Cognac tasting

Hi everybody ! 

For our first tasting, we want to share with you a spirit : Cognac. We are sure you think that it is Marine's idea! And you are RIGHT... She badgered us to start with a Cognac article ! :-) Anyway, we think that it is important to know how Cognac is made before to show you how to taste it.




How Cognac is made?

The cognac is a spirit obtained after a double distillation of white wine with consequent aging in oak casks. The process is divided into steps which are strictly regulated: the grape harvest, pressing the grapes to make wine, distillation, maturing and blending.

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The charentais pot-still 

The key to producing Cognac is distilling the wine not once but twice. This double distillation is obligatory and essential to giving Cognac its unique taste and aroma. The second distillation is known as "la bonne chauffe". 

Once distilled, the liquid produced - known as "eau-de-vie"- must be aged for a minimum of two years in oak casks to allow the cognac's flavors and color to mature.

Please clic here to see a distillation animated

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The ageing process

During the ageing process, part of the "eaux-de-vie" evaporates out of the barrels and this is known, rather evocatively, as "la part des anges" or the angels share. The alcohol fumes feed a fungus which appears on the walls and ceiling of the storeroom or chai where the Cognac is aged.

Once ready, Cognac is graded according to its age: 

VS (Very Special) : is youngest Cognac, though it must have been aged for at least two years

VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) has been aged for a minimum of four years

XO (Extra Old) is the oldest Cognac, having been aged for at least six years

You are now able to taste Cognac ! 

Let's GO!

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Cognac tasting tip

When tasting Cognac, first inhale whilst holding the glass by its stem. Then swirl the Cognac to blend the aromas before inhaling again. Taste Cognac with the tip of your tongue before drinking further.

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Cognac in cocktail? 


                                                                                                           The Summit Cocktail 

We say YES ! 

You can try to drink a Cognac with soft drink such as Perrier, Citrus fruits Schweppes, Canada Dry.

The best Cognac cocktail is the SUMMIT. 

How to do it? 

Ingredients for 1 person

• 2 cl of Cognac 
• very small sliver of ginger
• a zest of lime
• 6 cl of lemonade
• a cucumber peel

 Put the slices of ginger and zest of lime at the bottom of the glass. Add 2 cl of Cognac and press 2 or 3 times ginger with a pestle. Place 4 or 5 ice cubes and stir 5 seconds with a spoon. Pour 2 cl of Cognac again and add lemonade and cucumber peel. Stir 5 seconds with a spoon. 

It is now ready to drink ! 

Enjoy !

Do not hesitate to share your opinion with us, in leaving some comments

Trick : Use a VS or VSOP for the cocktail

                              

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Let's have a look at our Cognac tasting video from Cognac De Luze !

We want to thank a lot Cognac De Luze for its collaboration and the time they give us for this video.
Thanks also to Lucille and Rémi, who have kindly agreed to be filmed.