NATIONAL COGNAC DAY
Each year on June 4, brandy lovers and distillers celebrate National Cognac Day. A well-known variety of brandy, Cognac was named after Cognac, France, where it is produced. The region is also known for vineyards and producing wine.
#NationalCognacDay
A distilled brandy must meet certain legal requirements within the production to bear the name Cognac. In fact, one requirement during production includes the use of a particular variety of grape called Ugni Blanc. Additionally, the brandy needs to be distilled twice in copper pot stills where the brandy must age the brandy at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Troncais. However, most distillers age their cognacs much longer than the minimum legal requirement.
Producers create close to 200 cognacs to choose from. According to one 2008 estimate, more than 90% of cognac for the U.S. market comes from only four producers.
There are also different ways of drinking cognac. Some people love to enjoy the spirit on its own and savore it neat or over ice. Others even dilute it with a little water. However, cognac is also be used to create a variety of cocktails, too. The next time you order a Manhattan, ask for them to use cognac and see the flavor rise to a new level.
Cognac-Based Liqueur
- Grand Marnier – made from cognac and distilled essence of bitter orange.
- Pineau des Charentes – a sweet aperitif, composed of eau-de-vie and grape must.
- Domaine De Canton – cognac-based ginger liqueur.
- Dutch brandy (Vieux) – Dutch imitation cognac, usually containing some cognac.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COGNAC DAY
- Celebrate the day by savoring a glass of cognac or enjoy a cocktail using a cognac-based liqueur or aperitif as an ingredient.
- Try a cognac infused food recipe.
- Learn the history of cognac, including how it is made.
- Share your favorite way to savor cognac on social media using the hashtag #NationalCognacDay.
- Remember to drink responsibility and never drink and drive.
