Cognac is a lot like a wealthy, titled grande dame with many lovers; where she’s from and what she’s worth is well-advertised, but she shares her generosity with folks of all stripes, and can be found at tables round the world—so long as the company is interesting enough to keep her.
Most Americans, however, are limited in their knowledge of cognac, privy only to the largest commercial brands, like Hennessy and Rémy Martin. Growing up, my only association with cognac was with the dusty bottle of Courvoisier in the back of my parents’ liquor cabinet, which waited patiently for the rare occasions when they would whip up a dinner of Chicken Marsala.
Today, this French brandy is easily accessible, and comes in a variety of prices relevant to a variety of consumers. It is just as delicious on its own as a digestif after dinner, or swirled into a cocktail as a versatile flavor-booster. I’ve gathered together a few recommendations of cognac brands that are worth seeking out, whether you’re looking to pull out all the stops, or simply begin your cognac appreciation journey.
1. Bache-Gabrielsen VS Tre Kors ($40)
Bache-Gabrielsen is a fourth-generation cognac house currently headed by Hervé Bache-Gabrielsen. With aromas of fresh oak, vanilla, jasmine, and citrus, and a fruity, sweet, defiant flavor, their VS Tre Kors is a relatively affordable cognac that is great for mixing, as its more prominent flavors hold their own in a cocktail. For something cozy to enjoy this winter, add a splash of it to your hot chocolate along with some Cointreau.
2. Cognac Park VS Carte Blanche ($40)
Handcrafted in small batches selected by Master Blender Jérôme Tessendier, Cognac Park VS Carte Blanche is a young cognac, aged for four or five years on average. Rich aromas of cherries and caramelized apple are matched with delicate floral notes that showcase the spirit’s terroir to excellent effect. Use it in a Vieux Carré at your next cocktail hour.
3. Croix Maron VSOP Grande Champagne ($50)
This cognac, produced by the 10th generation of the Daviaud family and made with Premier Cru Ugni Blanc grapes, offers floral aromas of violet and almond blossom, along with dried stone fruit and caramel. Aged between five and ten years in Limousin oak, the refined Croix Maron VSOP Grande Champagne rewards patience with a smooth, balanced palate. Enjoy it straight or in a highball with a spritz of lemon.
4. Maxime Trijol XO Classique ($95)
The Maison Maxime Trijol, a 6th-generation cognac house dating back to 1859, produced award-winning cognacs, including their XO Classique, which is blended from the most prestigious eaux-de-vies from all six Cognac appellations. This cognac opens and closes with oak and flowers, but takes you on a complex journey from start to finish, with notes of orange, vanilla, and white peach. Enjoy this as a digestif alongside a dessert of Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Mousse.
5. Martingale Cognac ($120)
Martingale Cognac, which takes its name from the French word for “doubling down,” is a fourth-generation Cognac house operated by the Thomas family. Blended from four of the region’s most prestigious crus, this fresh and elegant cognac has notes of acacia, madeleine, sandalwood and oak, with a delicate touch of tannins for structure. This sophisticated cognac is worth a splurge—not to mention, its chic bottle will look gorgeous on any bar cart.
Catherine Rickman is a writer, professional Francophile, and host of the Expat Horror Stories podcast. She is currently somewhere in Brooklyn with a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, and you can follow her adventures on Instagram @catrickman, or on TikTok @catinthekitchen.
