Cognac & Brandy

Cognac and brandy are grape-based distilled spirits aged in oak — among the world's oldest and most sophisticated spirit categories. Cognac is produced in the Cognac region of France from specific grape varieties and aged under strict AOC regulations. Brandy is the broader category — distilled from fermented fruit juice anywhere in the world. Wooden Cork ships premium cognac and brandy nationwide.

Understanding Cognac Grades

VS (Very Special) — aged a minimum of 2 years in oak. Lighter, fruitier, and best for cocktails. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) — aged a minimum of 4 years, with more complexity and balance. The most versatile tier for sipping and mixing. XO (Extra Old) — aged a minimum of 10 years, deeply complex with dried fruit, chocolate, leather, and spice. Best for sipping neat. Hors d’âge and prestige expressions exceed the XO standard and represent the pinnacle of each house.

Top Cognac Brands

Hennessy is the world’s best-selling cognac by a significant margin — VS, VSOP, XO, Paradis, and Richard Hennessy span every tier. Hennessy VS is the most consumed cognac globally and an essential cocktail ingredient. Rémy Martin exclusively uses grapes from the prestigious Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions — their VSOP, XO, and Louis XIII are benchmarks of Champagne cognac’s character. Courvoisier, Martell, and Hine round out the major cognac houses.

Armagnac

Armagnac is France’s other famous brandy region — older than Cognac and produced using continuous column distillation rather than pot stills, resulting in a more rustic, robust character. Vintage-dated Armagnacs are a collector’s market, offering single-year expressions going back decades.

American Brandy & Other Styles

American brandy — particularly from California — is a growing premium category. Laird’s Applejack and apple brandy represent a uniquely American tradition. Calvados (Norman apple brandy from France), Pisco (South American grape brandy), and Grappa (Italian grape pomace brandy) round out the broader brandy world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cognac and brandy?

All cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Cognac must be produced in the Cognac region of France from specific grape varieties (primarily Ugni Blanc), double-distilled in copper pot stills, and aged in French oak. Brandy is the broader category for any spirit distilled from fermented fruit juice.

What do VS, VSOP, and XO mean on cognac?

These are age designations. VS indicates minimum 2 years aging. VSOP indicates minimum 4 years. XO indicates minimum 10 years. The grade reflects the age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend.

What cocktails use cognac?

The Sidecar (cognac + Cointreau + lemon), the French 75 (cognac version), the Sazerac (originally cognac before rye became standard), and the Vieux Carré all use cognac. VS is the standard cocktail choice; VSOP and above are best reserved for sipping.

Do you offer gift wrapping for cognac?

Yes — gift wrapping, gift boxes, and personalized engraving are available on select bottles at checkout.