Let the taste of cognacs stand out. Find out how to prepare exclusive mixed drinks
What is the difference between brandy and cognac
The roots of the name brandy can be found in the Dutch word brandewijn - which translates as fiery or burnt wine. However, cognac is also made from wine, so what's the difference between the two? It's the same as with champagne and sparkling wine - cognac is one type of brandy, the biggest difference is not in the production process, but in its origin. It is a legal requirement that a spirit labelled 'Cognac' must come from around the town of the same name in the west of France. This territory is divided into six regions, which are ranked according to quality: Grande Champagne (highest quality), Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins bois (where most cognac is produced), Bons bois, Bois ordinaires (lowest quality).
Another rule that the cognac must meet is a minimum of two years' maturation in oak casks from the end of the distillation season. This may start in October during the fermentation of the first wine and ends on 31 March. At the same time, the cognac must be made from at least 90 % white wine of the Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche or Colombard varieties . Compliance with these strict rules will not only result in exceptional taste but also in a higher price. So the next time someone offers you a 'real Georgian cognac', you can nonchalantly point out that they are about to pour you a brandy.
How best to enjoy cognac?
With or without ice? Alone or in a mixed drink? Maurice Hennessy - the father of cognac himself - leaves you free to enjoy and enjoy it. However, Cognac is a refreshing drink, so it should be served between 17 and 22 °C. And if you opt for an ice cube, place it in the glass before pouring the drink. Although most special cognac glasses are wide on a low stem, this drink is best enjoyed from a smaller, tulip-shaped glass.
If you're drinking cognac on its own, smell it first, swirl the glass to let the vapors become more pronounced, and then take a small sip. This is how you excite your palate. Basically, the older the cognac, the better the quality, so it doesn't hurt to know the brands. The abbreviation V.S. stands for 'very special', such cognacs are aged for at least two years. V.S.O.P. stands for 'very superior old pale' and stays in the cask for at least four years. The oldest is X.O., extra old, which is aged for at least 6 years.
However, if you are inexperienced with cognac, reach for the V.S. type to start. It is not as strong and spicy as the longer-aged ones and you will enjoy it better. For example, Meukow V.S. is a great choice.
Cognac and mixed drinks?
The younger cognacs V.S. and V.S.O.P. are also great in mixed drinks. Not to worry at all: it was rum and cognac on which the first cocktails were built. There are plenty of recipes, some are incredibly simple - for example, a cognac and cola is called Tokyo at Night and is drunk mainly by young Japanese people. This spirit is also usually drunk with sparkling wine or champagne; this drink is called the Brown Bear. However, there are more delicious combinations, some of which are even in the catalogue of the World Bartenders Organisation. Which are they?
You will find there, for example, Brandy Alexander. The base of the drink is cognac (3 cl), which you mix with whipped cream (3 cl), cocoa liqueur (3 cl) and grate nutmeg on top. Another popular and relatively simple drink is the Sidecar. Mix cognac (6 cl), lemon juice (0.75 cl) and Triple sec (0.75 cl) in a shaker with ice. However, this drink is served without ice.
And what appeals to you more - the mixed drink or the cognac itself?
