The luxury liquor market has welcomed a few relatively new entrants in recent times. Having largely been the domain of wine and whiskey connoisseurs for a long time, it now accommodates a growing number of cognac enthusiasts.

To meet the rising demand and interest in this twice-distilled brandy that hails from France, several longstanding and reputed cognac houses or “maisons” are crafting high-quality products for the discerning palate of a cognac lover.

Top 7 Best Cognac Brands

Cognac houses maintain brand distinctiveness by following a consistent recipe for blending varieties of eau de vie to develop their most recognizable and sought-after concoctions. Several brands jostle for prominence in a burgeoning market and a few have made a longstanding and indelible impression on aficionados.

These are a few of the leading cognac brands.

1. Hennessy

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If one cognac house were to be chosen as the most recognizable name in the market even among those who may not be die-hard cognac enthusiasts, it would be Hennessy.

Since its birth in 1765 when it was founded by an Irish military officer, it has completed an interesting and sometimes tumultuous journey that made it synonymous with luxury, thanks to its merger with brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. After a series of corporate mergers and takeovers, it is currently owned by the two conglomerates Diageo and the parent company of Louis Vuitton, and commands forty percent of the global cognac production.

Its universal appeal is largely due to the fact that it churns out a varied selection of cognac to cater to the tastes of the casual drinker or the discerning collector. Its offerings range from VS or Very Special to XO or Extra Old categories of cognac.

While Hennessy has created a wide variety of smooth and delicious blends, one that stands out among seasoned enthusiasts with experienced palates is the Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection No. 3 Limited Edition cognac. It is a single-batch cognac, which carries distinct notes of toasted hazelnuts and praline along with a lubricious and supple body.