Last Updated on February 25, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Cognac is often associated with high-profile individuals and is known for its exclusivity. But, despite its relatively rare nature, plenty of reasonably priced varieties are made from grapes grown in the Borderies, Grande Champagne, and Petite Champagne regions in France.
So, if you’re looking for the best cognac for the money, we’ve got you covered.
Top 10 Must-Try Cognacs For The Money
10. Naud Cognac XO
Average Price: Around $93
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
We liked Naud’s blend of grapes grown from Grande Champagne and Fins Bois. The alchemy between the wood, air, and alcohol occurs during its aging process in French oak barrels. Its blend is carefully selected to achieve the desired balance of tannins and alcohol.
This spirit has a vibrant aroma and a woody palate with hints of raisins and dried fruit. The color features amber with mahogany accents.
9. Daniel Bouju Empereur XO
Average Price: Around $80
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
This XO Cognac is aged in new oak barrels for a couple of years and then transferred to old oak barrels, which gives it a rich and creamy flavor. We love the combination of fruits and spices, such as prunes and nutmeg.
It has a deep amber color, a flavorful blend, and a consistent taste with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove.
8. Ferrand Reserve Double Cask
Average Price: Around $79
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
This wine is made from the traditional Colombard and Ugni Blanc grapes [1], respectively used to produce some of the most intense and flavorful floral notes in the world.
This spirit has delicate notes of plum, pear, and wine grapes. Aged in oak casks, it has a beautiful amber color and subtle notes of vanilla. Look for the best cognac brands here.
7. Courvoisier Napoleon
Average Price: Around $60
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
We praised Courvoisier XO Napoleon for its well-balanced taste and harmonious combination of flavors. With 80 proof and a blend of grande and petite champagne (fine champagne), Courvoisier Napoleon is a must-have for any occasion.
This spirit has an intense golden amber color. Expect a cigar box with hints of hazelnut, plum, and licorice on the nose. It has a round, soft, elegant, and complex mouthfeel. But what’s the best XO cognac for the money?
6. Merlet Brothers Blend Cognac
Average Price: Around $54
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
This blend from Eaux-de-vie aged for up to 12 years is very mellow. If you find older cognacs hard-going, you will love this contemporary VSOP cognac.
Also, we love the masala notes and this spirit’s subtle woodiness.
It is full of orange peel and zest flavor. The aroma features apricot with hints of the cigar, rose petals, and leather. The finish boasts a light linseed oil and fruity aftertaste.
5. Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula
Average Price: Around $50
ABV: 45%
What We Liked:
Pierre Ferrand’s 1840 Original Formula Grande Champagne cognac was created by Alexandre Gabriel, Christian Guerin (cellar master), and David Wondrich, an American cocktail historian.
We love how this expression is inspired by a bottle of Pinet-Castillon Cognac in its original condition, made in 1840.
It recreates the creamy and smooth cognac that the 19th century’s barkeeps commonly used. The finish adds a bit of honey and spices and offers a delicate and ripe taste with hints of meadow flowers and cedar.
4. Hennessy Privilege VSOP Grande Champagne
Average Price: $65
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
This Hennessy cognac VSOP from the cognac region in France is one of the impressive cognac brands because of its fragrant aromas, flavorful taste, and smooth finish.
It’s an epitome of class and balance, earning its title as a popular cognac. This cognac features vibrant mahogany with light notes of smooth yet bold notes of toasted oak.
3. Rémy Martin 1738
Average Price: Around $50
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
What’s interesting about Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is its complex and fine blend of fruit, spices, and chocolate that’s topped off with a creamy finish. With its elegant characteristics, Rémy Martin 1738 is a real value for money.
It has a creamy blend. The finish is exceptionally smooth, with hints of oakiness from the Borderies Eaux-de-vie aging process.
2. Camus Very Special
Average Price: Around $42
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
The Camus family who introduced this Camus VS cognac succeeded in delivering a cognac with a good articulation of flavor, which we liked about this spirit. This young cognac is subtle and elegant and boasts an intensely aromatic fragrance.
It has rich notes of dried fruits due to its carefully selected eau-de-vie. The finish is delicate, with hints of sweet almond and tannins. We think this is also one of the best cognacs below $50.
1. ABK6 Single Estate VSOP
Average Price: Around $33
ABV: 40%
What We Liked:
What we really liked about this VSOP Cognac is its attractive color, rich nose, and flavorful palate. With its unique and powerful character, this cognac is one of the award-winning spirits in the market.
Its Eaux-de-vie aging process brings out tropical fruit flavors, enough to be stored by a cellar master even in humid cellars.
It has a lovely golden color with fragrances of cinnamon, toffee, apple pie, and mustard seeds with beautifully rich, spicy flavors, fresh fruit, and a soft oak finish.
Read: Recommended Cognacs Below $200
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you get a quality cognac at $25?
You can get a cognac for around $25. However, if you want a high-quality cognac, we suggest opting for higher-priced liquors to assure better value.
Are cheap cognacs worth buying?
Cheap cognacs with powerful characteristics and flavorful taste are worth buying. However, you can get the best drinking experience if you opt for expensive spirits, which are already tried and tested.
What’s the best inexpensive cognac?
Determining the best inexpensive cognac can be subjective, but brands like Remy Martin VSOP and Courvoisier VS offer a good balance of quality and affordability, providing a smooth and flavorful experience without breaking the bank.
What are the top 4 cognacs?
Cognac enthusiasts often consider Hennessy, Remy Martin, Courvoisier, and Martell among the top cognac houses. Each brand has a range of expressions, showcasing a spectrum of flavors and aging profiles, making them prominent choices for both connoisseurs and those exploring cognac for the first time.
What is the smoothest tasting cognac?
The smoothest tasting cognac is a matter of personal preference, but Hennessy Paradis Extra and Louis XIII by Remy Martin are often celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and complexity. These high-end cognacs undergo lengthy aging processes, resulting in velvety textures and nuanced flavor profiles that are prized by discerning enthusiasts.
What are the 4 grades of cognac?
Cognac is classified into different grades based on aging and quality. The four main grades are:
VS (Very Special): Aged for at least two years, showcasing a youthful and vibrant character.
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): Aged for a minimum of four years, offering increased complexity and smoother textures.
XO (Extra Old): Aged for a minimum of ten years, providing rich and nuanced flavors with a more pronounced depth.
XXO (Extra Extra Old): A relatively new designation, requiring a minimum of 14 years of aging, ensuring a luxurious and mature taste experience.
Is Martell cognac good?
Martell is regarded as one of the esteemed cognac houses with a rich history dating back to 1715. Known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Martell produces a range of cognacs, including the well-regarded Martell Cordon Bleu. The appreciation of Martell cognac is subjective, but its reputation among enthusiasts and its history in the cognac industry contribute to its recognition as a producer of high-quality spirits.
What is the best VSOP cognac?
Determining the best VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) cognac is subjective, but Hennessy VSOP, Remy Martin VSOP, and Courvoisier VSOP are often considered top choices. Each of these reputable cognac houses produces VSOP expressions known for their balance, complexity, and smoothness, making them popular among both connoisseurs and those exploring cognac.
How do you pick a good cognac?
To pick a good cognac, consider factors such as the age statement, the cognac house’s reputation, and personal taste preferences. Look for designations like VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), or XO (Extra Old) for an indication of aging. Reputable houses like Hennessy, Remy Martin, and Martell are known for consistently producing high-quality cognacs. Tasting notes, reviews, and experimenting with different styles can help you find a cognac that suits your palate.
Is Remy Martin a good cognac?
Remy Martin is widely recognized as a producer of high-quality cognac, and its expressions are highly regarded in the industry. Remy Martin VSOP, XO, and Louis XIII are particularly esteemed for their exceptional craftsmanship, smoothness, and complex flavor profiles. The brand’s commitment to quality and its long-standing legacy contribute to Remy Martin’s reputation as a producer of excellent cognac.
Which is more expensive Hennessy or Martell?
The relative cost of Hennessy and Martell cognacs can vary based on the specific expressions and their age. Both Hennessy and Martell offer a range of cognacs, including entry-level to ultra-premium options. Generally, the more aged and prestigious the cognac, the higher the price. Comparing specific bottles within each brand and considering factors like age, rarity, and production methods will determine the relative expense.
What’s the world’s best cognac?
Determining the world’s best cognac is challenging due to the subjective nature of taste preferences. However, certain expressions, such as Louis XIII by Remy Martin, are often celebrated for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and complexity. Various international competitions, including the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, recognize outstanding cognacs each year, providing insights into what enthusiasts and judges consider among the finest.
So, What’s The Best Cognac For The Money?
The best cognac for the money is the ABK6 Single Estate Cognac VSOP. With this best affordable cognac, you can enjoy the intense fruit and wood notes and its long vanilla finish.
But aside from the ABK6 VSOP cognac, all the spirits on the list are a great value for money. Whether these spirits come from Grande and Petite Champagnes or the Grande Champagne region, you would never go wrong with them.
Start exploring different cognacs, and let us know your thoughts!
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