Cognac is a kind of brandy processed mainly in France. The brandy is named after a French town called ‘Cognac’. French law has stated some guidelines and legal requirements for giving the name ‘cognac’ to any brandy. This drink is made with distilled wine and takes the same long maturity time like whisky. Cognac is considered a high-class brandy and preserved by connoisseurs. Usually, cognac is taken alone but various cocktails and other recipes can also be prepared with it. Some of the most common cognac recipes are cognac drinks including grand mariner and Pineau des Charentes. Cognac recipes also include sweet and savory dishes that use wine and brandy as one of the ingredient.
The production of cognac has been started in 3rd century AD. The vineyard for cognac production was first planted on the banks of Charente river that later extends to Atlantic Ocean. The French town of Cognac was situated in the middle of this extended area. The distillation of wine is then started by Dutch and French people in Cognac around 12th century. In 17th century the trade of cognac had started.
As cognac is produced in France, the French cuisine makes good use of this finest brandy. Many cocktails and sweet dishes are fondly made with cognac in French cuisine. Cognac is popularly used to make glazed sauces for meat, poultry and seafood. French soups and stews are also the addition to the list of cognac recipes. In America, cognac is a symbol of young and urban culture. Since 1990’s, the cognac consumers have significantly changed and it becomes the drink of youngsters and modern people. Apart from being used as an alcoholic drink, cognac is also used as a cookery ingredient in making baked as well as savory dishes. Other European cuisines also make several cognac recipes and mix this high-class brandy with various other alcohols to make well-liked cocktails.
Like other alcoholic drinks, cognac is full of carbohydrates and proteins. Cognac and cognac recipes are always considered full of calories. Moderate drinking of alcohol is recommended to maintain the blood pressure as well as to prevent heart diseases.
Due to excess calories, cognac recipes are not recommended for weight conscious people. The excess drinking of cognac is linked with the danger of certain cancers. It may also lead to obesity and triggers diabetes. Hypoglycemia is also an ailment that may be associated with the excessive drinking of cognac as well as other alcoholic drinks.
Cognac is a very expensive alcohol that may cost between hundred to thousand dollars. It should always be purchased from premium stores. There are various classic as well as premium brands of cognac available all over the world. Grading is the most important characteristic of the drink which should be checked before buying any bottle of cognac. It is also important to familiarize yourself with all the attributes regarding the cognac -such as, the place where the wine is being distilled. For a novice, online search is a great help as there are various websites that may provide useful information about the buying of cognac as well as the process of its production. Cognac should be stored in right conditions in order to preserve its robust flavor for several years. It is recommended to store the bottles in a cool dark place. Always keep the bottles in standing position so that cork particles should not enter the drink. Sealed cognac bottles can be stored in room temperature as long as they are not consumed, but once opened should not be stored for more than six months as there are chances of oxidization of the alcohol.
Cognac is classified according to the grading. The official grades are as follows:
Cognac can also be classified according to the ‘crus’ (a place where grapes are grown for the production of wine). These classifications are:
Bois ordinarie and Bons bois are the other two varieties of cognac that are produced in high volumes.
Troncais oak wood is generally used to make cognac barrels due to the reason that this wood imparts instant flavor to the cognac.