National Cognac Day 2026
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Cognac is a premium variety of brandy that is exclusively produced in the Cognac region of southwestern France. Protected by strict French law, true Cognac must be made from specific white grapes (primarily Ugni Blanc), double-distilled in copper pot stills, and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years.
While all Cognac is brandy, not all brandy is Cognac. Brandy is a broad term for any spirit distilled from fermented fruit juice (such as apples, pears, or cherries) and can be made anywhere in the world. Cognac is restricted to grapes grown in the legally defined Cognac region of France.
While there are no official age numbers on a standard Cognac label, the industry uses specific designations based on the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend.
V.S. (Very Special) / Three Star - Aged for a minimum of 2 years
V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) / Reserve: Aged for a minimum of 4 years
XO (Extra Old) / Napoleon - Aged for a minimum of 10 years