Best Cognac for Beginners

Since its founding in 1765, Hennessy has been guided by a passion to craft the world’s finest Cognacs - our drive to Never Stop. Never Settle. Hennessy Cognac is crafted with a strict set of standards defined by the Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde and handed down from generation to generation. However, when it comes to enjoying Cognac, we haven’t followed any rules since 1765. Hennessy has created extraordinary cognacs since 1765 and Hennessy Very Special represents the Tasting Committee’s unique expertise. Only the most distinctive eaux-de-vie are selected which are then carefully matured for several years in oak casks and skillfully blended to reveal their warm, full-bodied flavor. Through the nose, Hennessy V.S brings together an intense and fruity character with pleasantly oaky notes. When savored, powerful flavors suggest grilled almonds, supported by lively notes reminiscent of fresh grapes. Savour the lively, fruity character that makes Hennessy the #1 V.S in the world neat, on ice, or in a cocktail. Buy Hennessy V.S. online through Drizly and start enjoying a glass of the world's most loved cognac.

Rémy Martin® V.S.O.P is a well-balanced and multi-layered cognac with notes of vanilla, stone fruit and licorice. It is a blend from the most sought-after vineyards in the heart of the Cognac region of France - Petite and Grande Champagne. Rémy Martin is the only major cognac house specializing exclusively in Cognac Fine Champagne. Rémy Martin V.S.O.P is twice the age of a standard V.S, this gold color and versatile V.S.O.P embodies the perfect harmony of powerful and elegant aromas. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, in a variety of cocktails or simply mixed with ginger ale.

Rémy Martin® XO is the signature of our Cellar Master who, with his expertise, blends up to 400 eaux-de-vie from the two most-sought after vineyards of Cognac - Petite and Grande Champagne. His art of blending allows to express the full aromatic spectrum of this extra-old Cognac. Rémy Martin XO is the ultimate expression of Fine Champagne and a tribute to our passionate commitment to time, tradition and respect of the land. A true symbol of luxury and prestige thanks to its complexity and iconic bottle shape. Serve Rémy Martin XO straight, with a large ice cube or in classic cocktails.

Naturally aged at least four and a half years in the cellars of France's Château de Cognac, D’USSÉ™ VSOP Cognac emerges as a bold, full-bodied blend that arouses the palate. On the nose, it reveals a powerful bouquet, rich in woody notes that are layered with touches of cinnamon and floral notes. Distinctively and unexpectedly smooth, with each taste, you savor hints of spices, almond and cinnamon. Subtle accents of honey and dried fruits are the finale.

Since its founding in 1765, Hennessy has been guided by a passion to craft the world’s finest Cognacs - our drive to Never Stop. Never Settle. Hennessy Cognac is crafted with a strict set of standards defined by the Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde and handed down from generation to generation. However, when it comes to enjoying Cognac, we haven’t followed any rules since 1765. Created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his circle of close friends, Hennessy X.O was the first “Extra Old” Cognac ever invented and established the category. In 1947, Gérald de Geoffre designed the first Hennessy X.O decanter, whose distinctive form is still familiar to us today. Its silhouette is a tribute to the pyramid-like forms of the grape bunches that give birth to the Cognac eaux-de-vie. Hennessy X.O's intense and deep amber color is a sign of its strength. Its flavors of candied fruit and its subtle and lightly spicy nose create a complete harmony: a mark of its power and roundness. To taste, a smooth, full sensation gives a simultaneously powerful and soft tonality with a hint of cocoa and a warm, fruity presence. The long finish expresses all the complexity of the cognac’s blending and its long ageing process. Best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of soda water..

Courvoisier® XO is a selection by our Master Blender of beautifully matured eaux de vie, aged from 11 to 25 years, to highlight the complexity and richness of cognac aromas. The finished product is intensely aromatic and flavourful, with a velvety texture and aromatic bouquet, laced with hints of crème brûlée, candied orange and iris flower.

Rémy Martin 1738® Accord Royal is an exceptionally smooth take on Rémy Martin’s signature style. Its mellow body, oaky notes of butterscotch and baked spices come from a unique process of aging eaux-de-vie in new French oak casks that were toasted using a long and soft heating process. The story starts with a royal approval: in 1738, King Louis XV granted Rémy Martin the right to expand his vineyards, at a time of land scarcity. As an homage to this ultimate recognition, the house created an exceptionally oaky and smooth blend: 1738 Accord Royal. Best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in classic cocktails.

A gift pack containing a bottle of Hennessy XO and a pair of glasses to share it from. The original 'extra-old' Cognac, first bottled in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for family and friends. Darker and much more complex than the VSOP, with appealing leather and tobacco notes and a touch of spice – a great cigar Cognac.

Since its founding in 1765, Hennessy has been guided by a passion to craft the world’s finest Cognacs - our drive to Never Stop. Never Settle. Hennessy Cognac is crafted with a strict set of standards defined by the Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde and handed down from generation to generation. However, when it comes to enjoying Cognac, we haven’t followed any rules since 1765. In perpetuating the legacy of the original V.S.O.P – specially conceived by Hennessy in 1817 for the English Prince Regent, who would become George IV – the objective of the Hennessy master blenders has always been to create a complete and harmonious blend: the definitive expression of a perfectly balanced cognac. The mellow texture of its oldest eaux-de-vie perfectly complements the vitality of the youngest, which makes it ideal for any occasion, whether enjoyed on the rocks, as a long drink or in a more creative mix. Buy Hennessy V.S.O.P online through Drizly and start enjoying a glass of the world's most loved cognac.

Courvoisier® VSOP is a skillfully crafted cognac that is a blend of several crus with a perfect balance between Fins Bois, Grande and Petite Champagnes, at the peak of their aromatic potential. The result is an exquisitely balanced cognac with notes of peach and toasted almond with the gentle hint of vanilla and jasmine.

Famous for its bee emblem, Cognac Louis Royer traces its history back to the year 1853 and is known for a wide range of quality cognacs and Pineau. Creating cognacs from all six terroirs of the Cognac growing region, the offices and cellars of Louis Royer remain in the town of Jarnac on the banks of the Charente River where they were set up over 150 years ago. Very much continuing with the traditional methods championed by the cognac house’s name sake, Louis Royer boasts five generations of family experience and skill that continue to produce a full range of cognacs distributed on a world wide scale.

The deep, ruddy hue and toffee-like aroma suggest that this Cognac will be on the sweeter side. The palate delivers cherry jam fruitiness and a burst of heat up front, segueing to fudge and hazelnut on the finish, plus cinnamon and clove. It feels almost like drinking a Cognac Old-Fashioned cocktail. 93 Points by Wine Enthusiast

95 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST 2013. Camus XO Elegance is best when allowed time to open. The palate is light at first, with vanilla and caramel deepening to a fruity finish full of apricot and orange flavors

Since its founding in 1765, Hennessy has been guided by a passion to craft the world’s finest Cognacs - our drive to Never Stop. Never Settle. Hennessy Cognac is crafted with a strict set of standards defined by the Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde and handed down from generation to generation. However, when it comes to enjoying Cognac, we haven’t followed any rules since 1765. Smooth from the first aromas, yet intense throughout the tasting experience, Hennessy Black is an alluring, multi-faceted cognac. Carefully selected and subtly matured in old oak barrels, the Hennessy Black eaux-de-vie play across the palate, revealing the most surprising flavors: a remarkable duality between smoothness and intense freshness. Buy Hennessy Black online through Drizly and start enjoying a glass of the world's most loved cognac.

Scents of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanilla and prunes that add to a remarkable length on the palate. The range of perfume tastes is united and nothing comes disturbing it while tasting.

Marnier®'s Cognac XO is a 100% Grande Champagne cognac from the best production area in the Cognac region. An exceptional blend of up to 30 rare and very old cognacs, it demonstrates the House of Grand Marnier®'s know-how in the art of blending and ageing cognacs. Our Cellar Master, Patrick Raguenaud, uses the same craftsmanship when he blends the Grand Marnier® special cuvées: Cuvée du Centenaire and Cuvée du Cent Cinquantenaire.

Sunset-orange color. Savory bouquet is ripe and fruity through all sniffings. The stunningly elegant flavors marry ripe pear, roasted almond and apricot scents to cheese-like rancio. Finishes firmly and long. An opulent, plump style.

With a history dating back to the 19th century, the house of Paul Beau Cognac boasts over 100 hectares of prime Grande Champagne vineyards. As with so many of the smaller family run concerns, Beau cognac started by selling all of their eaux-de-vie to the big cognac houses. However, after the business was handed down from the founder to his son, changes were put in place to commence selling some of their wares under their own label, and the brand ‘Paul Beau’ was born.

D’USSÉ XO is a masterful blend by the world’s most senior Maître de Chai, Michel Casavecchia. Made from meticulously hand-selected eaux-de-vie aged ten years or more, D’USSÉ XO has earned its place as the pinnacle of the ultra-premium spirits category.

Cognac and cigars have always been enjoyed together. In fact, many cognacs are described as having a cigar box or tobacco aromatic note. Thus, Maison Tessendier set out to make a Cognac that was unabashedly cigar-friendly, which means it’s a Cognac of high intensity, with a big, fruity character. Much of that comes from aging; to create Park XO Cigar Blend, Distillerie Tessendier blends Cognacs from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne that have been in the barrels with a medium toast, for a minimum of 30 years, predominantly in humid cellars. The Cognac Park brand was created in 1995 and, at that time, was a new project between the Tessendier family and Dominic Park, a Scotsman who sought out the Tessendier family for their generations of experience in the Cognac trade. The distillery itself was founded in 1880, when Gaston Tessendier tended his family vineyards located in the prestigious growing area of the Borderies, acting on his ambition to create outstanding Cognac. Single-mindedly, Gaston learned to work his vineyards and later, with the help of his son, began distillation of his wines. The company has remained in the Tessendier family through four generations. Today, the current family estate remains at Domaine Du Buisson, its original site, housing the family’s vineyards and winery. It is composed of more than 25 hectares in the heart of one of the most exclusive growing regions, the Borderies.

We exclusively age our eaux de vie in fine grained oak barrels, in order to enhance subtly the delicate fruity aromas of our spirits, crafted from Martell specific distillation method. When a barrel is called “Red”, a reference to the reddish color of aged wood, it has aged before other eaux-de-vie during at least 2 years up to 8 years, reaching the perfect stage of maturation for both the wood and the spirit. For Martell VSOP aged in Red Barrels, our cellar master selected only these very rare “red fine grained oak barrels” to age this cognac, highlighting Martell specific ageing style.

Tesseron Lot N°53 XO Perfection is a cognac made from Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes. The blend consists of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie. The cognacs were aged more than two generations in wooden barrels from Limousin.

The grapes for this blend are grown exclusively in Grande Champagne, recognized as the premiere growing region of Cognac and known for producing fine and delicate eaux-de-vie that have exceptional aging potential, often requiring many years to develop full aromatic richness. After spending one year aging in new oak barrels, the eaux-de-vie are transferred to used oak with medium toast, spending a minimum of 20 years aging prior to blending. The Cognac Park brand was created in 1995 and, at that time, was a new project between the Tessendier family and Dominic Park, a Scotsman who sought out the Tessendier family for their generations of experience in the Cognac trade. The distillery itself was founded in 1880, when Gaston Tessendier tended his family vineyards located in the prestigious growing area of the Borderies, acting on his ambition to create outstanding Cognac. Single-mindedly, Gaston learned to work his vineyards and later, with the help of his son, began distillation of his wines. The company has remained in the Tessendier family through four generations. Today, the current family estate remains at Domaine Du Buisson, its original site, housing the family’s vineyards and winery. It is composed of more than 25 hectares in the heart of one of the most exclusive growing regions, the Borderies.

Four stars and "Highly Recommended" by F. Paul Pacult of Spirit Journal: "Bronze/copper/ topaz color; ideal purity. This aroma owns a similar nut paste/oak scent as the Lot No. 53; with further air exposure, the bouquet takes on an orangy/citrusy leaning as the smell turns fruiter the more it aerates; lovely and compelling. The palate entry is supple, fruity sweet, and ripe; the midpalate stage highlights melded flavors of light caramel, marzipan, and nougat. Ends up oaky sweet, lightly spiced, and satiny. Like this cognac very much."

Hennessy VS "Gold" Limited Edition Since its founding in 1765, Hennessy has been guided by a passion to craft the world’s finest Cognacs - our drive to Never Stop. Never Settle. Hennessy Cognac is crafted with a strict set of standards defined by the Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde and handed down from generation to generation. However, when it comes to enjoying Cognac, we haven’t followed any rules since 1765. Hennessy has created extraordinary cognacs since 1765 and Hennessy Very Special represents the Tasting Committee’s unique expertise. Only the most distinctive eaux-de-vie are selected which are then carefully matured for several years in oak casks and skillfully blended to reveal their warm, full-bodied flavor. Through the nose, Hennessy V.S brings together an intense and fruity character with pleasantly oaky notes. When savored, powerful flavors suggest grilled almonds, supported by lively notes reminiscent of fresh grapes. Savour the lively, fruity character that makes Hennessy the #1 V.S in the world neat, on ice, or in a cocktail. Buy Hennessy V.S. online through Drizly and start enjoying a glass of the world's most loved cognac.

As the nose develops, aromas of Ambré celebrates the fine notes of flowering vines, pear, and plum, which are, typical of a great Premier Cru de Cognac. To achieve this level of complexity and finesse, Ambré is distilled from the traditional Ugni Blanc grape and the rare Colombard grape which delivers intense and delicious floral notes. Quercus Sessiliflora oak barrels add subtle notes of vanilla and a beautiful ambré colour.

Martell Blue Swift is a new eau-de-vie de vin made with Cognac VSOP finished in Bourbon casks to enjoy on its own, over ice, lengthened with a mixer or as a cocktail.

Born in legendary French vineyards, Rémy Martin® V is a bold and sophisticated distilled grape spirit. The finest Ugni Blanc grapes are strictly selected to create this flavorful eau-de-vie de vin. Distilled twice in copper pot stills in the traditional manner to preserve its bold character, the result is a uniquely refined spirit that rises to any occasion. It reveals fresh aromas with hints of grapes, pears, and a uniquely smooth and crisp finish. On the rocks, Rémy Martin V is vibrant and intricate. Mixed, it reveals the soul of great cocktails, classic and new creations alike.

Fussigny's XO is a Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie blend, comes in both 70cl and 50cl bottles. The spirit consists of at least 50% Grande Champagne wines, the distilling is traditional. The humid cellars of Fussigny are situated at the river of Charente, pushing aromas to where they are supposed to end up. Like all Fussigny Cognacs, the XO is aged in Tronconnais casks or Limousin oak barrels.

DAVIDOFF VSOP offers an exceptional concentration of aromas. A true work of art that will delight every connoisseur. Selection of 20 cognac eaux-de-vie from Fin Bois, Bon Bois and Petite Champagne Aged  7 years in Limousin oak. The first 7 months in new oak barrels to create the vanilla flavor and then in lightly charred (5 to 40-year-old) barrels. Wood aromas of blond tobacco, nuts and honey on the nose followed by smooth fruity peach, orange, nuts, honey and tobacco flavors with a lot of delicacy. Perfect neat, on the rocks or in a French Old Fashioned! Pair with nuts, scallops and Honduran cigars.