When one thinks of Cognac, the first names that naturally come to mind are Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell, or Courvoisier. These are iconic and a part of all great lists around the world, cognacs have now mushroomed across the globe through various independent breweries, distillers, and blenders. However, if you are a cognac lover, here are six brands you need to have on your radar in 2022:

Camus ​​Ile de Ré Fine Island Cognac

The Camus Ile de Ré Fine Island Cognac is one of a range of Cognacs produced by the house from the vineyards located on the Ile de Ré Island. Source: Cognac Expert

Camus is a renowned Cognac house producing a wide range of distilled spirits. It holds a four-generation legacy since being founded in 1863. The Ile de Ré Fine Island Cognac is a part of a range of Cognacs produced by Camus from the Ile de Ré Island. The grapes on this island are naturally high in iodine and that definitely translates into this drink. This is one of Camus’ youngest cognacs aged in damp cellars and lightly toasted oak barrels. The Ile de Ré Fine Island Cognac has been recognized with a range of awards including a gold medal at the Cognac Masters and an ‘outstanding’ medal from the IWSC. Buy it here.

Frapin Cigar Blend Vieille Grande Champagne Cognac

The Frapin Cigar Blend Vieille Grande Champagne Cognac - created specifically to pair with your favorite cigar. Source: Cognac Expert

The Frapin family has been producing wines and spirits in the Southwest of France since 1270. The Frapin Cigar Blend Vieille Grande Champagne Cognac is an XO quality single estate reserve made from eaux-de-vie that are grown on the Frapin Estate. The spirit was originally created specifically to be paired with a cigar. The Grande Champagne Cognac has a long-lasting finish. It has complex flavors that include candied apricots, vanilla, hazelnut, walnut, old port, and cigar. It also boasts a 'rancio' flavor that comes from its many years of aging. The Grande Champagne Cognac is also known as the Premier Cru. This spirit has won many awards including the IWSC Bronze, World Cognac Awards, Cognac Masters, and the International Spirits Challenge. Buy it here.

D'Ussé XO Cognac

The glossy black bottle filled with stunning Extra Old Cognac, that has been left to sleep in French barrels and develops depth and complexity in flavor and aroma. Source: Cognac Expert

While the D'Ussé XO Cognac crafted at the iconic Chateau de Cognac has been making waves recently, it is rooted in a history that is hundreds of years old. D'Ussé XO Cognac is the second of the D'usse line and is known as one of the most stylish Cognacs. The finest Eaux-de-vie that are over a decade old or more go into the making of this spirit. The cognac is then aged in French Barrels which makes it a complex drink. Notes of Apricot, Caramel, Chocolate, Apple, Clove, Tobacco, Vanilla, Walnut, and Raisin are also traced in this luxury spirit. D'Ussé XO Cognac is also in the spotlight due to the silver, metallic Cross of Lorraine decanter which makes the experience luxurious and exotic. D'Ussé XO Cognac holds 90/100 points from Wine Enthusiast and 95/100 from The Ultimate Beverage Challenge amongst other awards. Buy it here.

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Branson Cognac VSOP

Branson Cognac VSOP - a true expression of the power of the Grande Champagne - a sublime Cognac from a hip hop legend. Source: Cognac Expert

Branson Cognac VSOP is an icon for many reasons. It is a black-owned cognac and is blended by the fifth-generation family-run producer Cognac Raymond Ragnaud in the Grande Champagne region. The Branson Cognac VSOP is made in collaboration with the rapper 50 Cent. This cognac has been distilled in a Charentais pot still dating back to the 1800s. It is aged for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 7 years in oak barrels as old as 50 years of age with notes of peach, pear, cocoa, cinnamon, clove, licorice, tobacco, coffee, vanilla, floral flavors, and walnut. This cognac has won a Silver at 2021 Bartenders Spirit Awards and a Gold at the London Spirits Competition 2021. Buy it here.

ABK6 Renaissance Cognac

Savor every sip of the sublime and stunning ABK6 Renaissance XO Cognac. Source: Cognac Expert

ABK6 Cognac is owned by Francis Abécassis and is based in the Domaine de Chez Maillard. ABK6 produces single estate cognacs with their Eaux-de-vie focused on aroma and indulgence and intense attention to detail. A fairly young company in the trade, it has stirred up the cognac industry by taking home over 60 awards. Their next win has been delivering a multi-award-winning cognac rightly named the Renaissance. The ABK6 Renaissance Cognac is an exceptional XO aged for over 10 years in oak casks. It is rich with flavor and skilled in presentation with notes of orange, licorice, candied fruit, hazelnut, walnut, orange zest, spices, wood, cedar, oak, and fresh fig. Amongst many awards won by the ABK6 Renaissance Cognac are the IWSC Gold, China Wine and Spirits Double Gold, World Cognac Awards Best XO, and a Gold Spirits at the Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelle. Buy it here.

Deau Louis Memory Cognac

Deau Louis Memory -  a Cognac you want to be enjoyed by the fireplace, or after a beautiful dinner. Source: Cognac Expert

The Deau Louis Memory is a masterpiece of the Deau family collection. It is a dedication to Louis D'eau, who settled in Cognac in the 17th century to first establish this long-standing Cognac heritage. It is a Grande Champagne Cognac from a Premier Cru region with a deep aftertaste. This cognac preserves the light and floral texture of the Eaux-de-vie with additional notes of Peach, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Honey, Black Cardamom, and Fresh Fig. This legacy drink also sports a rancio, and the oldest Eaux-de-vie dates back to 1916. The Louis Memory has won commendations like a Double Gold at the China Wine and Spirits, and a Gold Spirits at the Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelle.

Article by - Prithvi Nagpal, Editor & Sommelier