Cognac

All Brandy, None the Same

Cognac is brandy made only in France's Cognac region, double-distilled in copper pots and aged in oak. Armagnac is its older, more rustic cousin from Gascony — single-distilled, vintage-dated, fiercely characterful. Calvados is French apple brandy. Pisco comes from Peru and Chile. American brandy stretches the definition further every year.

Brandy by Origin

Armagnac

France's older, more rustic brandy from Gascony. Single-distilled in column stills, vintage-dated — the connoisseur's choice.

Calvados

French apple brandy from Normandy. Aged in oak, fruit-forward, food-friendly. The ultimate after-dinner pour.

American Brandy

Solera-aged Californian, Texas pot-still, craft producers redefining American grape spirit. A category just hitting its stride.

Pisco

South American grape brandy from Peru and Chile. Bright, floral, unaged or briefly rested. The base of the Pisco Sour.

Grappa

Italian pomace brandy distilled from grape skins, seeds, and stems. Bold, fragrant, distinctly Italian — a digestif tradition.

All Brandy

Browse the full brandy catalog across every origin and style.

Cognac FAQ

What is cognac?

Cognac is a type of brandy distilled from white wine grapes and aged in French oak barrels in the Cognac region of France. It's double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged a minimum of two years. The result is a warm, complex spirit with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. Explore it on Spirit Academy.

What do VS, VSOP, and XO mean?

These are age classifications. VS (Very Special) is aged at least 2 years. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is aged at least 4 years. XO (Extra Old) is aged at least 10 years (changed from 6 in 2018). Older cognacs are smoother, more complex, and more expensive.

What's the difference between cognac and brandy?

All cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Cognac must be made in the Cognac region of France from specific grape varieties using specific distillation and aging methods. Brandy is the broader category — any spirit distilled from fermented fruit.

How should I drink cognac?

VS and VSOP work well in cocktails like a Sidecar or Sazerac. XO and older expressions are best sipped neat or with a splash of water in a tulip glass at room temperature. Warm the glass gently in your palm to release aromas.

Does TIPXY ship cognac to my state?

TIPXY ships to most U.S. states through licensed retailers. Orders over $149 qualify for free shipping; orders between $100–$149 ship for $8.99.

Go Deeper

Read VS, VSOP, XO: A Cognac Buying Guide on Spirit Academy, mix a Brandy Crusta, or explore fruit brandy: Calvados, applejack & beyond.