Happy National Cognac Day! Each year on June 4, brandy lovers and distillers celebrate today.
A well-known variety of brandy, cognac was named after the town of Cognac in France in which it is produced. The region is also known for vineyards and producing wine.
A distilled brandy must meet certain legal requirements within the production to bear the name. One requirement during production includes the use of a particular variety of grape.
The primary grape used is Ugni Blanc. Additionally, the brandy needs to be distilled twice in copper pot stills.
Distillers must also 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 two hundred cognacs to choose from. According to one 2008 estimate, more than ninety percent of cognac for the American market comes from only four producers.
There are also different ways of drinking cognac. Enjoying the spirit on its own, it may be savored neat or over ice. Cognac may even be diluted with a little water.
However, cognac may also be used to create a variety of cocktails as well. Distillers also use cognac to create other liqueurs and mixers create even more variety to their bar collection.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Celebrate the day by savoring a glass of cognac. You can also enjoy a cocktail using a cognac-based liqueur or aperitif as an ingredient. Some examples include:
• 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
Share your favorite way to savor cognac by using #NationalCognacDay to post on social media.
WARNING: Please drink responsibly!
HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of this beverage holiday. In the meantime, enjoy exploring these other spirited holidays:
#NatinoalCognacDay
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