By French law, to use the name Cognac this brandy must be made from the wine of Cognac, Ugni Blanc grapes, distilled twice, and aged in French oak barrels or casks within areas of the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions in France.  It takes several liters of wine to produce one liter of brandy.  The average age and minimum requirements set by law are one to 5 years.  However, some rare Cognacs have been aged for over 40 to 50 years.  Age of a Cognac refers to the time spent in oak, no longer ages once bottled.

Aging:
V.S. (Very Special) – two years
V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) – four years
Napoleon – five years
XO or Extra – six to ten years

Branded selections
Anniversaire, Cordon Bleu, Triomphe – 10 to over 50 years

Whichever you choose let’s enjoy National Cognac Day!  Please enjoy responsibly.