Unraveling the Essence: How to Select an Exceptional Cognac

As you embark on a journey through the world of cognac, the question arises: How does one choose the perfect cognac? Cognac, a distinguished member of the luxury spirits family, holds within it a simple yet captivating secret - its soulful aromas arise from a single raw material, the grape (mainly Ugni Blanc). As we embark on the journey of choosing the perfect cognac, let us unveil the treasure trove of flavors and complexities that await.

A Symphony of Grapes: The Essence of Cognac

The realm of cognac, with its diverse crus and aging, bestows upon us a plethora of choices, each offering a unique sensory expedition. Decoding the labels becomes essential to make the most discerning selection.

Code #1 Age and Vintage: The Epitome of Maturity

Introduced by the French National Interprofessional Cognac Board in 1983, age counts stand proudly on the cognac labels, revealing their profound maturation.

• VS (Very Special): Embracing brandies aged a minimum of two years, VS exudes a lively straw yellow to light amber hue, unleashing spirited fruity aromas on the palate. With its youthful vigor, it stands as an accessible and affordable choice, priced between €20 and €50.
• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): Comprising brandies aged at least four years, VSOP charms with a sweeter essence intertwined with woody notes. A bottle of this delectable cognac typically costs around €50.
• XO (Extra Old): Resplendent with spirits aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years, but more common the average age is between 15 and 20 years. XO exudes a lavish aura, offering warm spices, chocolate, caramel, nuts, and dried fruits on the palate. A true indulgence, its pricing can soar to several hundred euros, an opulence worth savoring.
• Extra: Embracing eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 10 years, but often venturing well beyond XO’ average ageing, Extra captivates the realms of artistry, often surpassing expectations. Its elevated status endows it with a price range up to several thousand euros, a mark of its unparalleled grandeur, a true symbol of prestige.

Embrace the diversity and discover the depths of flavors that awaken your senses, whether you find solace in the youthful vibrancy of VS, the opulence of XO, or the captivating charm of a specific cru.

Code #2 The Revered Crus: A Terroir of Tastes

Venturing beyond the aging, lies the influence of the crus - each akin to a terroir, leaving its unmistakable mark on the spirit's character.

Grande Champagne (14,200 ha): rather hilly, chalk (Campanian) soils, known as premier cru. Contributes to a delicate bouquet of light and fruity notes, a symphony of finesse.

Petite Champagne (17,350 ha): akin to its Grande sibling, Petite Champagne captivates from less hilly, chalk soild, limestone (Santonian), impressing with fruity eaux-de-vie.

Borderies (4,400 ha): Nestled as the smallest and most saught-after cognac cru, known for its unique and rare characters of chalky with clay and flint stones (Groies). Borderies offers an enchanting ensemble of sweet and floral eaux-de-vie with distinct violet notes and a hint of nuts and toffee on the palate. Forever etched as the domain of CAMUS House cognacs.

Fins Bois (36,000 ha): mixed soils like red clay, stones, and limestones venture to the fastest aging and maturation, revealing a balanced aromatic profile.

Bons Bois (9,800 ha): with a mixed soils of clay, limestones, and sand, Bons Bois adds a touch of character to the cognac universe with a rounded essence and swift maturation.

Bois Ordinaires (870 ha): sharing similarities with Bons Bois while bearing a maritime influence, it delivers a unique maritime charm due to its close position to sand soils including Ile de Ré and Ile d’Oléron.

Code #3 Timeless Maturation

The barrel selection process is an art in itself, as different types of oak, such as Limousin or Tronçais, impart distinct flavors and nuances to the aging spirit. The porous nature of oak allows for a delicate interaction between the eau-de-vie and the wood, infusing it with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices, while also allowing it to breathe and evolve.

Beyond these codes, the mystery of distillation, aging and blending awaits, bestowing upon us a profound understanding of the complexities that define exceptional cognac.

Savoring the Complexity: How to Enjoy an Exceptional Cognac

Cognac, with its myriad of flavors and nuances, offers a captivating journey for connoisseurs seeking to relish its richness. Whether indulging in cocktails, relishing food pairings, or sipping it neat, each experience unveils a unique facet of this cherished elixir.

The Allure of Cognac Cocktails

Cognac's fruity, floral, and spicy aromatic profile makes it a perfect foundation for crafting exquisite cocktails. When seeking a vibrant prelude to a delightful meal or a delightful aperitif for an evening of revelry, opt for younger cognacs such as VS or VSOP. These lively and fresh expressions are best enjoyed in cocktails or on the rocks, with the chill softening their alcoholic strength and accentuating their enticing aromas.

A Timeless Classic: The Sidecar

Among the illustrious cognac cocktails, the Sidecar stands as an emblem of timeless elegance. Invented between Paris and London during the roaring '20s, it weaves together the finest elements of cognac, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Easily craft a historically renowned Sidecar cocktail that has been enjoyed for a century.

Cognac's Finest Moment: The Neat Experience

When seeking the epitome of refinement and complexity, cognac in its purest form reigns supreme. As a digestif or a contemplative after-dinner indulgence, opt for older eaux-de-vie like XO or Extra. These mature spirits, aged for 15 years or longer, offer an intense aromatic profile that lingers on the palate.

To truly relish the velvety texture of cognac, serve it in a special tulip glass or over ice in a tumbler glass. Hold the glass in your hand to gently melt the ice cubes, releasing a symphony of aromas that caress the senses.

Cognac and Gastronomic Delights: A Perfect Pairing

To elevate your culinary experiences, consider pairing cognac with delectable desserts like chocolate creations. The opulent flavors of an older vintage, such as XO, resonate exquisitely with the richness of chocolate, forming an unforgettable alliance that delights the palate.

Sharing the Delight: How to Make an Exceptional Gift

In addition to its cherished classics of character, the CAMUS House presents a selection of extraordinary cognacs that stand as true treasures. Among these remarkable offerings is the Cuvée Rarissimes, a collection of exceptionally rare cognacs, artfully curated by Cyril Camus, the fifth-generation owner of the House of CAMUS. This exquisite blend is a harmonious symphony of the most precious eaux-de-vie from their illustrious cellar. Joining this exceptional range is the Cuvée 4.186 Electrum. This Cuvée, the seventh of its kind, is christened 4.186, a marriage of four powerful, complex yet elegant eaux-de-vies. The mysterious 186 in its name represents the sum of the years these cognacs have aged

For an homage to the highest French distinction, CAMUS has crafted the Legion of Honor Private Collection, a tribute embodied in an elegant black box reminiscent of the art of lacquer, adorned with an embossed red leather jacket. Within lies a spirit of profound complexity, adorned with creamy pastry notes, and a velvety finish that graces the palate with an exceptional length.

Unravel the artistry and passion of CAMUS House through these extraordinary cognacs, each a perfect gift to celebrate life's precious moments or honor those dear to your heart. Offer a truly unforgettable experience, capturing the essence of time-honored craftsmanship and refined elegance.