Sidecar or changing whiskey with Cognac for a twist on a Manhattan. Hell, when you’re feeling flush, use an XO to create a hedonistically wealthy and decadent Vieux Carré.
Whether or not you’re shopping for a present for a beloved one or restocking your personal drinks cupboard for the festive season, it’s price remembering that Cognac may shock by way of its worth for cash. And never solely among the many decrease VS and VSOP classifications.
The market forces which have pushed up costs for aged single malt whisky have additionally made decades-old Cognacs from boutique producers abruptly seem inexpensive by comparability. What’s extra, in the case of sipping and contemplation, these nice spirits are among the many world’s greatest.
Give a Decanter Premium subscription this Christmas
Greatest Cognacs for Christmas
Bache Gabrielsen American Oak
New-wave Cognac is now taking many kinds, and Bache Gabrielsen is without doubt one of the extra modern homes on the market. This spends a number of years in conventional Limousin casks earlier than six months or so in new Tennessee oak, marrying standard aromas of vanilla and hazelnut with candy coconut and shiny pineapple. A Cognac to woo whisky followers. Alcohol 40%
Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP
Beforehand recognized merely as Bisquit, this historic home has handed by means of just a few pairs of company palms in recent times, earlier than being given its unique title of Bisquit & Dubouché by the Campari Group final 12 months. Now in a swanky new bottle, this can be a nice all-rounder of a VSOP, combining heat citrus fruit, light spice and a honeyed mid-palate with extra delicate aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle. Alc 40%
Camus Ile de Ré Fantastic Island
The idea of terroir in Cognac is concurrently very important – consider the cachet hooked up to Grande Champagne – and underexploited. That’s slowly altering because of merchandise like this. It’s not probably the most complicated Cognac you’ll ever strive, but it surely’s a captivating exploration of vineyards and cellars on the Atlantic Ile de Ré. Exhibiting nice freshness, with elegant white stone fruit and lip-smacking salinity. Alc 40%
Delamain Pléiade Assortment Apogée Ancestral
Delamain’s high-end Pléiade assortment celebrates provenance and the sharing of each conceivable element of how the person Cognacs are made. Not this one although – all the home is aware of is that it’s a Grande Champagne cask that’s about 60 years previous, and doubtless manufactured from wider-grain Tronçais oak. However the liquid speaks for itself: magnificence and energy in equal measure, with crimson fruit, spice, leather-based and a giant anise end. Alc 45.4%
Domaines Hine Bonneuil 2012
The fifth and newest version of Hine’s line-up of comparatively youthful Grande Champagne Cognacs from the home’s personal winery at Bonneuil. As expressive as ever, with aromatic vine flower on the nostril, then apricot and peach on the palate, supplemented by drier notes of pecan and lightweight espresso. Fascinating to check with earlier bottlings, when you can observe them down. Alc 40%
Ferrand Renegade Barrel No3 Jamaican Rum
Technically talking, an ‘eau de vie de vin’, as a result of (for now, at the very least) you’re not allowed to mature Cognac in rum casks. Get previous the semantics and also you’ll discover an exuberant and appropriately tropical glassful. Notes of black banana, guava and tangerine zest, plus cinnamon, nutmeg and roasted espresso. Possibly not one for traditionalists, however nonetheless a lot of enjoyable to drink. Alc 48.2%
Hermitage 20 Yr Outdated Grande Champagne
Cognacs from Grande Champagne generally want a number of a long time in cask to disclose their full depth and focus. However this very good instance from Cognac hunter David Baker’s Hermitage operation reveals what may be achieved in a ‘mere’ couple of a long time. A small nonetheless and a humid cellar assist to create outstanding depth and a wonderful mouthfeel. The silky palate boasts ever-changing flavours of tropical fruit, tobacco leaf, candied orange, espresso and walnut. Alc 42%
Jean Fillioux Très Vieux XO Further
Cognac Jean Fillioux has distant familial hyperlinks to the Grasp Blenders of Hennessy. Nonetheless this can be a very completely different, decidedly boutique operation with a 25ha winery within the coronary heart of Grande Champagne. 5 generations have honed a personality that’s extremely fragrant, however with nice depth and focus. Count on notes of poached pear, quince, wealthy spice and roasted almond. For an XO of this pedigree, it’s additionally ridiculously good worth. Alc 40%
Martell Cordon Bleu
Edouard Martell’s 1912 traditional was served on the maiden voyage of the RMS Queen Mary in 1936, and the primary Concorde flight to New York Metropolis in 1977 – and it’s not exhausting to see why. Greater than 150 eaux-de-vie mix to create an endlessly complicated, completely poised mingling of contemporary orchard fruits with wealthy espresso bean, baking spices and darkish honey. One of many nice Cognac creations. Alc 40%
Rémy Martin XO
The bottle’s a bit bling for my style, but it surely’s what’s on the within that counts. The type is closely influenced by Grande Champagne sourcing and the load of some muscly however not extreme oak. The epitome of wealthy, opulent XO Cognac, with oodles of ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, drying tannin, festive spices and just a bit anise to supply some elevate. Alc 40%
