Introduction to Cognac

Course information

Elegant, refined, fruity, and floral, Cognac is a luxurious spirit with wide appeal. Whether drunk neat in a warmed tasting glass, or in a classic cocktail like the Brandy Crusta, Cognac is a staple for any bar. But what is Cognac exactly?

Cognac is a distilled spirit made from white wine. How it is distilled, aged, and even where it is made is tightly controlled by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), a governing body that protects and regulates its production.

To get to know this spirit better, this Introduction to Cognac course gives you foundational knowledge, and covers the following topics:

• Brief history of Cognac
• How Cognac is made and where it's produced
• The grape varietals used to make Cognac and the six Cognac crus
• Cognac age statements
• How to recommend popular Cognac cocktails to guests.

Upon completing this course, we encourage you to taste at least three Cognacs or Cognac cocktails to put your knowledge to work.