How to recognise a good cognac on any budget

Date Published: October 30, 2025, Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by I Like Wine

This elegant French brandy is more than a drink—it’s a story bottled in amber. Crafted in western France, this refined aged spirit undergoes double distillation in copper pot stills and matures gracefully in French oak barrels. The result? A drink prized for warmth, balance, and lingering notes of dried fruit and spice.

At I Like Wine, we celebrate the artistry behind every pour. Our Cognac Collection features authentic imports from legendary French houses such as Rémy Martin, Hennessy, Godet, ABK6, and Martell, each distilled twice in copper and matured with patience.

What makes a fine French brandy “good”?

Behind every good Cognac lies craftsmanship and time. Authentic production occurs only within the region of Cognac, France, where chalk-rich soils and maritime air nurture the Ugni Blanc grapes that give the drink its elegance.

The process begins with fermentation, followed by double distillation to create a clear spirit called eau de vie. This liquid gold is then aged in French oak barrels, developing colour and flavour over the years. During this aging process, the spirit absorbs hints of vanilla, toffee, and subtle oak spice while losing harsh edges.

To judge quality, look for these legal classifications:

• VS (Very Special): Aged at least 2 years; light and youthful—great for cocktails.
• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): Aged 4 years or more; balanced with dried fruit and gentle oak.
• XO (Extra Old): Aged 10 years +; rich, silky, and complex—best enjoyed neat.

Each label tells a story of the aging process and the patience behind every drop.

How to recognise quality in a bottle

A Cognac expert will tell you that fine bottles reveal themselves through sight, scent, and source.

1. Region and Terroir

Premium houses highlight origin on the label—look for names like Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, or Borderies. Grande Champagne distillates are prized for their finesse and long finish, while Borderies often show floral character.

2. Producer and Reputation

Established names such as Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and ABK6 uphold traditions passed through generations. Transparency about production and age is a hallmark of integrity.

3. Aroma and Colour Cues

Swirl the glass: high-quality brandy glows deep amber and releases layered aromas of honey, nuts, and baked fruit. The finish should feel long, never hot or harsh.

Let’s explore two stand-out examples that illustrate craftsmanship at every level.

Rémy Martin XO – The Gold Standard

Rémy Martin XO is a benchmark for luxury. Made exclusively from grapes grown in Grande and Petite Champagne crus, this XO French spirit offers an opulent nose of fig, jasmine, and candied orange peel. On the palate, it unfolds with velvety textures of ripe plum, roasted cocoa, and gentle oak, finishing with notes of leather and spice.

It’s a dinner drink meant to be savoured slowly—ideal for special occasions when only true elegance will do.

ABK6 VSOP – Balance and Accessibility

For those exploring quality without excess, the ABK6 VSOP is an outstanding example of balance. Distilled on the family estate and aged in Limousin oak, it shows aromas of vanilla, apple, and subtle spice. The palate is round yet vibrant, combining honey, toasted nuts, and a whisper of citrus zest.

Smooth and versatile, it’s perfect served neat or with a splash of water to open its aromas—a true showcase of craftsmanship at an approachable level.

Great French spirits don’t have to be expensive

A misconception persists that only the rarest bottles are worth drinking. In truth, several houses offer high-quality options that impress both experts and newcomers.

The Godet VSOP delivers exceptional value. Its bouquet reveals baked pear, clove, and caramelised sugar, leading into a palate of dried fruit and oak spice with a hint of chocolate. It’s proof that great French brandy can also be a smart buy.

Likewise, Martell VSOP Red Barrel offers a mellow, fruit-forward style aged in seasoned casks for a gentler wood influence. The result is smooth, round, and crowd-pleasing—an ideal special occasion bottle for gifts or casual enjoyment.

If you prefer richer depth, Rémy Martin Louis XIII represents the pinnacle. Crafted from over 1,200 eaux-de-vie aged in century-old barrels, it displays aromas of sandalwood and honeyed figs—a true collector’s masterpiece.

For deals and limited releases, visit our Cognac Sale or browse the broader Wine Sales section for exclusive promotions across imported spirits.

How to buy online safely in Australia

Buying imported spirits should feel as refined as the drink itself. When searching for authentic bottles, keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Choose verified retailers – Only buy from stores that specify origin and importer. I Like Wine partners directly with European distributors to ensure provenance.
2. Check packaging and labelling – Authentic labels list the producer, appellation, and age designation. Beware of vague or generic descriptions.
3. Look for secure delivery options – Your bottle should travel safely and arrive in its original packaging with tracked shipping across Melbourne, Victoria, and nationwide.
4. Compare value, not just price – A reputable store offers quality guarantees, transparent storage practices, and expert advice—not just discounts.

At I Like Wine, we make it effortless to buy Cognac online with confidence. Our Melbourne-based team handles each order with care, so you can focus on enjoying the pour rather than worrying about logistics.

Did you know?

The term Cognac is protected under French and European law. Much like Champagne, only spirits produced within the Cognac AOC can legally bear the name. Learn more at the official Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), a trusted resource for regulations, regions, and aging standards.

Why lovers keep coming back

This French brandy resonates with those who appreciate artistry over trends. Each sip reflects nature, patience, and human touch, from the vineyard’s soil to the cooper’s crafted barrel.

Whether you’re pouring an XO after dinner or a VSOP before dessert, you’re sharing centuries of French tradition refined through double distillation and careful aging. The drink’s versatility—neat, on ice, or mixed into classic cocktails, means there’s a style for every occasion.

From the warmth of Rémy Martin XO to the vibrancy of ABK6 VSOP, this category rewards exploration. It’s a journey through aroma and texture that connects every enthusiast, from the casual taster to the seasoned collector.

Sip the art of France.

This refined spirit embodies what makes fine drinks unforgettable: time, place, and precision. Recognising a good Cognac is about more than age or price—it’s about authenticity, aroma, and the satisfaction it brings.

Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or expanding your home collection, explore our full Cognac range and buy Cognac online with ease. Each bottle we stock is chosen for its integrity and flavour, ensuring you experience France’s most celebrated drink exactly as it was meant to be enjoyed.