Cognac intimidates most spirits drinkers. The categories seem arcane, the prices seem high, and the marketing leans stuffy. Crystal and Roger have reviewed the full cognac spectrum and identified exactly which bottles make the best entry points — and why. Why Cognac Is Worth Starting Cognac is double-distilled grape brandy aged in French oak — at its best, one of the most aromatic and complex spirits in the world. Grande Champagne terroir creates eaux-de-vie that age for deca

The most-asked cognac and brandy questions — answered by Crystal and Roger of The Liquor Connoisseur®. What is cognac and how is it made? Cognac is a double-distilled grape brandy from the Cognac region of France, aged in French oak barrels. It must be made from specific grape varieties (primarily Ugni Blanc), distilled in copper pot stills, and aged at least 2 years. The Charente region's chalky soil creates a unique terroir that defines the spirit's character. What is the d

A 15-year Armagnac for $65 sounds too good to be true. Crystal and Roger investigate Eric Artiguelongue's Bas-Armagnac XO and find out if the value proposition is real or if something has been sacrificed to hit that price point. Bottle Specs Spirit: Eric Artiguelongue Bas-Armagnac XO 15-Year Region: Bas-Armagnac, France (most prestigious Armagnac sub-region) Age: 15 years minimum Category: Armagnac — France's oldest eau-de-vie tradition ABV: ~42% Price: ~$65 Why it matters: C

Fundador is the oldest Spanish brandy — founded in 1874 and still going strong. Crystal and Roger bring this Sherry Solera expression to the library to evaluate whether 150 years of tradition has produced something worth drinking today. Bottle Specs Spirit: Fundador Sherry Solera Brandy de Jerez Origin: Jerez, Spain — Brandy de Jerez DO Founded: 1874 — oldest Spanish brandy producer Aging: Solera system with sherry cask influence ABV: ~36% Price: ~$25–30 Category: Brandy de J

Bhakta 1928 contains spirits from the year 1928 — blended with other aged Armagnac and Cognac to create something extraordinary at a price that seems impossible given the age of the liquid. Crystal and Roger investigate how a 100-year-old blend comes in at $75. Bottle Specs Spirit: Bhakta 1928 Armagnac & Cognac Blend Founder: Raj Bhakta — founder of WhistlePig, now Bhakta Spirits Category: Aged Brandy Blend — Armagnac and Cognac Vintage component: Contains actual 1928 vintage

Rémy Martin V is a clear Cognac — no aging, no color, no oak influence. Crystal and Roger evaluate this unusual expression from one of the world's most prestigious Cognac houses and discover a spirit that forces you to reconsider what brandy can be. Bottle Specs Spirit: Rémy Martin V (Vsop Bypass — unaged Cognac) House: Rémy Martin, Cognac, France Category: Unaged Cognac — a genuine curiosity in the category Production: Fine Champagne grapes, distilled but not aged in oak ABV

Presidente Brandy is Mexico's most popular drink — a statement that surprises most American spirits drinkers who've never encountered it. Crystal and Roger investigate what a nation of 130 million people have been enjoying for decades. Bottle Specs Spirit: Presidente Brandy de Jerez Producer: Domecq — Pernod Ricard portfolio Origin: Produced and aged in Mexico using Spanish brandy methods Category: Mexican Brandy — solera aged ABV: 40% Price: ~$15–20 Cultural context: Mexico'

Crystal and Roger open Armagnac de Montal with one of the most memorable comparisons in Liquor Connoisseur history: Beyoncé is to Cognac what Solange is to Armagnac. The analogy captures exactly why Armagnac deserves more credit than it gets. Bottle Specs Spirit: Armagnac de Montal Region: Armagnac, Gascony, France — specifically Bas-Armagnac sub-region Category: Armagnac — France's oldest eau-de-vie tradition Production: Single continuous distillation in Armagnac alembic ABV

Brandy is a fascinating and diverse spirit with a rich history and unique characteristics. Here are some key points you should know about...