Cognac is supposed to be one of the world’s most noble spirits. But how much of what we believe about Cognac comes from the barrel - and how much comes from marketing?

In this video, I break down what Cognac really is, how it is produced, and what can actually be inside the bottle.

We’ll talk about:

VS, VSOP, Napoleon and XO age statements
caramel coloring and sugar
boisé and oak extracts
chill filtration
the myths surrounding Napoleon and Cognac
why darker Cognac doesn’t necessarily mean older Cognac
why the traditional snifter may not be the best glass for tasting
how large Cognac houses maintain a consistent flavor
what home distillers can learn from professional Cognac production

Cognac can be an exceptional spirit. But it isn’t magic in a bottle - it’s distillation, aging, blending, regulation, technology and, sometimes, very clever marketing.

Don’t buy the story. Understand the drink.

#Cognac #Brandy #Distilling #Spirits #CognacExplained