The Top 5 Cognacs For Cocktails

Previously a contract distillery for some of the larger and more prominent houses in Cognac, the Merlet Brothers decided that it was time to produce cognac under their own name. Produced from a blend of eaux-de-vie ranging from (the minimum) 4 to 12 years of age, the Merlet Blend VSOP is a very easy drinking cognac meant to be consumed neat or in a cocktail without any fuss.

Released in 2011,1840 Original Formula was created as a collaboration between Pierre Ferrand owner, Alexandre Gabriel, their cellar master, Christian Guerin, and cocktail historian, Dave Wondrich. Using a rare 19th century cognac, Pinet-Castillon Cognac from 1840 as a base, this product is designed to replicate what would have been used then in cocktails and punches. Its youthful fruity and floral character along with its higher proof for added oomph makes it stand out from other VS cognacs.

HINE is a cognac house which only uses eaux de vie from Grande and Petite Champagne growing regions. Their H by HINE is created using 20 different eaux de vie with a minimum aging of 4 years. HINE is a producer which distills its wine on the lees providing a roundness to their cognacs.

Launched in early 2017 across US markets from the House of Martell. This cognac is made from a blend of eaux-de-vie produced at one distillery which is not the norm. Its packaging in a ‘montre’ cognac bottle is a throwback to the original design of the brand's VS offering. Martell VS Single Distillery is bottled at 40% ABV.

Founded in 1853, Louis Royer is an old house that is just now raising in prominence in the international scene. Embracing fairly classic methods this cognac is distilled twice in copper stills “sur lie” and aged 4-6 years in French Limousin oak casks. The Force 53 is bottled at 53% ABV with a clear push to be used in cocktails.