Cognac

Cognac is one of the world’s great brandies, produced in the Cognac region of western France and made primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes. The wines are distilled twice in copper pot stills before being matured in oak, creating spirits that can range from fresh, floral and fruit-driven to rich, complex and deeply aged.

At Spy, our Cognac selection focuses on distinctive bottles from carefully chosen producers, from lively VS and elegant VSOP styles to richer XO and older expressions. Producer character, ageing and blending all play an important role, making Cognac a remarkably varied spirit to explore.

  • Cognac Camus XO Intense

    Camus XO Intense

    Camus XO Intense

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £289.95
    £289.95
  • Camus Special Dry Cognac

    Camus Special Dry Cognac

    Camus Special Dry Cognac

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £99.95
    £99.95
  • Camus Ile de Re Cognac

    Camus Ile de Re Cognac

    Camus Ile de Re Cognac

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £62.95
    £62.95
  • Camus VSOP Borderies

    Camus VSOP Borderies

    Camus VSOP Borderies

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £65.95
    £65.95
  • Camus VSOP

    Camus VSOP

    Camus VSOP

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £59.95
    £59.95

Cognac Buying Guide

Cognac styles vary according to ageing, blending and producer approach. Younger expressions can be bright, floral and fruit-driven, while longer ageing can bring deeper flavours of dried fruit, spice, nuts, vanilla and oak. The age designation is useful, but producer style is just as important.

What style of Cognac do you enjoy?

VS Cognac is generally younger and can be lively, fresh and fruit-forward. VSOP usually offers greater roundness and complexity, while XO Cognac is matured for longer and often develops richer flavours of dried fruit, spice, toasted nuts and oak. Individual producers can vary considerably within these categories.

Choosing Cognac for sipping or cocktails

Younger Cognacs can work particularly well in classic cocktails, where their fruit and freshness remain noticeable alongside other ingredients. More mature expressions are often enjoyed neat or with a small amount of water, although a good VSOP can be equally versatile. The best choice depends more on style and quality than age alone.

Look beyond the age statement

VS, VSOP and XO indicate minimum ageing requirements, but they do not tell the whole story. The vineyards used, distillation style, type of oak, cellar conditions and blending decisions all shape the final Cognac. Exploring different houses and smaller producers is one of the best ways to appreciate the diversity of the category.

Cognac FAQs

What is Cognac made from?

Cognac is a grape brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. Ugni Blanc is the principal grape variety used because its high acidity and relatively neutral character make it well suited to distillation and long ageing.

What do VS, VSOP and XO mean?

They are age classifications based on the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend. VS is the youngest category, VSOP requires longer ageing, and XO requires considerably more time in oak. Many producers age their Cognacs well beyond the legal minimum.

What is the difference between Cognac and brandy?

Cognac is a type of brandy, but it must be produced in the Cognac region of France and follow specific production rules. Brandy can be made in many countries and from a wider range of methods and styles.

Should Cognac be drunk neat?

Cognac can be enjoyed neat, with a small amount of water or in cocktails. Older and more complex expressions are often chosen for sipping, while younger styles can work particularly well in mixed drinks.

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