Cognac

Cognac is a grape brandy from the Cognac region of south-west France, double-distilled and aged in French oak casks. The age of the youngest brandy in the blend decides whether it is VS, VSOP or XO.

Choose by age: VS (at least two years in oak) for mixing, VSOP (at least four) for sipping over ice, and XO (at least ten) for slow sipping and gifts. Prices start at about £12 for a 20cl VS.

Which cognac should I choose?

The big houses cover every age: Hennessy VS from 5cl to 70cl, plus VSOP Privilege and XO; Courvoisier VS, VSOP and XO; Martell VS and VSOP; and Rémy Martin XO. For something less familiar, Hine, Frapin, Naud and Jules Gautret are smaller houses with VSOP and older bottlings.

How to serve cognac

VS works with ginger ale, tonic or cola, or in a Sidecar with orange liqueur and lemon. VSOP is good over a large ice cube, and XO is best neat in a tulip or small wine glass, at room temperature.

Free UK delivery on orders over £99. To try one first, see our cognac miniatures.