National Cognac Day

Elegant woman holding a snifter glass, in a French vineyard, dressed in a chic outfit, surrounded by grapevines.. — National cognac day illustration

Ah, what’s not to love about National Cognac Day? Gather round, fine spirits aficionados, as we take a spirited journey into the heart of France, and be prepared for tasteful adventures in the world of Cognac. Get ready to swirl, smell, and sip the luxurious golden liquid known for its magnificence and rich history! Hold on to your snifter glasses as we dive deeper.

When is Cognac Day?

It's national cognac day on the 2nd June.

A Toast to National Cognac Day

Marking its distinction on June 2 every year, National Cognac Day has gradually been gaining recognition far beyond French borders. Over the years, our flawless internet sleuthing skills have detected some 3,608 mentions of this classy occasion, with 2017 proving to be a year of particularly lively conversations. Without a doubt, this day has grown beyond a simple toast, into a celebration of a centuries-old tradition.

The Cognac Connection

The star of this day, cognac, is not just any ordinary brandy, but a fine vintage produced only in the Cognac region of France. This heavenly elixir owes its smoothness and robust character to stringent production methods and aging requirements that place it in the top-tier of spirits.

Raising Spirits Through the Years

On a jolly note, we observed a significant peak in the online mentions of National Cognac Day on 02 Jun 2017 - was there a Cognac shortage that had people rushing to declare their love? Or perhaps the charm of savoring Cognac had finally made its mark on the masses, leaving them thirsting for more.

The Celebration Continues

Regardless of the ‘why’, National Cognac Day continues to be celebrated with a cheer and a clink, across the globe. Whether you choose to savor it neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, or paired with a sumptuous meal, let's raise our glasses high and commemorate this golden day of fine spirits with elegance and epicurean delight!

History behind the term 'Cognac'

1613

Birth of the Region

In the year 1613, the town of Cognac was mentioned in historical documents for the first time. Located in southwestern France, Cognac is situated in the Charente department and it soon gained recognition for its production of high-quality brandy.

1670

The Hennessy Legacy Begins

It was in the year 1670 when Richard Hennessy, an Irish military officer in the service of the French king, established his own cognac distillery. This marked the beginning of the notable Hennessy brand, which would go on to become one of the most renowned in the world of cognac.

1715

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée

In 1715, the concept of terroir-based regulations took shape with the establishment of the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. This system aimed to protect the geographical origin and quality of various French products, including Cognac, by defining specific production methods and standards.

1860

Phylloxera Crisis

The year 1860 brought about a devastating crisis for the Cognac industry. The outbreak of phylloxera, a grapevine pest, wreaked havoc on vineyards across France, including those in Cognac. Many vineyards were decimated, leading to a significant decline in production and a subsequent increase in prices.

1880

Laboratory Analysis

In 1880, the Cognac laboratory was established, allowing for detailed analysis and quality control of the spirit. This development played a crucial role in ensuring the consistency and excellence of Cognac production, contributing to its reputation as a premium spirit.

1946

INAO Recognition

The year 1946 witnessed Cognac being officially recognized by the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO). This recognition solidified Cognac's protected status, further enhancing consumer trust and ensuring that only spirits produced within the defined Cognac region met the stringent quality standards.

2009

Geographical Expansion

In 2009, the production area of Cognac underwent a significant expansion. The boundaries of the Cognac region were extended to include more vineyards, allowing for increased production and a broader range of flavor profiles to be explored within the Cognac appellation.

Did you know?

Did you know that to officially be labeled as Cognac, the brandy must be double-distilled using copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels? Talk about a tedious labor of love!