National Cognac Day

While there are many forms of distilled alcohol, some extra special ones seem to carry a distinct nobility to them. They are somehow able to claim a bit of culture and social grandeur that just can’t be claimed by other alcoholic beverages.

When most people think of beer, the ideas that arrive in their minds are often of cheap bars and backyard BBQ’s. With wine, the themes might be similar but generally of a higher social class.

However, when a person gets into a conversation where Bourbon, Scotch or Cognac are mentioned, suddenly the rich red of mahogany furniture and distinguished gentlemen in high-class studies or dens come to mind. In many people’s minds, cognac is far and away an improvement over the simply fermented grape, distilled and cultivated down to its ultimate final form.

National Cognac Day is dedicated to this rich beverage, and perhaps the most distinguished of them all!

History of National Cognac Day

To begin with, it would be appropriate to talk a little bit about what Cognac actually is. Cognac, in a way, is what happens when wine grows up and develops character, although that may come with a bit of a bias. Truly, cognac is simply an exclusive version of what most people know as brandy.

Cognac begins with a white wine that must be produced in one of six designated growing regions. It is definitely worth noting that if it wasn’t produced from a white wine grown in those specific regions of the French countryside, it is technically not considered a true cognac.

The French people from this region think it is important to note that, while all cognac is brandy, not all brandy is cognac. And this is simply because it does not come from the specific region in France.

Ironically, the white wine from which cognac starts, is considered by most wine connoisseurs to be entirely undrinkable. But when it is made into cognac, it is absolutely delightful.

There is a further distinction about cognac which states that to be official, cognac must be produced from 90% Ugni Blanc, which is a particular form of white wine grape.

The making of cognac all starts with the grapes being pressed and left to ferment for three weeks in the wild yeasts that grow naturally in those regions, without the addition of sugar or sulfur. This wine is then distilled in alembic stills and placed into Limousin oak casks to age for at least two years where it goes from being nearly 70% to 40% alcohol.

Some people don’t realize that in its day in the late 1800s, cognac was as popular as vodka is today. It was particularly popular because the wine from this region was less likely to spoil than wines from other places. But now it has gone a bit by the wayside and has been left to the more discerning palate.

Cognac comes in multiple grades and exploring them can be a great way to spend National Cognac Day. This day pays homage to one of the world’s most premium drinks!

How to Celebrate National Cognac Day

This certainly one of the grandest celebrations out there! Enjoy National Cognac Day with some of these suggestions:

Make a Cognac Cocktail 

Although cognac can be delicious when sipped on its own, a great way to enjoy the flavors is to make it into one of a variety of cocktails.

• Sidecar. Possibly one of the most well-known cognac drinks, this one includes Cointreau and lemon juice and is served in a martini glass with a sugared rim.
• Royal Manhattan. Getting its name from Remy Martin’s Accord Royal, this drink mixes vermouth, bitters and is garnished with a brandied cherry.
• French Connection. Pair cognac with amaretto for this simple and delicious sippable drink that can be served over ice.
• Coffee Spritz. Use Grand Brulot Cognac (which is infused with coffee). Mix with a blend of Aperol and sparkling wine for a bubbly, citrusy flavor. Garnish with an orange wheel.

Try Out Interesting Varieties of Cognac

National Cognac Day can be celebrated by taking a trip to the local liquor store and selecting a few varieties to try out. Get together a few friends and plan to have a positively thrilling taste test with dozens of varieties to choose from!

Here are some of the most distinguished brands of cognac that may be worth considering:

• Remy Martin XO. Running at just under $200 USD per bottle, this cognac is made from a blend of more than 400 different flavors, with tasting notes of plums, oranges, white flowers, cinnamon and hazelnuts.
• Pierre Ferrand Cognac Selection des Anges. An even more affordable version, this cognac offers a mahogany blend with flavors of jasmine tea, chocolate, honeysuckle, and even curry.
• Louis XIII Cognac. Another bottle from Remy Martin, but just a bit pricer (at over $4000 USD) the flavor is a combination of floral, spices, honey, and candied fruits.

Invest in Special Cognac Glasses

While sampling this drink, don’t forget to look into the various forms of glassware that are specially designed for serving Cognac. These special glasses can enhance the experience by allowing the drinker to experience the expanded aromas that are inherent in the drink.

Cognac glasses typically look like a dessert wine glass (sometimes known as a snifter), with a round bowl and a short stem, although not all cognac glasses have stems.

Fill a glass, take a sip, and savor the luxuriousness that is Cognac. It is the best thing to do on National Cognac Day!