10 Best Cognac Brands Under $50: Listed & Reviewed (2023)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
The success of cognac has been acknowledged by the world’s luxury goods industry. High-end blends such as Richard Hennessy and Louis XIII can be found in the uber-wealthy scene and are often compared to Lafite and Latour.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend too much to find great-quality cognac. Check out our impressive selection of the best cognacs under $50.
Top 10 Cognacs Under $50
10. Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula
Average Price: Around $50
ABV: 45%
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, it features ripe and juicy grapes complemented by acacia tree blossom and meadow flowers. The palate has warm and fruity flavors.
What We Liked
The Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula is an example of the company’s Premier Cognac Crus. It’s made from Eaux-de-vie wine, from grapes grown and harvested from the vineyards of the Grande Champagne region.
This cognac, aged in limousin oak casks, features a variety of floral and fruit flavors and hints of spices.
9. Hennessy Privilege VSOP Cognac
Average Price: Around $48
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
This VSOP has flamboyant mahogany color, fresh fruit aroma, juicy fruits, spices, vanilla, and mild cigar flavors.
What We Liked
This Hennessy VSOP Privilege has a balanced blend that embodies the company’s 200 years of expertise. The fruit of this VSOP nature’s uncertainties has been carefully cultivated to create a unique VSOP fuse that embodies the spirit of the original spirit.
8. Dudognon Réserve Grande Champagne
Average Price: Around $48
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
It has a delicate pale straw hue with understated aromas. The palate has vanilla and floral tones, with fresh oakiness.
What We Liked
This bottle is from the Grande Champagne vineyards in France, showcasing the lighter side of the category. Instead of baking spices, the wine features fresh citrus and white flowers. Its age and low ABV make it an ideal single malt drink.
7. Vaudon Cognac VSOP
Average Price: Around $47
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
Its caramel and honeysuckle aromas come from Eaux de vie of Fins Bois with fig and plum. It has a delicate taste and is supple with hints of apple.
What We Liked
This bold and vibrant VSOP lands firmly on the spectrum for its age from Fins Bois. This VSOP wine is filled with rich and creamy baking spices and flavors, followed by dried stone fruit and a touch of oakiness.
After its Eaux de vie aging, it crafts a VSOP finish full of spice.
6. Bache-Gabrielsen American Cognac
Average Price: Around $45
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
Its amber liquid features the scent of vanilla and ripe fruit (pear and apricot). With the use of American oak barrels, it boasts flavors of coconut, chocolate, and caramel.
What We Liked:
This is a unique and delicate mix of American oaks and Ugni Blanc [1] grapes, resulting in a distinct and delicate flavor. Its cognac house uses the traditional methods of making its products but aging the eau de vie in new American barrels for six months.
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5. Camus Very Special
Average Price: Around $40
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
It has flavors of cinnamon smoke, cherry stone liquor, and orange marmalade. On the nose boasts the scent of ripe apple, smoked nuts, and caramel.
What We Liked
One of the most sought-after blends is the Francois Voyer VS, made from 100% Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande and Petite Champagne region. This spirit has a mouthwatering and creamy taste.
The Camus cognac house aged the spirit for two years in virgin oak barrels and underwent chill filtration, which crafted a sippable and mouthwatering liquor.
4. François Voyer VS Cognac
Average Price: Around $33
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
Its golden yellow liquid contains vanilla, ginger ale, white flowers, and Premier Cognac Crus. The taste is full of ripe orchard fruits with a flowery finish.
What We Liked
One of the most sought-after blends is the Franois Voyer VS Cognac, made from 100% Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne region. We described this spirit as having a mouthwatering and creamy taste. The cognac house aged the spirit for two years in virgin oaky barrels, which crafts a sippable and mouthwatering liquor.
3. Rémy Martin 1738
Average Price: Around $40
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
It has a fruity and floral palate with apricot and dried fig notes. The dark fruit and oaky aroma come with a dry and slightly wood finish.
What We Liked
Rémy Martin Fine Champagne Cognac [1] is smooth and creamy, which is the brand’s signature style. This cognac’s characteristics are derived from the aging process of distilled Eaux de vie, done in Limousin oak casks. Its cognac house paid homage to this historical moment by creating this exceptionally smooth and oaky blend.
2. Merlet VS Cognac
Average Price: Around $40
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
It is full of prunes, buttered brioche, toffee, magnolia, and honey scents with accents of leather, roasted nuts, chocolate, and arugula on the palate.
What We Liked
This bottle is one of the solid VS cognacs that highlights Sidecar cocktails. Its smooth finish and mild style matched well in a cocktail. This blend of eaux de vie is made from the Fins Bois and Bons Bois crus, with hints of Grande and Petite Champagne.
1. Salignac VS Grande Fine Champagne Cognac
Average Price: Around $28
ABV: 40%
Tasting Notes:
The flavors of vanilla and caramel complement subtle spice, ginger ale, and oaky notes.
What We Liked
This bottle brand is a young cognac aged for a unique and extremely smooth style. We recommend this distilled brandy if you like to enjoy cognacs on the rocks. Every drinker will love its complexity, intensity, warmth, and subtlety.
FAQs
What cognac under $50 is best for beginners?
The best cognac under $50 that’s best for beginners is the Salignac VS Grande Cognac. We like how you can get the smooth style and flavor complexity you would want in a spirit.
Are cognacs under $50 good for sipping?
Yes, cognacs under $50 are good for sipping. You can get a cognac bottle that’s as smooth and creamy as other expensive brands. Whether you want them neat, on the rocks [2], or in a cocktail, you can get cognacs at an affordable price.
Final Thoughts on The Best Cognacs Under $50
Whether you prefer the new wave or the traditional, on the rocks or neat, or something on-the-beat-track, our list of best cognacs under $50 will surely satisfy your sophisticated palate.
You don’t need to spend too many bucks to taste luxury and quality with the cognacs mentioned above. So, what are you waiting for? Grab yourself one of these VS or VSOP cognac bottles and start your cognac journey. Cheers!
References:
- https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/a14402668/cognac-vs-brandy/
- https://www.thrillist.com/glossary/rocks
