Best Néo-Aquitain Spirit Types
Extra old Cognac label is the one with a blend that has been aged the longest. Although the previous legislation stated that XO needs to be at least six years old, new categorization, which will be fully implemented by March 31, 2019, will indicate that to be labeled as an XO, the blend will have to be at least ten years old.
However, the age limitation only signifies that the youngest in the blend is six (ten) years old, but when it comes to XO most blends are significantly older than that. XO Cognac should always be served neat in a snifter glass, and are best enjoyed as a digestif.
THE BEST XO Cognac Brandies
Martell
Single Cru Grande Champagne XO
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Domaine du Chêne
Jean Doussoux Cognac XO N°20
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2021
Domaine du Chêne
Jean Doussoux Single Cask N. 89
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold 2020
Considered to be one of the first grape brandy varieties produced in France, Armagnac originated in Gascony, a historic area now divided between the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. The first written records on Armagnac date back to the 15th century, when it was mainly used as a stomach remedy.
Although the predominant grape is Ugni Blanc, ten different grapes are allowed in its production, and since the 19th century, Armagnac is almost always distilled once. The final blend is then aged in oak casks for a minimum of two years. Maturation provides Armagnac with the signature complex flavor, and while young varieties show vanilla and honey notes, matured versions are typically characterized by the flavor of roasted nuts, licorice, and tobacco.
THE BEST Armagnac Brandies
Domaine Du Grand Comte
Hors D’age
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Château du Tariquet
Pure Folle Blanche 15 YO Bas-Armagnac
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Armagnac Gold Trophy 2020
Chateau de Laubade
Cask Strength 1994 Bas Armagnac
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy 2022
Armagnac Janneau
Armagnac Chevalier D'Espalet VS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2021
Very superior old pale is a Cognac category whose blend is aged for at least four years—which means that the youngest brandy mixed in the blend is four years old, while the others can be aged for longer. VSOP is both lively and serious, and it can be enjoyed on its own, preferably slowly sipped from a snifter glass, but it also incorporates well into mixed drinks and cocktails.
THE BEST VSOP Cognac Brandies
Domaine Du Grand Comte
VSOP
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Martell
Martell Blue Swift Cognac
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
This classic French brandy is distilled from grapes in order to produce eau-de-vie, which is then aged and blended to make cognac. The drink originated when it was revealed that eau-de-vie brandy of the Charente region develops different and more sophisticated flavors when aged in oak casks.
Since its introduction to the global market, cognac became a sought-after drink, especially enjoyed by the British aristocracy. With the influx of low-quality drinks that were marketed as cognac, it was necessary to control its production. In 1936, cognac was regulated by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), which restricted its production to six different terroirs and the area that includes the entire department of the Charente-Maritime, most of the department of Charente, and small parts of the Deux-Sèvres and Dordogne.
VARIATIONS OF Cognac
THE BEST Cognac Brandies
Ragnaud Sabourin
N° 4 VS Cognac
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2023
Hermitage Cognac
50 YO Grande Champagne Cognac
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2021
Hermitage Cognac
1960 Grande Champagne Cognac
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Cognac Gold Trophy 2020
Very special Cognac is the youngest that is allowed on the market. It must be aged for at least three years, with the reference date being October 1. The fresh and lively character of these labels makes them an excellent option for cocktails and mixed drinks.
THE BEST VS Cognac Brandies
Best Néo-Aquitain Spirit Producers
Plantation Rum is a distinguished rum brand known for producing high-quality spirits with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and distinctive flavors. It is part of the Maison Ferrand family, a renowned producer of fine spirits, including cognac.
Plantation Rum is sourced from various regions around the world, including the Caribbean and Central America, where it is distilled using time-honored methods and aged in a combination of tropical and European barrels to enhance its complexity and character.
Plantation Rum is celebrated for its range of expressions, from rich, spiced varieties to more delicate, fruity offerings. The rum is crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of the sugarcane and the aging process, with each bottle reflecting the terroir of its origin.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold
2023, 2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Plantation Rum Spirits
AWARDS
The Scotch Whisky Masters - Gold
2024
The Brandy Masters - Gold
2023, 2022
The Liqueur Masters - Gold
2023
BEST Bardinet Spirits
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2019
BEST Distillerie Merlet & Fils Liqueurs
Le Domaine du Chêne is a winery and distillery located in the heart of France, specializing in the production of high-quality spirits and wines. The estate is renowned for its craftsmanship and dedication to creating unique products that reflect the rich agricultural heritage of the region.
Domaine du Chêne produces a range of beverages, including fine brandies, liquors, and wines, using traditional methods passed down through generations. The estate is known for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, ensuring that each product is made with the highest standards of quality.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2020
World Cognac Awards - Best X.X.O.
2022
BEST Domaine du Chêne Spirits
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Vodka Gold Trophy
2020
BEST Famille Naud Spirits
Raymond Ragnaud Cognac is a distinguished family-owned producer located in the Grande Champagne region, the premier cru of Cognac, France. Established in 1860, the estate spans 47 hectares, primarily cultivating Ugni Blanc grapes, with a portion dedicated to the traditional Folle Blanche variety.
The house is renowned for its dedication to traditional methods and the production of high-quality Cognacs. Their range includes offerings such as the Réserve Cognac, a delicate and complex expression produced solely using eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, known for its well-balanced profile with soft spice, floral touches, and peachy fruit.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Cognac Raymond Ragnaud Spirits
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST Hériose Spirits
Cognac François Peyrot is a family-owned distillery located in the heart of the Grande Champagne region, a premier area for cognac production. Their vineyard, known as "Les Bergeronnettes," spans 28 hectares and is entirely dedicated to cultivating grapes for the production of high-quality cognac.
The Peyrot family's history in viticulture dates back to 1893, when their great-grandfather Jean Baptiste began growing vines. In 1956, Jean and Mathilde Peyrot established the distillery and started producing cognac. In 1971, their successors, François and Gisèle, launched the first cognac under their own brand, "Cognac François Peyrot." Today, the distillery produces a wide range of cognacs, including VS, VSOP, Napoleon, and XO, as well as cognac-based liqueurs, such as the renowned Williams Pear Liqueur.
AWARDS
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Best Néo-Aquitain Spirits
AWARDS
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Master
2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2020
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Vodka Gold Trophy
2020
Plantation Peru Rum 2004 is a single cask rum from Plantation Rum, offering a distinctive and refined expression of the rich rum-making traditions of Peru. Distilled in 2004, this rum undergoes a unique aging process that combines both tropical and continental maturation.
Initially aged in the warm climate of Peru, the rum is then transferred to Europe for further aging in French oak barrels, allowing it to develop complexity and depth.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Rum Gold Trophy
2019
Collaborating with local coconut farmers, Planteray (formerly Plantation) dedicated four years to perfecting the recipe. Ripe coconut husks are cut, sun-dried under the Caribbean sun, and then infused in 100% Bajan rum, distilled at the West Indies Rum Distillery.
This exquisite blend celebrates island culture and is ideal for a Piña Colada, yet equally delightful neat, over ice, or in a classic old fashioned.
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2022
AWARDS
World Cognac Awards - Best X.X.O.
2022
World's Best Cognac - Winner
2022
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
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