New Cognac Releases from Courvoisier

Not too long ago, I had the chance to taste Cognac with Pierre Szersnovicz, Master Blender and Global Brand Ambassador for Courvoisier. Based in Jarnac, France, Courvoisier is the first Cognac house to release an age-declared Cognac.

What is Cognac?

Cognac is a brandy that comes from the Cognac region of France. Similar to Champagne, not all brandies may be called Cognac because Cognac is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée in France. Brandy must be produced in the Cognac region and meet specific legal requirements in order to be called Cognac.

Cognac is made from of a blend of folle blanche, ugni blanc and colombard. It is double-distilled and aged in oak barrels over winter and then carefully blended into a house style. Cognac production rules dictate a minimum amount of barrel aging and since Cognac producers probably don’t want to be known for producing minimum-quality product, most reputable producers will age their spirits for far longer.

Courvoisier's New Releases

Cognac’s movement toward age-declared brandy takes inspiration from the scotch industry — consumers love age statements and collectable, rare bottles. Age statements also help the casual consumer understand the quality difference between two bottles.

Courvoisier has released two age-declared bottles: a 12 year old and a 21 year old.

Courvoisier 12 Year Old

A blend of Borderies, Fins Bois and Grande Champagne crus, the nose has vanilla bean, clove, spice, liquorice and orange marmalade notes. The flavours are very consistent with the pleasing nuttiness on the fore-palate. Really quite elegant. About $90 in Canada.

Courvoisier 21 Year Old

Mostly from the Grande Champagne cru of Cognac, the nose is rich and smoky, with nuts, vanilla, orange spice, apricot and a cigar box quality. Lots of heat and spice on the palate and the wood is definitely showing through, with raisins, liquorice, vanilla and orange flavours. Quite textural, with a very long finish. Look for it on shelves for around $350 in Canada.

Courvoisier Cognac

We also tasted a mixing Cognac and a traditional Cognac from Courvoisier.

Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif

Exclusif is intended for blending into mixed drinks and cocktails. The nose has orange and spice notes, with ginger, coffee bean and dried fruits. The mouth is rich and spicy, with vanilla bean, orange, butter tart and a lot of heat on the back-palate. It’s very smooth, but packs in a lot of flavour at the same time. This is worth having on hand for mixes and it can be found in Canada for around $60.

If you want to make a Cognac punch, try this recipe:

Courvoisier Summit Punch

• 400 ml Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif Cognac
• 600 ml Artisanal Lemonade
• 4 thin strips of ginger, muddled
• Lime Zest
• Wedge of Cucumber (feel free to put that in the glass)
• Ice

Mix the ingredients together in a large punch bowl. Serve in a rocks glass over ice.

Courvoisier X.O.

Excellent quality, with a nose of smashed orange, crème brûlée, spice and mandarin zest. Honey textures in the mouth, with cinnamon, pepper, gingerbread and floral flavours. It still has a warming aspect, but it doesn’t run as hot as the Exclusif. Should be enjoyed in front of the fire on a bearskin rug. The X.O. is available in Canada for around $185 to $200.