Kevin JohnsonAlthough all cognac is brandy, all brandy isn’t cognac. Sipping cognac is more luxurious than drinking brandy. This crème de la crème of the brandy world is made in a specific French region and aged in French oak for at least two years. It undergoes two distillations to produce the “eau de vie.” Then, eau de vie is blended, aged, and released when the master distiller deems it ready. Some cognac brands can trace their vine-growing and distilling history to the 1200s. So, imbibers have engaged in this luxurious experience for over 750 years.
Cognac has aging classifications: VS (Very Special) is aged for at least two years, and VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is at least four years. Cognac XO (Extra Old) is over 10 years old, while Cognac XXO (Extra-Extra Old) is 14 years or more. Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier are the top Cognac houses, producing around 45% of the world’s cognac. But which are the best cognac brands?
Here is an in-depth analysis of the 21 best cognac brands:
1. Hennessy
Hennessy is the world’s leading cognac brand, founded in 1765 by Richard Hennessy. This iconic cognac house is based in Cognac, France, and operated by Diageo. It produces cognac XO, VS, VSOP, and XXO for connoisseurs and casual drinkers. In Aug 2024, the Hennessy Cognac activation became the first alcohol brand to dominate the Sportopia basketball space. Hennessy engaged basketball players and fans on the court and at a courtside bar to celebrate community and culture. Each winner aged 18 and over received a limited edition Hennessy XO NBA bottle worth $260. [1]
Image source: Hennessy
Pros: Hennessy is synonymous with cognac. The brand is known for its excellent palates, perfect for cognac connoisseurs and casual drinkers. Hennessy XO cognac is revered globally. You can buy elegant blends like Hennessy VS if you prefer mixed drinks or cognac on the rocks with toasted flavors. Hennessy Paradis has light, aromatic flavors and an approachable taste and finish. This smooth cognac is perfect for people trying cognac for the first time.
Cons: Hennessy can be pricey.
Price Range: $48-$14,300
2. Martell
Martell is a leading French cognac house with over 300 years of experience. The brand offers top-notch cognacs, including the Martell XO, VS, and Cordon Bleu. In Dec 2023, Martell unveiled the new L’Or de Jean Martell Reserve du Chateau de Chanteloup. This unique expression from Maison Martell is a limited-edition blend of 1,400 different eau-de-vies aged in barrels made from 300-year-old oak. [2]
Image source: Martell
Pros: Martell has been producing high-quality liquors for over 300 years. The brand uses the finest grapes and a comprehensive distillation and maturation process to create cognacs for different palates and occasions. You can buy Martin XO if you seek a premium blend with a peppery hint and forest fruits. Martell VS also has rich, fruity notes like plum and apricot.
Cons: Martell’s high-end cognacs are expensive. Most of the brand’s recipes date back to its inception and may not suit drinkers seeking modern profiles. However, Martell releases new spins and blends like Martell Cordon Bleu.
Price Range: $50-$3,400
3. Courvoisier
Courvoisier is one of the world’s largest cognac brands. Its classic Cognac region distillery uses a meticulous process to produce incredible cognacs with bold, fruity, and floral flavors. The brand sells over 1 million nine-liter cases annually. In May 2024, Italy’s Campari Group acquired Courvoisier for US$1.17 billion from Suntory Global Spirits. Campari opened an Aperol bottling plant in northwest Italy to double Courvoisier’s production capacity. [3]
Image source: Courvoisier
Pros: Courvoisier uses premium grapes, like Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, and Fins Bois. These ingredients deliver unique and stunning blends with nuance and depth. You can buy Courvoisier’s XO incredibly smooth cognac if you prefer to sip your drink neat or over whiskey rocks. Courvoisier’s VSOP is perfect for savvy drinkers seeking an edgy and darker elegant finish.
Cons: Some Courvoisier’s cognacs have a bright, floral finish. Although the flavor profile isn’t overwhelming, it is noticeable and distracting for some drinkers.
Price Range: $23-$11,000
4. Rémy Martin
Rémy Martin is a legendary cognac house in the heart of the Cognac region. The brand offers popular XO, VSOP, and VS cognacs. In 2024, Rémy Martin released the new XO Night and a limited edition expression to mark its 300th anniversary. XO Night has a minimalistic, mirrored black decanter, the XO stamp, and Rémy Martin’s signature centaur. This cognac targets night-time celebrations in high-end clubs, rooftop bars, and chic lounges. The Rémy Martin 300th anniversary cognac debuted at $2,735. [4]
Image source: Rémy Martin
Pros: Rémy Martin has over 300 years of experience in cognac production. The brand offers complex and artistic cognacs. Its VSOP is one of the world’s top vintages. You can also buy Rémy Martin’s XO velvety smooth cognac that pairs perfectly with different food menus.
Cons: Rémy Martin’s high-end cognacs are expensive. However, you can find affordable options for less than $50.
Price Range: $40-$12,735
5. Jean-Luc Pasquet
The Pasquet family has owned and operated their Grande Champagne, France, vineyard since 1730. The brand uses native yeast to initiate fermentation, producing cognac with distinct flavors and without added sugar or caramel. Pasquet is known for its organic cognacs made by hand in a single vineyard. Its bright L’Organic 04 blends two eau-de-vie aged 4 and 5 years in Limousin oak barrels. This cognac is dry and high in acidity, providing an alternative to the traditional VSOP. It exhibits the elegance and uniqueness of each stage of maturity instead of blending with several age statements. [5]
Image source: Cognac Pasquet
Pros: Pasquet is the go-to brand for never-chill-filtered, sugar-free organic cognacs. Its drinks epitomize the distinct flavors of the Grande Champagne region. Pasquet is more affordable compared to the top five cognac brands.
Cons: Pasquet produces complex cognacs with distinct noses, bright flavors, and lasting finishes. Although it has limited variety, the collection caters to all cognac lovers. You can buy the Jean-Luc Pasquet L’Organic 10 with two organic eau-de-vie aged 10 and 12. This cognac has tobacco, gingerbread, and cocoa notes with hints of orange and ginger.
Price Range: $22.80-$425
6. Meukow
Meukow’s cognac story began in 1862 when two brothers, Auguste-Christophe and Gustave Meukow, arrived in France from Russia. They created a cognac with a distinctive Russian style. By 1880, Meukow had won its first award. The brand expanded its market presence and collection to include XO, VSOP, and VS cognacs. Meukow also offers limited edition cognacs like the Meukow XO Grande Champagne. [6]
Image source: Meukow Cognac
Pros: Meukow is known for its heritage and craftsmanship. The brand uses a unique aging process, the finest ingredients, and traditional techniques to create its signature cognacs with distinctive flavor profiles. You can buy the light and fruity Meukow Cognac VS or the rich and complex Meukow Cognac XO to enjoy the taste of history and tradition in every sip.
Cons: Meukow designs its cognacs to appeal to sophisticated cognac drinkers, not novices. For example, Meukow XO has a tannin-rich and fruit-forward profile, while Meukow VSOP has a complex flavor profile with vanilla, oak, and spice notes.
Price Range: $40-$6,000
7. Hine
Hine is an independent cognac house founded in 1763 by Thomas Hine. The brand produces certified premium cognacs from Grande and Petite Champagne grapes in the French brandy region. Its drinks fall into the “fine champagne” category. In Aug 2024, Hine appointed SipWell to expand its travel retail presence across the UK, US, and Asia. [7]
Image source: Hine
Pros: Hine produces premium cognacs from Grande and Petite Champagne grapes, ensuring they please most palates. Its cognacs undergo maturation in Jarnac, France, or the UK. Each maturation journey yields distinct notes. Hine also offers richly flavored vintages.
Cons: Hine is premium cognac brand. Its cognacs are expensive.
Price Range: $60-$13,500
8. Camus
Camus is a cognac brand founded in 1863. This cognac house has passed down its tradition, heritage, and rich history for five generations, nurturing a remarkable legacy of flavor and distinction. The brand seeks to diversify its portfolio beyond cognacs. In May 2024, Camus announced plans to produce herbal and aromatic Chinese whiskies from 2025. The brand invested $30 million in Nov 2023 to build a whisky distillery in Bozhou, China. [8]
Image source: Camus
Pros: Camus offers aromatic and versatile cognacs. It uses a patented intensity distillation method to select and extract the most potent spirit portions before blending them. This unique approach delivers cognacs with full-bodied, fruity aromas and intense flavor profiles.
Cons: Camus’ high-end cognacs are pricey. The silky-textured Camus XO is perfect for cognac lovers with hundreds of dollars to spare. However, you can find affordable options like Camus VSOP Borderies Single Estate cognac.
Price Range: $47-$17,000
9. Frapin
Frapin is one of the oldest cognac brands. This family-owned cognac house started growing vine and distilling liquors in 1270. The brand offers hand-craft cognacs harvested and aged in its 240-ha vineyards in the Grande Champagne area. In May 2024, Cognac Frapin 15-Years won a gold medal in the Cognac Masters’ XO Single Estate category. The judges recognized the cognac’s savory notes with raisins, sultanas, caramel, and spice. [9]
Image source: Cognac Frapin
Pros: Frapin has over 750 years of experience in cognac production. The brand caters to all cognac drinkers. Beginners can drink the Frapin 1270 with a delicate flavor, perfect in mixed drinks and on the rocks. Frapin Cognac XO VIP is the go-to option for cognac connoisseurs seeking an aromatic, multi-faceted drink.
Cons: Frapin’s top-end cognacs are expensive.
Price Range: $77-$48,760
10. François Voyer
Voyer is a cognac brand owned by cellar master Pierre Vaudon from the Grande Champagne region. The family can trace its production history to 1811 in Fins Bois. This brand produces the Premier Cru de Cognac from Ugni Blanc grapes, aged before and after distillation to attain the desired flavor profile. Its top-selling cognacs include Voyer VSOP, Napoleon, XO, Extra, and Hors d’Âge. The brand also offers the 1993 vintage, Personelle n°7, and Ancestral n°8. [10]
Image source: Cognac Voyer
Pros: Voyer produces high-quality cognacs, perfect for connoisseurs and beginners. The brand offers delicate, tasty, tinged cognacs with well-balanced oaky notes. You can buy the Voyer VSOP for around $55 to enjoy soft and smooth flavors.
Cons: Voyer’s blends are not as heady as other varieties. However, they deliver the brand’s signature cognac taste and velvety texture.
Price Range: $32.99-$1,976
11. Bache-Gabrielsen
Bache-Gabrielsen is a medium-sized family-owned cognac house established in 1905. The brand is known for blending cognac and whiskey notes. In 2022, Bache-Gabrielsen launched its first French whisky, BGW. This drink draws on the brand’s ancestral family know-how and the characteristic notes infused by French oak casks. [11]
Image source: Bache-Gabrielsen
Pros: Bache-Gabrielsen fuses classic cognac flavors with new American-style casks to create unique blends. The brand uses authentic American Tennessee oak casks instead of standard Cognac-region oak barrels, ensuring the cognac has classic whiskey notes. Bache-Gabrielsen is perfect for cognac, whiskey, and scotch enthusiasts.
Cons: Bache-Gabrielsen’s cognacs with whiskey tones may not be palatable for all drinkers.
Price Range: $30-$600
12. Hardy
Hardy is a cognac brand founded in 1863 by Anthony Hardy in the French Cognac region. The brand is known for its round, mellow, and subtle cognac style. In Aug 2023, Hardy rebranded its core range and reintroduced its premium collection with Lalique. The changes came a few months before the brand’s 160th anniversary. [12]
Image source: Hardy Cognac
Pros: Hardy offers a comprehensive cognac collection range, including VS, VSOP, VSOP Organic, and XO. Its 10-year-old-and-above range with Lalique features the brand’s elite edition decanters. Hardy also provides the Prestige Collection with ultra-aged cognacs.
Cons: Hardy’s high-end cognacs are expensive. However, they are worth every penny.
Price Range: $29-$11,500
13. D’Ussé
D’Ussé is a relatively new cognac brand founded in 2012 by esteemed cellar master Michel Casavecchia and American rapper Jay-Z (Shawn Carter). It was initially created at Château de Cognac, one of the oldest French cognac houses. In Apr 2024, Agathe Boinot succeeded D’Ussé founding cellar master Michel Casavecchia. Boinot is the youngest female cellar master of a leading cognac house. [13]
Image source: D’Ussé
Pros: D’Ussé’s founding cellar master, Michel Casavecchia, established the brand as a modern expression of cognac with integrity, boldness, and authenticity. Its XO has a rich flavor and a well-balanced finish, while VSOP has distinct woodsy notes. You can order D’Ussé bottles with personalized engravings and send them to friends and family as gifts.
Cons: D’Ussé has a limited cognac variety. It offers only two options: the D’Ussé XO and D’Ussé VSOP.
Price Range: $79-$271
14. AE Dor
Dor is a cognac house founded in 1858 by Amédée Edouard Dor. The brand specializes in whimsical flavor profiles and unique maturations. Its extensive range includes VS, VSOP, XO, and rare vintage releases. Dor caters to different consumers, from novices exploring the cognac world to seasoned enthusiasts seeking exceptional expressions. [14]
Image source: AE Dor
Pros: Dor is known for its refined elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. The brand offers high-quality cognacs with unique flavor layers, from bright, bursting citrus notes to darker chocolate hints. This cognac house has a bottle for every palate.
Cons: Dor’s entry-level cognacs cost more than the market’s average.
Price Range: $75-$9,250
15. Dudognon
Dudognon traces its distilling history to 1776. This cognac brand operates a legacy distillery in Lignières-Sonneville, France, within the Grande Champagne region. Its current owner, Claudine, follows in the footsteps of her father and great-grandfather. She uses wood-fired stills like her ancestors, creating blends from Ugni Blanc grapes and other traditional varieties like Folle Blanche and Montils.
Image source: Maison Dudognon
Pros: Dudognon specializes in pure, sugar-free, and caramel-free cognacs. Its blends offer authentic cognac flavors with a distinct grape punch. Dudognon is one of the most affordable cognac brands, perfect for novices.
Cons: Dudognon has limited cognac varieties. However, its collection provides something for all cognac enthusiasts.
Price Range: $39.98-$601
16. Monnet
Monnet traces its history to 1838. This brand produces sunny and bright cognacs in Jarnac, France. Monnet’s signature spin also offers oaky, fruity, and floral notes. The delicate balance between rich oak and bright floral flavors helps Monnet stand out in the cognac world.
Image source: Monnet
Pros: Monnet has honed its craft and fine-tuned its cognac distillation and maturation process since 1838. It is the go-to brand for affordable drinks for beautiful occasions.
Cons: Monnet produces a small range of cognacs. This approach limits your options to a few varieties.
Price Range: $44-$454
17. Pierre Ferrand
Pierre Ferrand is a cognac brand founded in the 1800s. It produces artisanal cognacs at the Maison Ferrand distillery in Ars, Cognac, France. In May 2024, Esquire featured the Pierre Ferrand Double Cask Reserve Cognac on its 2024 Best 5 Cognacs to buy list. [15]
Image source: Cognac Ferrand
Pros: Pierre Ferrand uses Angeac-Champagne grapes grown in chalky soil, which infuse a distinctive and appealing taste into the cognac. Its robust maturation process enhances the grapes’ characteristics and produces cognacs with rich, oaky flavors.
Cons: Pierre Ferrand offers fewer cognac varieties compared to top brands.
Price Range: $46-$3,580
18. Bisquit & Dubouché
Bisquit & Dubouché is a high-end French cognac brand founded by Alexandre Bisquit in 1819. The house was sold to Pernod Ricard in 1966 and resold to the South African group Distell in 2009. Campari Group acquired Bisquit Cognac from Distell and relaunched it as Bisquit & Dubouché. Its top-selling products include the Bisquit & Dubouché Prestige cognac. The brand also offers VS, VSOP, and XO cognacs.
Image source: Bisquit & Dubouche
Pros: Bisquit has over 200 years of heritage and experience in cognac production. The brand was the official cognac supplier for King George VI of England and Winston Churchill’s favorite cognac.
Cons: Bisquit has limited variety.
Price Range: $64.99-$810
19. NAUD
NAUD is a distillery in Pinthiers, France, established by Emile Perrier in 1923. Perrier’s descendants, Jean-Michel and Pierre Naud are perpetuating the legacy of founding master distiller. In 2017, Pierre Naud reopened the brand’s Pinthiers distillery and started producing cognac using old recipes and 5 pot stills in the plant. The new NAUD brand offers cognac Extra, VSOP, VS, and XO.
Image source: NAUD Spirits
Pros: NAUD uses tried-and-tested traditional methods passed down for five generations and the finest grapes from the Charentais hillsides. Its double distillation over an open fire and long aging process delivers roundness and aromatic richness to NAUD cognacs.
Cons: NAUD offers limited variety, with only four cognac versions.
Price Range: $148-$888
20. Maxime Trijol
Maxime Trijol is a family-run cognac house established in 1859 in Cognac, France. Five generations of the Trijol family have practiced their ancestors’ traditional cognac production methods for over 160 years. Their distillery has twenty-two 2500-liter stills and supplies cognacs to drinkers in over 50 countries worldwide.
Image source: Maxime Trijol
Pros: Maxime Trijol produces high-quality cognacs using five-generation traditional methods. Its small, close-knit team is led by cellar master Jean-Jacques Trijol, who oversees the distilling, production, and bottling processes. This Maxime Trijol XO Grande Champagne is an award-winning cognac.
Cons: Maxime Trijol produces a few cognacs based on its traditional recipes. Its collection may not meet the needs of all drinkers.
Price Range: $33-$1,954
21. Augier Cognac
Augier is one of the oldest cognac houses, established in 1643 by a wine merchant. The brand declined in the 19th and 20th centuries due to stiff competition from large cognac families. In 2013, Pernod-Ricard acquired Augier and restored its production capabilities. The brand now offers the bold and wild Le Sauvage and fine Le Singulier champagne blend. Its third cognac, L’Océanique, has a coastal character from the lesser-known Bois Ordinaires terroir.
Image source: Cognac Augier
Pros: Augier has 380 years of heritage and experience. The brand uses traditional distillation, non-chill filtration, and no additives or artificial colors, preserving the cognac’s balance and aromatic complexity.
Cons: Augier is a small-time cognac boutique with limited production capacity. The brand limits your choices to Le Sauvage, Le Singulier, and L’Océanique.
Price Range: $44.50-$2,662
References & more information
- Madsen, M. (2024, Aug 22). Hennessy brings the spirit of NBA to Oxford St. The Spirits Biz
- Flicker, J. (2024, Feb 23). Martell’s New Ultra-Premium Cognac Was Aged in 300-Year-Old Oak Barrels. Robb Report
- Carruthers, N. (2024, May 1). Campari completes the Courvoisier purchase. The Spirits Biz
- Hohwieler, R. (2024, Apr 11). Rémy Martin targets high-end nightlife. The Spirits Biz
- G-LO (2023, May 11). Jean Luc Pasquet L’Organic 04 Cognac Review. Booze Dancing
- McGrew, G. (2024, Jun 14). Meukow Cognac: A Tale of Heritage and Exquisite Craftsmanship. Cognac.com
- Waterworth, S. (2024, Aug 8). Hine returns to travel retail through the SipWell deal. Drinks International
- Carruthers, N. (2024, May 16). Camus puts Chinese whisky in the spotlight. The Spirits Business
- Kiely, M. (2024, May 2). The Cognac Masters 2024 results. The Spirits Business
- Ruben, C. (2024, Jan 12). Cognac François Voyer: VSOP, Napoleon, XO, Extra, Hors d’Âge. Whiskey Notes
- B-G Staff (2024, Apr 8). French Whisky: The long-awaited comeback. Bache-Gabrielsen
- Carruthers, N. (2023, Aug 31). Hardy Cognac redesigns core range. The Spirits Business
- Bacardi LTD (2024, Apr 4). D’USSÉ Cognac appoints new Cellar Master, Agathe Boinot. BacardiLimited.com
- McGrew, G. (2024, Jul 25). AE Dor Cognac: A Symphony of Elegance and Tradition. Cognac.com
- Smith, S. (2024, May 16). The Best Cognac to Buy in 2024, according to the experts. Esquire
- Featured Image by Markus Winkler
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