Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Cognacs are some of the world’s most expensive spirits, mainly because of their costly production methods. However, believe us when we say that you can get quality cognac for under $200.
We give you this comprehensive list of the best cognacs under $200 and what we liked about these labels.
Top 10 Cognac Brands Under $200
10. Castarède Réserve de la Famille 20 Year Old Armagnac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $130
The Castarede Reserve de la Famille 20-Year-Old Armagnac is one of the best cognacs you can get at just $130 a pop. It has rich yet harmonious flavors, with ripe fruits, leather, coffee, and butterscotch notes. It has a long and sweet finish.
This cognac is made from three different grapes: Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Follie Blanche, and distilled using a traditional alembic still.
It is finally aged for at least 20 years inside Monlezun oak casks, which is perfect for cognacs that need to age slowly. [1]
9. Hardy XO Rare Fine Champagne Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $180
Just one look at the Hardy XO Rare Fine Champagne Cognac is enough to make you wish you could take a bottle home.
This is one of the best XO cognacs for its price point, which is shy of $200.
The liquor is made with an exquisite blend of Eaux-de-vies to achieve a flavor profile that is layered with fruit, vanilla, and floral notes.
8. Louis Royer XO Fine Champagne Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $150
The Louis Royer XO Fine Champagne Cognac is rated as one of the top 25 spirits in the entire world.
It has a deep flavor profile with some oaky tannins, laced with a touch of citrus, dried fruits, and coffee.
This cognac is made from the highest quality Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard grapes and distilled twice through a charentais pot still.
After the spirit has aged enough, it is blended with some of the oldest cognacs in the Maison Royer cellar by none other than Master Blender Laurent Robin.
7. Naud Fine XO Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $180
Naud Fine XO Cognac is crafted with only the best Grande Champagne and Fine Champagne grapes, which give it an interesting palate of candied orange, tobacco, and hints of ranccio.
It is made with a blend of the oldest barrels from Naud’s cellars personally hand-picked by the Master Blender to create the award-winning expression.
6. Jean Fillioux Tres Vieux Tres Vieille Grande Champagne Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $120
The Jean Fillioux Tres Vieux Tres Vieille Grande Champagne Cognac is aged for a minimum of 25 years and has been the highest-rated cognac globally at some point in time.
It has a fruity flavor profile, with jam, pear, and caramel, paired with vanilla and orange marmalade aromas.
It is made exclusively with Ugni Blanc grapes harvested in the Fillious estate and first pressed into a grape must before it is fermented into wine.
This gives it a high acidity, which translates perfectly well into the cognac’s final flavor profile.
5. Maison Surrenne Cognac Borderies
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $100
As the name suggests, the Maison Surrenne Cognac Borderies is made from 100 percent Borderies.
This cognac is made from a blend of three select casks from Galtaud, one of the oldest distilleries in Maine that has been operating since the 19th century and aged for no less than 14 years.
The final spirit is decidedly fruit-heavy, with notes of violets, nut kernels, and vanilla.
It has a long, Port finish, with a cheeky wink of bitter dark chocolate. We find this extremely gorgeous when drunk neat.
4. Prince de Didonne XO Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $160
The Prince de Didonne XO Cognac is made from select cognacs aged no less than 25 years. The spirit is made with Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions.
The spirit is a beautiful deep amber, and tasting notes include fruit, oak, and slight touches of vanilla.
Of course, the spirit is housed in an equally impressive bottle — the crystal decanter is luxuriously cut and will surely stand out in your liquor cabinet.
The best part? This XO Cognac has a price point of just under $200.
3. Levon XO Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $140
The Levon XO Cognac is made from a blend of over 100 Eaux de vie aged for at least ten years, hand-selected from the Grande and Petite Champagne regions.
This drink is smooth yet complex, with a few exotic spices, creamy vanilla, and spectacular fruit flavors.
This is a remarkable cognac with a long, velvety finish, and we couldn’t wait to have some more as soon as we were done.
Read: Cheapest Cognacs Under $20
2. Hine Homage Grand Cru Fine Champagne Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $140
The Hine Homage Grand Cru Fine Champagne Cognac was crafted to pay homage to the brand’s founder, Thomas Hine, which tells you everything you need to know about it.
This liquor is made from a blend of cognacs matured in France and England (Grande Champagne cognacs and a Hine Cognac), which is representative of Hine’s English and French roots.
The spirit itself is extraordinary: it is intensely floral, with citrus and orange peel notes. The sweet flavors are balanced with mushrooms, oak, and a touch of spice at its crisp, clean finish.
1. Camus XO Borderies Cognac
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Around $185
The Camus XO Borderies Cognac is made from a very small, exclusive Borderies cru and is by far the best cognac you can get for under $200.
It is rich and complex, with floral notes and fruity undertones that give way to a long-lasting finish. It has a rich and creamy mouthfeel.
The spirit is made from a blend of Eaux-de-vies from an exclusive Borderies cru, harvested from the Camus family’s private vineyard itself.
We especially loved this one neat, but you can add a drop of water to make the flavor and bouquet open up more. [2]
FAQs
What is the smoothest cognac under $200 to drink?
We think that the Levon XO Cognac is the smoothest cognac under $200 to drink. This spirit has just the right mix of complex flavors we look for in cognacs: exotic spices, dried fruit flavors, and creamy vanilla that stay smooth yet interesting in every sip.
What’s the best cognac under $200 for beginners?
The Maison Surrenne Cognac Borderies is a great cognac under $200 for beginners. It is made with 100 percent Borderies, which can be expensive, but this one won’t burn that big a hole through your wallet.
It has gentle notes of creamy vanilla and fruit undertones that won’t overwhelm a beginner’s palate.
And The Best Cognac Under $200 is…
Hands down, the best cognac under $200 is the Camus XO Borderies Cognac.
This cognac is made exclusively from a very small Borderies cru harvested from the Camus private family vineyard itself, which is already a testament to its quality.
It remains pleasantly smooth despite its rich flavor, with dried fruits, cinnamon, and pastry notes.
It is exceptional when drunk neat, but adding a few drops of water will help the aromas and flavor open up more.
We hope we’ve helped narrow your picks for the best cognacs under $200. Thanks for reading, as always!
References:
- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/wine/does-cognac-improve-in-the-bottle/article4247941/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/best-way-to-drink-different-types-cognac-vs-vsop-xo-2019-2
Lisa is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in nightlife, leisure, and celebration. She has been in the field for eight years and has written articles featured in various local blogs and lifestyle magazines.
For Lisa, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold drink after a rough day (she’s not fussy). But she also likes to get a bit fancy every now and then. She believes you can never go wrong with a Moscow Mule or a classic Daiquiri anywhere you go. Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
