A true gentleman knows his brandy, most importantly the finest kind of them all.
Dubbed as the finest kind of brandy, cognac has been for generations a staple after-dinner drink. It got its name from its origin, the town of Cognac in the western side of France, situated on the river Cherente between the towns of Angoulême and Saintes. The label of being a 'cognac' is not easily given to brandies. They should be made in certain areas around the said town and followed strict production regulations.
Cognac is a type of brandy known as brandewijn in Dutch, meaning "burnt wine". This term was coined during the 12th Century when wines were distilled by merchants to prolong shelf life and endurance for long trade routes—this process eventually gained popularity among the British and Irish. Today, cognac is a double-distilled liquor, blended from eaux de vie (standard flavoured brandies) of varying vintages and harvested from different vineyard areas around Cognac, France. The optimum quality of the cognac rests upon the cellar master's skill and expertise in blending multiple eaux de vie.
Traditionally, cognac has been considered a popular drink among society gentlemen—a beverage often enjoyed over a poker game or after a fine dinner. It is also believed to have medical benefits, like being helpful to the cardiovascular system when consumed in moderation. Nowadays, cognac is no longer seen exclusively as an after-dinner drink, as it is served in cocktail mixes as well. Whatever way you consume this fine liquor—neat or on the rocks—here are few essential things you should know about the Tatler Man's quintessential drink: