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Fundamental Cognac Selection
Fundamental Cognac Selection
Here at Cognac Expert, it’s our mission to inform and share knowledge on all things Cognac – so for our latest Cognac Education campaign we’re breaking it down to the fundamentals of our beloved spirit. Starting with the four main tasting directions – discover exactly how to distinguish one Cognac from another. And since we work closely with different producers and are even neighbors with some of the best artisans of the region, we’ll be sharing some of the top large label brands alongside our favorite small producers in this feature. Uncover our fundamental Cognac selections below.
The 6 Crus of Cognac
Split into 6 different growth areas, the soils and conditions in which the grapes used to make Cognac are grown also play a part in the taste and overall refinement of the finished product. While the Grande Champagne cru wears its prestigious reputation with pride, let it be known that there are many hard-to-come-by Cognac jewels produced in the other Cognac crus too. Explore our top Cognac picks from each cru below.
Grande Champagne
Reason for choosing: one of the best rated Cognacs
Fruity, multifaceted and complex from beginning to end. Non-chill filtered, not colored or boiséd, this is a beautiful half a century old Cognac straight from the barrel.
Available
Reason for choosing: Multi-awarded Hors d'Age
This exquisite and mature Hors d’Age Cognac boasts the luxurious aromas of the Grande Champagne.
Petite Champagne
Available
Reason for choosing: A frank and assumed complexity
Conte et Filles XXO is a rounded Cognac that develops with blissful aromas of candied fruit, cloves, pear jam, walnuts and prunes and a hint of leather.
Available
Reason for choosing: Aged on oak casks for around 35 Years
Distilled using the traditional method have been carefully selected by the Cellar Master Seph to produce an elegant and powerful Petite Champagne Cognac.
Borderies
Available
Reason for choosing: Value for money
The Ordonneau Très Vieille Reserve de Borderies Cognac reveals a fruity, fragrant and well-rounded Borderies profile. A hidden gem and must-try for those looking to explore a smaller artisan Cognac house.
Available
Reason for choosing: Highly Recommended by our customers
A single estate delight created from eaux-de-vie grown in the Borderies terroir, with the final result: an intensely aromatic Cognac.
Fins Bois
Available
Reason for choosing: A newcomer
A memorable character has been forged in this remarkable XO Cognac. It is a beautifully balanced choice that embodies an essence that every good Cognac tastefully harnesses.
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Reason for choosing: Single Cask Vintage
An exuberant single cask Fins Bois Cognac from 1983. It’s a wonderfully well-aged offering that serves nicely as a gift to someone who particularly holds sentimental importance to the year 1983.
Bons Bois
Available
Reason for choosing: Unique release comprises three vintages in one
These eaux-de-vie were combined in one barrel to save space in the cellar, and left for decades without any interference. Only 300 liters was obtained from the cask, making this a very limited edition indeed.
Available
Reason for choosing: Pure Bons Bois and summer Cognac
Eau-de-vie from the Bons Bois Cru have good body, age fairly quickly, and often possess charmingly rustic textures.
Bois Ordinaires
Available
Reason for choosing: Unique Concept
A unique Cognac concept, this eaux-de-vie has been aged just meters from the Atlantic Ocean ins a cliffside damp cellar. The result is a Cognac with fruit notes of dried grapes, dominant orange and a sweetness of caramel.
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Reason for choosing: From the island Ile d’Oléron
Grosperrin N°90 Bois Ordinaire de l'Ile d'Oléron Cognac is the sublime result of the Bois Ordinaires sandy soils, alongside a large exposure to the Atlantic Ocean and almost Mediterranean sunshine.
Main Taste directions
Available
From spicy notes to fruity, floral and wood based aromatic profiles – there truly is a Cognac to suit every palate. Finding the right one for you may require experience but a good recommendation will certainly lead you in the right direction too. Check out our Cognac selections according to tasting profile.
And what about Rancio?
As part of our range of educational Cognac articles, we invite you to join us as we explore a Cognac phenomenon that’s shrouded in mystery— that of rancio. This is a topic that is very much open to interpretation and never fails to spark a lively debate amongst connoisseurs. Indeed the mere mention of the word will evoke a lengthy discussion and an array of opinions that are undoubtedly best shared over a thorough Cognac tasting session.
Vallein Tercinier Hors d'Age
Growth Area: Fine Champagne
ABV: 42 %
Cognac Age: Hors d'Age
Rancio at its best.
The Vallein Tercinier Hors d'Age Cognac really needs to be tasted to be believed, as it boasts ultra-premium level quality, surprisingly however, without the ultra-premium price tag to match. This affordable blend of both Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie is an award winning offering - from a house that takes true pride in its small, but simply sublime range of brandy and spirits. A beautifully balanced blend that has been created from over 20 different eaux-de-vie, the youngest of which has spent a minimum of four decades whiling away in oak barrels, during which time Mother Nature worked her magic.
The Age Categories
VS Cognac
VS: Aged 2 Years + 
Suitable for Cocktails, Mixed Drinks & Cooking
VS Cognac stands for “Very Special” Cognac. A VS Cognac must be aged for a minimum of two years. It is also referred to as ‘Sélection’, ‘De Luxe’ or simply ***. If you see three stars on a cognac bottle, it means it is in the VS age category. This means that the youngest eau-de-vie that was used to create the blend was aged in oak barrels for at least two years.
Available
Available
VSOP Cognac
VSOP: Aged 4 Years + 
Suitable for Cocktails, On Ice & Cooking
You’re probably wondering what does VSOP mean. Well the official term stands for for “Very Superior Old Pale”, although it is often referred to as “Very Special Old Pale”. The origin of the expression dates back to an order made by the British Royal Court in 1817. King George IV asked the House of Hennessy for a “Very Superior Old Pale”, which would become a benchmark for all cognac houses from then on. At the time it was very common to use sugar and caramel to sweeten cognac, and this description alluded to one created without these additives.
XO Cognac
XO: Aged 10 Years + 
Suitable on ice, neat & paired with food
So what does XO mean for Cognac? The terminology stands for ‘Extra Old’ and describes a cognac consisting of eaux-de-vie that have been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years. Just like VS (Very Special) and VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), Extra Old is another English expression, which shows the strong connection to foreign countries, especially Great Britain and America.
Available
Available
XXO Cognac
XXO: Aged 14 Years +
Suitable on ice, neat & paired with food
XXO stands for ‘extra extra old’, and is a relatively new category that was officially added to the description of cognac ages in 2018. Just as with the other age descriptions of cognac, VS, VSOP and XO, an XXO Cognac consists of eau-de-vie that’s been aged within French oak barrels. But in the case of an XXO, the minimum length of aging to qualify is 14 years. This makes an XXO cognac the oldest official rating a cognac can hold.
Read our blog article and discover the best XXO Cognacs (so far).
Vintage Cognac
Vintage: Single Year +
Suitable neat
A Vintage Cognac is a Cognac from a single year and a single harvest, not a blend from different eaux-de-vie like an XO or a VSOP. It is also referred to as a Millésime Cognac. We commonly know this from Whisky as “single barrel“, which means the spirit comes from one single source: one year, one estate, one barrel. Vintage Cognacs are in trend and it's actually a very special gift to find a Vintage Cognac of a birthday, or one that marks an anniversary.
Available
L'ESSENTIEL
A relatively new incentive which sees Cognac Expert partner with local Cognac producers, L’ESSENTIEL invites customers to give back to the producer and directly support them in maintaining their livelihood. L’ESSENTIEL editions focus on the ethos “ralentir, réfléchir, réunir” honing in on slowing down, reflecting and reconnecting.
L’ESSENTIEL Season 2 has already seen the release of the A29 Grosperrin and the A45 Marancheville. More will be on the way - wink, wink. Cognac lovers around the world have been receiving their bottles and enjoying the unique aromas, flavors, and sensations presented with these two stunning Cognacs.
There were changes from Season 1 to Season 2. Let’s be clear here: the ethos of L’ESSENTIEL from its conception - slow down, reflect, reunite - is here to stay. We believe that sharing a glass of high quality and unique Cognac with friends and family is a perfect means to this end. But, your questions as to how L’ESSENTIEL has evolved and what to expect in terms of the Cognac itself and the design certainly need answering.
For this reason, we suggest that you head over to the blog and read through the article entirely devoted to explaining L’ESSENTIEL Season 2 and why we think this Season’s Cognacs are deserving of your attention.
L'ESSENTIEL A29 Grosperrin
Sold out. Sorry, you missed it.
L'ESSENTIEL A29 Grosperrin
Growth Area: Fins Bois
ABV: 47.8 %
Lot: N°940 - Single Cask
Natural: No additives, non-chill filtered
Limited Edition: 152 bottles
L'ESSENTIEL A29 Grosperrin comes from the heart of the Fins Bois cru, between the communes of Matha Le Goulet and Thors. The vines that produced the wine, and therefore eau-de-vie, came from merely a few hectares of vines at the named place “Chez Train”. This part of the Fins Bois is particularly reputed for its agricultural and wine production - the proof being that 83% of the land at this location is devoted to these cultivations. Moreover, Parish records dating from 1686 make reference to the quality of this sector of the cru. According to Guilhem Grospserrin himself, the terroir is textbook Fins Bois: clay and limestone soil.
Reviews (11)
Add some honey and a drop of maple syrup, and you're up for a fantastic breakfast!
by Serge Valentin
28 Nov 2022
A single cask from Matha Le Goulet. I had first thought this could be a 1929 but on second thought, after having seen the price (164€) I believe it's safe to say that it's younger and shouldn't quite belong here. Maybe a '92? But 'once poured'… Colour: deep gold. Nose: pleasures all around, with...
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Classic Aged Fins Bois
by Tony M.
7 Oct 2022
Classic aged Fins Bois with sweet, dark, deep orange fruit greeting the nose, perhaps blood orange? It’s more pronounced at the rim of the glass, as the ethanol is escaping the glass. I don’t know whether to drink this, or peel and eat it. The fruit is big, as in Grande Champagne big!! As...
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L'ESSENTIEL A29
by Wolfgang S.
22 Sep 2022
A delicious Fins Bois from Grosperrin. You have to be patient and give this cognac a lot of time and oxygen in your glass to explore its character. I wrote this review with the bottle open for more than 5 weeks and about one third left in the bottle. Beautiful colour, a really fine nose, excellent...
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Solid young fins bois
by Morten V.
17 Sep 2022
This is a nice younger cognac from Grosperrin. It is a powerful fins bois, quite dark. On the nose it is beautiful, you will find orange jam, leather and oak. In mouth it is both spicy and sweet. You immediately feel the power. The glass empties fast, you need rapid refills. The finish is however...
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Dark and stormy A29 Grosperrin
by Andrew J.
13 Sep 2022
I like to think that most grosperrin has an identity that I can spot despite the many producers that all create different cognacs. For Grosperrin to me it is that yellow stone fruit, think of peaches and a touch of honey. Often mixed with a good touch of flowers. They always have just enough of an...
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Nose is so delicious
by James P.
25 May 2022
Reddish amber in the glass with gold highlights on the edges, an honest color. First nose is so delicious, hints of cigar box, freshly cut hardwood, but fruity, deep fruits, and a sense of the high abv. Time changes little, others have used the word “precise” and that fits. Mouth-filling, but...
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A29 Grosperrin
by Ahab
19 May 2022
Nose: Fruity (orange, a touch of lime), marzipan, subliminal lilac and very well integrated wood notes. Taste: Blood orange, clear wood tones , but absolutely within the framework. Lilac, the 47.8% is noticeable. Finish: medium to long, still restrained orange and strong wood notes. Verdict: Successful...
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L'ESSENTIEL A45 Marancheville
Growth Area: Grande Champagne
ABV: 42.8 %
Lot: L45-GC10
Natural: No additives, non-chill filtered
Limited Edition: 175 bottles
This wonderfully mature L'ESSENTIEL A45 Marancheville Cognac comes from vines situated in the heart of the Grande Champagne, notably the communes of Julliac-le-Coq and Marancheville. The terroir is textbook Grande Champagne terroir: Campanian chalk, a chalky limestone soil not unlike the soils found in the Champagne region’s Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. But we’re not talking about bubbly Champagne here. This is Cognac.
L'ESSENTIEL A45 Marancheville
Sold out. Sorry, you missed it.
Reviews (9)
L'ESSENTIEL A45 Marancheville
by Roger S.
19 Feb 2023
This bottle of cognac starts off with plenty of oaky wood at the beginning, but later switches to a spicy flavor then to a fruity taste and then back to oaky wood and spice again. There is a certain freshness for cognac this old along with a dryness that I have only experienced in younger cognacs....
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Freshness and maturity here are both impressive
by Serge Valentin
28 Nov 2022
A vatting of three small casks of 60l each, made out of old staves, so do not expect anything bombastically oaky as they do north of Hadrian's wall. The house usually sell their fillings to some large cognac house and only keep a tiny proportion for their own fillings. Let's see if we need to thank...
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A careful cognac that requires time
by Morten V.
17 Sep 2022
This is a very interesting cognac, you need to spend time on. It is quite dark, at first a bit shy on the nose. After some time you will find tones of orange, some pastry and some wood. It is quite delicate in the mouth with both spices and fruit. The finish is also rich on spices. This is an interesting...
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L'ESSENTIEL A45 Marancheville tasting
by GG
14 Sep 2022
Nose: immediately sweet spices such as nutmeg, pan brioche or panettone (Italian Christmas cake, from the Lombardy region). It continues with citrus and exotic fruit, jam but also quince. Lastly, a slight hint of wood. Mouth: surprisingly very fresh but also dry, followed by savory and spicy despite...
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Something special and to behold
by Tony M.
18 Jul 2022
Produced from three 60L Mini Casks (Just under 15 gallon), and aged for 45YR with no additives and non-chill filtered. Initially on the nose, I’m blown away by the youthfulness and freshness of the fruit given its age and the size of the casks!! A lovely fruit bowl of fresh oranges, peaches, with...
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L'ESSENTIEL A45 Marancheville
by Taylor C.
7 Jun 2022
Nose: The nose is a crystal clear and clean nose. It smells as only a mature Grande Champagne can smell. My nose picks up orange marmalade (confiture orange amère in French), stewed yellow peaches, slice of juicy ripe fresh mango - so a healthy does of fruit, but I struggle to determine if the fruit...
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$ 83
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L'ESSENTIEL A12
Growth Area: Petite Champagne
ABV: 46,3 %
Lot: N°0822
Natural: No additives, non-chill filtered
Limited Edition: 161 bottles
This vibrant youthful Cognac comes from a single plot of vines situated in Nonaville, in the Petite Champagne cru, called Le Tas de Pierre - the pile of stone in English. Sisters Blandine and Anne-Laure Conte state that this particular name is undoubtedly due to the especially chalky subsoil. Furthermore, this unique vineyard is located completely on an east-facing hillside, which allows the vines to receive the day’s first rays of sun, but which protects the vines from the late afternoon and evening drying warm winds from the west. The vines are considerably old - roughly 40 years to be exact - so the roots are firmly established and pierce deep to seek freshness.
Reviews (10)
Young Fruity Cognac with Good Complexity and Balance
by Nikola M.
29 Apr 2024
The nose leads with ripe pears, then vanilla, green apples, lemon, and a hint of oak. When sniffing from certain angles, something bright and flowery emerges, like a very deep layer buried under the fruits. The mouth follows the nose with pears, apples, lemons, and a very pleasant sweetness like that...
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L'ESSENTIEL A12
by Ahab
18 Apr 2023
Nose: very fruity, tart apple, lime, mirabelle, white wine, a touch of fresh wood, slightly pungent. Taste: also here a lot of bright fruit, yellow plums, citrus, fresh wood Finish: medium long, very fruity, becoming a bit dry Verdict: Nice, young drinking cognac that definitely impresses with...
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Fruity and also complexity cognac
by Daniel B.
21 Dec 2022
The Cognac L'essential A12 is an aromatic and complex Cognac with notes of honey, vanilla, dried fruit, and spices. It has a medium to full body and a good balance between fruity and spicy . The finish is mid long and round, indicating a high quality of the Cognac. Overall, the L'essential a12 appears...
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Presentation of perfume
by Wenge W.
16 Nov 2022
After opening the bottle, the wine has strong fragrance and obvious spicy taste, just like perfume. After pouring a cup of cognac, the fragrance of flowers and fruits is mixed, with distinct layers; After a sip, the spicy ginger and orange flavors gradually appear, and the wooden barrel fragrance...
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excellent young cognac
by Serge Valentin
9 Nov 2022
They would give you a lot of data, such as the fact that the vines are located in Nonaville, that this is pure ugni blanc, that the oak came from forêt de Tronçais, and that the house is located in Poulignac. Colour: gold. Nose: fresh and really very fruity. We're wandering throughout a large orchard...
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A12 1st conte et filles cognac
by Jr
3 Nov 2022
The nose is fruitier more than anything apples and pears greet the nose, no wood on this one and just the tiniest hint of spice. This cognac is quite refreshing compared to my normal cognac choices as this doesn't have the usual spice taste compared to my regulars, fruity fresh and sweet is what I...
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Very good cognac
by Mamuka R.
3 Nov 2022
Very fruit forward, for me it started young crisp fruits and then it open up with a more darker fruits like plumps figs some dark berries, it's very pleasant on a pellet medium viscosity and medium finish. Overall very enjoyable. Cognac and most importantly for me nothing was added to it like sugar....
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Lovely fruit forward Cognac!!!
by Tony M.
30 Sep 2022
If many of you have read my reviews, you can quickly see that I tend to stick to mainly the Cognac, and not much small talk, but I'm going to add some comments to the end of this one. Young, crisp fruit greets the nose in the form of green apples and pear, almost reminding me of a young Calvados....
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LÉSSENTIEL A12 - a really fine young cognac
by Wolfgang S.
30 Sep 2022
A fascinating young cognac with a complex fruity nose without wood or rancio, very fresh, citrus notes, pears, yellow plums. Rather dense and oily on the palate, also on lemons, pears and apples. Juicy and fresh - a pleasure to drink and absolutely not simple or boring. The finish is of medium length,...
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Cognac Calendar
With so many superb Cognac varieties on offer, from sophisticated blends to timeless eaux-de-vie, it’s hard to choose just one to enjoy. Thanks to our 2022 edition of the Cognac Calendar, you don’t have to. The 2022 version of our limited-edition Calendar allows you to taste 24 unique Cognacs from a range of fantastic artisanal houses.
Each Calendar is filled with 24 x 30ml bottles to allow you to experience a full variety of flavors and aromas. There’s plenty to go around if you’re in the mood for sharing, but we won’t blame you if you prefer to keep it all for yourself…
- Strictly limited quantity
- This year’s selection features a range of premium Cognacs, all strictly at least XO quality: XO, Extra, Hors d'Age, and beyond. A stunning concentration of exceptionally mature spirits in a single box
- Free worldwide shipping
Customer Voices about our Calendars
About the 2020 Calendar
Today was bottle number 1 from the Cognac Expert calendar and I am not sure what the next 23 will be like, but if it is anywhere close to this one, it will be fantastic.
– Sebastian
About the 2021 Calendar
Considering the value of the cognac, the labor in putting the whole thing together ( bottling, packaging, shipping, etc.) and the diplomacy with the producers to provide interviews for each selection (in English!) makes this calendar not only a unique opportunity to sample many great eaux-de-vie, but a great value! Highly recommended.
– Jim
About the 2021 Calendar
My wife and I are very excited to experience this year’s Cognac Calendar. Thank you so much! Last year we spent each night listening to your podcasts. We loved it!
– David
Top 4 Cognac Brands vs. Small Producers
At Cognac Expert, we believe in supporting local Cognac makers and farming families, constantly exchanging ideas with our neighbors. After all, without them, we wouldn’t be here. L'ESSENTIEL is one of our projects.
Operating from the Charente region from our family estate, we create ties between the local and the global by nurturing relationships with our neighboring producers, and presenting their craft Cognacs on a international stage.
Here at Cognac Expert, we believe that our story speaks volumes. As farmers ourselves, we understand what it is to grow vines; the successes and challenges, and the fleeting beauty of a fruitful harvest. Our family has been farming in the French Charentais region for generations, and with our curated selection of products online, we offer both connoisseurs and newcomers a glimpse into the hidden corners of the Cognac world.
