June 4 - National Cognac Day

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. 

As you savor your cognac, learn more about Protected Beverages. 

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: 

• • Anisette Day 

• • Tequilla Day 

• • Scotch Day 

• • Girls Night 

• • Repeal Day 

#NatinoalCognacDay 

@Hennessy 

@nichecinema

June 4 - National Cheese Day

Happy National Cheese Day! Turophiles rejoice! Today, we celebrate this multinational dairy product. Mooooove over winers, unless you know a good pairing. 

  

Today, from Abbaye de Belloc to Zwitser, an encyclopedia of cheese will cover the alphabet and definitely broaden your vocabulary. It will undoubtedly contain more varieties of cheese than what’s found at the local grocer. 

  

Cheese is produced from the pressed curds of milk. The milk can come from cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep. Temperature and aging affect the flavor and texture of the cheese, as well as spices and other seasonings added during the process. 

  

The opportunity to go to a cheese tasting or visit a cheesemonger who is knowledgeable about pairings will improve your enjoyment of the cheese you choose.  

  

Does Stilton melt? Can you serve Chévre with a salad? Be sure to ask questions and provide your preferences. Your favorite wine might find a new sidekick. You might discover a smokey spread to go with bruschetta or a tangy cheddar to pack with lunch. 

  

In the United States, a road trip to Wisconsin isn’t out of the question for quality and variety. However, they aren’t the only place to find outstanding flavor and choice.  

Local delis have selections of domestic and imported cheeses, and independent shops offer a rotating inventory beckoning us to keep visiting to see what’s new. 

Excellent as a snack on its own, cheese is also a perfect ingredient in pasta, soups, soufflé, and many other recipes.  

We slap it on a sandwich cold, but why stop there when it can be grilled and melted like this amazing Swiss and Tomato Grilled Cheese recipe? When company comes to visit, nothing is better than a cheeseball, especially when bacon is added. 

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/swiss-and-tomato-grilled-cheese-sandwich/ 

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/easy-bacon-cheese-ball-recipe/ 

Cheese is multinational as well! Every nation in the world has its own variety of cheese. Italy seems to have harnessed the market. They did add it to pizza, and that’s pretty amazing in its own right.   

Savor the opportunity if you ever have the chance to taste cheeses from around the world. For example, hop on over to Greece. They have this dessert called cheesecake. Delicious! 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

There are many ways to celebrate National Cheese Day. Try a new recipe or take a risk and try a type of cheese you’ve never heard of before. Ask for recommendations from friends or share your favorites.   

Make sure you post to social media using #NationalCheeseDay. 

Let's get ready to crumble! 

HISTORY 

During the research by National Day Calendar®, they could not determine the origins of National Cheese Day. 

Anyone for Casu Marzu? 

What is your favorite cheese? 

#NationalCheeseDay 

@Packers
@cheezit
@BuschGardensVA 

@nichecinema