Cognac Aroma
The ‘nose’ of a Cognac is an integral part of what makes the enjoyment of the drink.
But unless you’re an expert, it can be a challenge to know what you’re actually meant to be experiencing. Experts talk about various aromas, such as vanilla, citrus fruits, peach, caramel, vanilla, or tobacco. But for those of us whose senses aren’t quite as well tuned as those who inhale Cognac for a living, a little more guidance would be handy. Et voila! Cognac Expert is happy to help.
What are the Aromas of Cognac?
Back in 2009, 50 sommeliers, cellar masters, and tasters met up at the International Cognac Summit to discover exactly this fact. They took 4 days (we can only imagine how ‘awful’ it must’ve been for these poor souls to spend so long breathing in the aromas of various Cognacs). What they achieved was quite remarkable. A definitive (well, almost) guide that demystifies the glory of the aromas of Cognac. These expert ‘noses’ came up with a list of 5 major aromas that give our beloved Cognac its unique character.
5 major Aromas
- Vanilla
- Prune
- Caramel
- Orange
- Apricot
But it certainly doesn’t end there. For these might well be the most usual aromas in the nose of a Cognac, but there are another 63, albeit more subtle, aromas, that have been cleverly classified according to the cycle of the season.
The Cognac Aroma Wheel
This visually beautiful image perfectly explains how each aroma is signified by the season it represents.
For example, the flowery and subtle aromas – such as iris, acacia, jasmine, orange blossom, and honeysuckle bring the joys of spring to mind. Summer is represented by somewhat mellower tones; hay, apricot, fresh figs, and plums…
Autumn brings with it the sweetness of dried apricot, licorice, toffee and truffle. And then winter is characterized by aromas of a more masculine nature; coffee, leather, walnut, tobacco, and orange zest.
A really interesting fact is that Courvoisier have recently announced that they’re going to target a marketing campaign based on the resurgence of the UK coffee drinking market. Coffee in the 21st century is very aroma-specific. Maxxium UK, in conjunction with Courvoisier, is embarking on a huge marketing campaign targeting just such a combination–the aromas of Cognac and how they can complement coffee, such as in an espresso martini.
Age is everything
Aromas are dependent on age. When it comes to Cognac, it’s definitely a case of the older the better. For example, once a Cognac is well aged the aromas have a defined difference. Fruity tones change from fresh peach and plums to more defined aromas of concentrated prunes, figs, and dried apricots. Oak moves to more complex sandalwood, cedar, and eucalyptus. And the light floral tones mature into those of jasmine, honeysuckle, and hyacinth.
In Cognacs that have been aged for over 15 years, you can expect to find tones of licorice, port, chocolate, spices, toffee, tobacco, and nuts.
Best Cognacs for Unusual Aromas
It should come as no surprise that if you’re looking for a Cognac that sports the more unusual aromas, you need to choose one that’s well aged. The following are some of the best available today that offer the taster the opportunity to luxuriate in some of the most decadent of ‘le nez’.
