Climb the social ladder to cognac

And don’t be afraid to have it ‘met ys’

IT’S QUITE surprising that South Africans don’t have a stronger love affair with cognac. It’s a premium spirit, twice distilled and at its heart has all the hallmarks of the spirit South Africans love: brandy. It’s a South African staple and for me a cognac is the brandy-drinkers’ upgrade when they have climbed the social ladder and now want to splurge on a smoother spirit.

Cognac also starts the journey to premium brandy status as a clear white wine (eau de vie) and so does brandy. Oddly enough, the French have a very strange relationship with cognac as well. In fact, it’s fair to say it’s an export that isn’t well loved on home soil. But there is an intense passion in the city of Cognac about the spirit and a real energy when it comes to sharing this with the world. I was lucky enough to travel there on the invitation of Rémy Martin and it was a once-ina-lifetime insight into the House of Rémy and the spirit that they meticulously produce.

Why we should all appreciate cognac

For beginners in the world of cognac it can be intimidating, but just keep in mind that a lot of the posturing that often accompanies the attitudes of those cognac connoisseurs is rooted in a real appreciation of the spirit. Those who love their cognac are very possessive of the spirit.

The best place to start is with a VSOP. Very special is abbreviated to VS and VSOP is an abbreviation for very superior old pale.

VS cognacs have been distilled from an eauxde-vie that is at least two years old and VSOP with eaux-de-vie that has been aged at least four years.

I enjoyed the VSOP so much because it was a great way to begin a tasting journey. For me it was distinctly fruity but you will also pick up vanilla and floral notes.

If you do catch the fruity hints it will be apricot and/baked apple.

I also had the pleasure of a tasting with cellar