How to Choose the King of Brandy — Cognac: Three Key Terms You Must Know

Louis XIII boasts a complex array of captivating aromas including floral jasmine, honey, cactus, crisp plum, honeysuckle, woody leather notes, and passion fruit. The image shows the Louis XIII "Time Collection" series — [Origine 1874]. (Image courtesy of Louis XIII)

The bottle of Louis XIII's "Time Collection" series — [Origine 1874] is handcrafted from the noble and exquisite Saint-Louis crystal. (Image courtesy of Louis XIII)

The "Remy Martin V.S.O.P. Gift Box" makes its debut with a sleek and simple red design, and includes a complimentary "Remy Martin 1738 Royal Tribute 50ml Miniature Bottle" for a taste of royal prestige alongside the V.S.O.P. experience. (Image courtesy of Remy Martin)

The "Remy Martin 1738 Royal Tribute Gift Box" perfectly inherits the glorious heritage of the French monarchy. The gold gift box comes with two imported European crystal glasses, perfect for gifting loved ones as a token of deep gratitude at year’s end. (Image courtesy of Remy Martin)

Remy Martin X.O introduces an elegant and refined wooden gift box that showcases the delicate bottle and luxurious gold-red flowing lines, making it an exceptional choice for festive gifting. (Image courtesy of Remy Martin)

The six major Cognac-producing regions are primarily located in Charente-Maritime, Charente, with small parts in Deux-Sèvres and Dordogne. Among the Cognac-producing areas, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne are the most prestigious. (Image / Wikipedia)

The stills used to distill Cognac must be made of copper. (Image / Wikipedia)

Wine enthusiasts who enjoy a drink or two have surely been enchanted by the smooth and rich flavors of brandy. As brandy is distilled from wine, its intense depth of flavor is layered with abundant fruity aromas. Moreover, brandy is typically the most expensive among the six base spirits, so calling it the king of spirits is no exaggeration.

Among all brandies, “Cognac” is the most esteemed. To qualify as Cognac, it must meet strict standards in all aspects — not just being produced in the Cognac region or its surrounding areas in France, but also adhering to rigid regulations regarding the grape varieties used, the material of the distillation equipment, and the maturation period spent aging in specific types of oak barrels.

To maintain the high quality of Cognac and prevent inferior brands from diluting its reputation, the French government has established a grading system for Cognac, which is mainly divided into three levels. Since Cognac is a blended spirit, the grade is determined by the youngest component in the blend:

V.S (Very Special) or *** (Three Stars): The youngest eau-de-vie in the blend has been aged for at least 2 years. V.S.O.P (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve: The youngest eau-de-vie has been aged for at least 4 years. XO (Extra Old): Starting from 2016, the youngest eau-de-vie must be aged for at least 10 years. Though it may seem complex, for beginners, just remember the three terms — XO, V.S.O.P, and V.S — when selecting, and focus on the four major brands to easily grasp the essence of Cognac without worrying about making a bad choice.

With the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the prestigious flavor of Cognac makes it a satisfying choice for both gifting and collecting, prompting liquor merchants to launch special festive gift boxes. Among them, Louis XIII’s globally limited edition of 2,500 sets — the "Time Collection" series [Origine 1874] — has only 10 sets allocated to Taiwan. Despite its price tag of NT$188,000, it has many Cognac aficionados eagerly awaiting its release.

Another brand, “Remy Martin,” has also launched three festive gift sets to reward spirit enthusiasts. The three premium offerings — “Remy Martin V.S.O.P.,” “Remy Martin 1738 Royal Tribute,” and “Remy Martin X.O.” — all come in exquisitely stylish packaging and affordable gift box combinations. Available now at tobacco and liquor specialty stores and major retail outlets, they are an excellent choice for festive gifting.

★ China Times reminds you that excessive drinking is harmful to your health.