SIPPING THE FINEST.... SMOOTH AND BEAUTIFUL

What's to be expected... In this blog you will find what, when, why, where, and how to sip not only Cognac but Seraphin Cognac. So enjoy the ride..

Cognac is a type of brandy that is produced only in the Cognac region of western France. You will often see letters on bottles of cognac that are the unofficial grades used to market the spirit.

These are:

VS Very Special or *** (three stars),where the youngest brandy is stored at least three years in cask, but on average a total of five years in cask.
VSOP Very Special ( or Superior) Old Pale, or Réserve, where the youngest brandy is stored at least four and a half years in cask, but the average wood age is much older.
XO Extra Old, Cordon Bleu Centeur and Antique, where the youngest brandy is stored at least six years and a half in cask, but average 20 years upwards.

These “grades” are not official cognac grades (they are appropriate for brandy) and are simply marketing labels used by certain high profile cognac brands. More traditional cognac houses do not use these grades.

In order to be called “Cognac,” the liquor must meet several strict guidelines. It must be made from at least 90% Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, or Colombard grapes. The remainder may consist of the grape varieties Folignan, Jurançon blanc, Meslier St-François, Montils, and Sémillon. Most cognac, however, is made only from Ugni Blanc. It must be distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels that are sealed air-tight. The resulting eau-de-vie (”water of life”) is a colorless spirit that is approximately 70% alcohol. As cognac ages, a certain percentage of the spirt evaporates from the oak barrels, filling the air with a “heavenly” aroma. This is often called “the angel’s share” (the phrase is also used in whiskey production).

Seraphin Cognac "The Angel's Share"is a rich and complex cognac, with hints of dried fruits and a rewarding rounding finish. The blend includes a selection of eaux-de-vie fron the finest Cognac growing areas, which have been matured in oak barrels to give it the suprisingly smooth thaste that delights consumers. Beauty is the primary visual. The packaging reflects today's upscale, trend-setting tastes. The bottle is simple, though modern, elegant and full of impact.