When the cognac finally lands in the bottle, its adjoining age statement denotes the youngest vintage in the blend. A living testament to the art of blending, Pierre Ferrand marries various vintages to harmonious effect. It’s all too easy to rhapsodise about the quality and complexity of the classic XO (Extra Old) and Hors d’Age Cognac expressions.

In turn, some output doesn’t fall under the official “cognac” banner, even if it’s crafted entirely from Grande Champagne grapes. While the brand itself is much younger, the Frapin family has been crafting cognac in the town of Segonzac since 1270. Fresh walnuts, even green and pickled walnuts, whilst towards the very end, I sense a hint of spice.Until recently just known as Bisquit, this Cognac house has regained its historic name and relaunched its range, including this VSOP, which combines eaux-de-vie sourced from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Fins Bois and Bons Bois. Here we have another independent producer of the highest regard, which maintains a single estate in the heart of France’s Grande Champagne region.

Being relatively new to the world of Cognac, I've found this product to be the best I've had to this point.Again, made from a blend of exclusive Eaux-De-Vies (brandy distilled from any raw ingredients such as fruit, except for grapes) in the sought after vineyards of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. The juice must be double-distilled in a copper pot still and aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Rounded, silkily textured and medium-bodied, it’s equally at home neat or as a base for classic cocktails. The color of the precious liquid is an intriguing gorgeously shimmering dark golden brown, with a hint of mahogany reflections. The estate boasts an exceptional 173 acres of vineyards, and the house has a very special tradition of producing relatively small quantities - but with a very high standard in quality.

The bottle is the same, simple elegance, carafe similar with a nice wooden cork with a carved brand symbol.Named for Louis XIII, the first monarch to list cognac as a spirit of its own, this brand was created by Rémy Martin in 1874.