What do the initials V.S.O.P stand for?

A V.S (for: Very Special), also called *** (or: Three Stars) is at least two and a half years old its youngest eau-de-vie is under four and a half years old;
A V.S.O.P (for: Very Superior Old Pale), also called Reserve, between four and a half and six and a half;
A Napoleon, or X.O ( for Extra Old ), also called Hors d'âge, at least six and a half years old. 

Most Houses of Cognac  will use Cognacs much older than required by law, allowing X.O's to reach a minimum of twenty years of age, in order to reveal their very best.

'ballon' glass or 'tulipe' glass: What is the ideal shape for a Cognac glass?

Some of the world's most prestigious restaurants serve their best Cognacs in a gigantic 'ballon' glass.  The aroma of the Cognac rises straight to the nose, thus aggressing the smell. True connoisseurs choose a smaller glass in a tulip shape; Containing 13cl, it should only be filled with 2.5cl.  In such a glass the aroma is concentrated before revealing itself steadily, allowing time to discover its subtle fragrance, observe its delicate color and mellow before even sipping it.

What are the connoisseurs tip to enjoy Cognac?

The experience of a fine Cognac should be one satisfying all senses, sight, olfaction and naturally, taste.
First, the sight: rise the transparent glass to eye level and observe the inimitable amber color and the mellow of the Cognac.
Next, the smell: gently bring the nose over the top of the glass and discover the initial volatile aroma; circulate the glass in your hand: some call it the 'humanization' of Cognac, and discover, with the 'second nose', the full bouquet.
Finally, the taste. It should confirm the impressions experienced before.  The tongue is split into distinct parts allowing to experience successively sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, acidity, all inherent to the flavor of Cognac. A good Cognac will leave an impression for a long time.
The glass should be filled to its fifth, in order to leave room to the aroma.  It is recommended to warm slightly the glass in the palms of the hand , but never over a flame: this might destroy the delicate aroma of a Cognac.

How should I store my Cognac and for how long?

You should always store your Cognac up.  The Cognac should not be in contact with the cork.  Once opened, the air may deteriorate the quality of the Cognac.  Therefore, you should drink an opened bottle within several weeks, or transfer it in a smaller decanter.  Remember to put the cork back immediately after pouring.  Unopened, you could keep your Cognac for ages.

What is the relationship between 'Champagne' and 'Fine Champagne'?

The Websters Dictionary describes 'Champagne' as a 'White sparkling wine made in Champagne, France'.  Epernay, near Reims, is considered the capital of Champagne.  Why then do we talk of 'fine champagne' for Cognac?  The word 'champagne' comes from Latin 'campus', or open field.

What does "fine Champagne" stand for?

Only the Cognacs exclusively made from a blend of Grand and Petite Champagne, and containing a minimum of 50% of Grande Champagne, may bear the name: Fine Champagne.

Is there a special vocabulary for Cognac?

Tasting notes of professionals will include words describing aromas of flowers, fresh fruits, dry fruits- -like nuts, spices- -pepper and cinnamon are favorites, or even coffee and cigar box!  Near Cognac, in Segonzac, capital of Grande Champagne, the International University of Eaux-de-vies will teach you all the secrets of the tasting techniques.  You may also try it on-line.  For true amateurs only!

Are there millesimes for the Cognac?

A Cognac stops its maturation as soon as transferred in a glass container. The quality and age of a Cognac depend primarily upon its length of stay in a wooden recipient; therefore the millesime (literally: year of birth) is far less important than for wine.

The rules forbid to put a date on the Cognac, as its label reflects the age of the youngest eau-de-vie in its blend.  The words 'Chateau' or 'Domaine' are rare since they can only describe a Cognac whose eaux-de-vie all originate from one specific place.

What is the difference between  Cognac or  Brandy?

Brandy is named after the Dutch term 'brandjiwin': It defines a wine spirit distilled from wine or fermented juice and aged for at least six months in oak casks.

Technically, therefore, all Cognacs are brandies.  But while the Brandy may be made anywhere in the world, Cognac can only be produced in the Cognac region.  A decree amended in 1909 delimits the boundaries of the Cognac production area; later decrees define the rules to follow in order to deserve the controlled appellation: Those rules cover topics including the two stage distillation, the maturing in oak casks in warehouses called "jaune d'or" (or: golden yellow), reserved specifically for Cognac, the minimum period of aging of approximately 30 months. 

The Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac (BNIC) is responsible for ensuring that all Cognac sold follow these rules. 

Is there such a thing as a "road of Cognac"?

Your own unofficial road of Cognac will lead you to discover roman art in the middle of a vineyard, stroll in the old town of Cognac  where King François the First was born,  ride a boat on the river, visit the Cognac Museum covering the archeological and artistic history of the region, witness the making of a barrel, a craftsmanship perpetrated over generations.

The largest houses of Cognac welcome visitors all year long, and most producers will gladly open their doors for you.

What is the best season to visit the Cognac region?

There are many good seasons to visit the Cognac region, beginning with October, the month of the harvest, or November if you are interested in witnessing the distillation process.
Early November, during the European Book fair, writers from all over Europe gather in Cognac for conferences and mingle with the public.
In April, for the Thriller Film festival, artists and producers land in Cognac to present their latest movies. 
July celebrates the summer with a street fair: 'Coup de Chauffe' and a classical music festival: 'Val de Charente'; during August's 'Blues Passion' amateur and professional musicians share their art in jazz sessions.