The best cognacs for beginners

So, you’ve finally decided to take the leap and get into cognac? If you’re already a fan of bourbon, aged rum, or single malt Scotch whisky, you’re going to be very happy to start this journey. But, as the ancient Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. And that first step is purchasing a few beginner cognacs.

More than a decade ago, after a few months of writing professionally, I had imbibed countless drams of single malt Scotch whisky, bourbon, and tequila. But I had barely scratched the surface when it came to cognac. Then I went on a trip to the Cognac region and found myself immersed in the history, culture, and excitement of the spirit, diving right in. Since then, the grape-based spirit has become one of the favorites. This is especially true during the colder months. But I had to start somewhere.

What is cognac?

Before we get into beginner cognacs, it’s important to get into the basics of the spirit. Cognac is a French brandy made from grapes (most often Ugni Blanc). Like how tequila can only be made in certain parts of Mexico (Jalisco and a few other states) and bourbon can only be made in the US (not just Kentucky), cognac can only be made in certain areas of France (mostly within the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime).

Distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak, it’s known for its nuanced, whiskey-like palate featuring ripe fruit, oak, caramel, and vanilla. It comes in various types. These include VS (aged for at least 2 years), VSOP (aged for at least 4 years, and XO (aged for at least 10 years).

The best cognacs for beginners

Now that you know a little about the appeal of cognac, it’s time to find some great beginner choices to add to your home bar cart. Below, you’ll find expressions from some well-known and lesser-known brands. Keep scrolling to see them all.

Martell Blue Swift

There might be no better cognac for beginners than Martell Blue Swift. This VSOP cognac is first matured in French oak barrels for a minimum of 4 years before finishing in ex-bourbon casks. A perfect cognac to bridge the gap between whiskey drinkers and cognac fans, it begins with a nose of orchard fruits, caramelized sugar, toasted coconut, dried fruits, and light baking spices. The palate is centered on flavors like toasted vanilla beans, ginger candy, toffee, raisins, and oak. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a mix of brown sugar, spices, and oak. Drink it neat or on the rocks like you would your favorite bourbon whiskey.

$38.99

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Hennessy VS

Hennessy is one of the biggest names in cognac, and it makes one of the best beginner expressions on the market. This blend of more than 40 eaux-de-vie made from Ugni Blanc grapes is distilled in copper Alembic Charentais stills and matured for a minimum of 2 years (some of the eaux-de-vie included are much older). This makes for a subtle, nuanced cognac that opens with aromas of fruit, candied nuts, dried fruits, and toasted vanilla beans. Sipping it reveals notes of white grapes, caramelized sugar, vanilla cream, baking spices, and oak. The finish is lingering and warm, ending with a mix of oak and toffee. Sip this VS cognac neat on a cold evening.

$34.99

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Monnet VS

As a beginner, value cognacs go, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of Monnet VS. This blend of eaux-de-vie from various grapes in the Cognac region of France is matured in French Limousin oak barrels for a minimum of 20 full years. The result is a complex, floral cognac that opens with notes of baking spices, toasted vanilla beans, and dried fruits, with a gentle floral aroma. The palate is filled with flavors including orchard fruits, white grapes, caramelized sugar, vanilla, wintry spices, and oak. The finish is medium, warm, and ends with a nice balance of fruit and spice. This is a great beginner sipper or base for your favorite cognac cocktails.

$33.99

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Pierre Ferrand 1840

This 90-proof cognac was made with bartenders (and home mixologists) in mind. Made with a blend of eaux-de-vie double-distilled in copper pot stills with Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grand Champagne region of France. The name is a reference to the fact that this iconic cognac was made to mimic spirits of the 19th century. The result is a multi-layered cognac that starts off right with a nose of orchard fruits, grapes, tropical fruits, honey, caramel candy, and oak. The palate is centered on notes of candied orange peels, vanilla beans, butterscotch, gentle spices, and light mineral and herb flavors. The finish is medium in length and ends with a mix of anise, raisins, toffee, and baking spices. This is a must-have for any home bartender.

$43.99

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