Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Lydia Martin
You probably couldn’t tell which is which between a Branson cognac and a Remy Martin bottle if they stood side by side on a liquor shelf. This was actually the basis of a giant lawsuit between these two brands. This article will discuss the Branson cognac vs Remy Martin brand to end the relentless battle of which among the two cognacs is ultimately better.
Branson Cognac vs Remy Martin
Remy Martin and Branson cognac are both big and respectable brands. However, Remy Martin has definitely cemented itself as a household name in the cognac industry than Branson.
Remy Martin has roots in the 1700s and is one of the oldest cognac brands, founded by Frenchman Remy Martin. Today, the brand sources its Eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus.
Conversely, Branson cognac is fairly new, only released in 2020. The brand is owned by rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and launched under Sire Spirits.
50 Cent admitted that he’s no expert in cognac production, so he brought in Raymond Ragnaud as the watchful expert.
Main Differences
History
Remy Martin has a long, extensive history in the cognac industry. It was founded by Remy Martin, a winemaker by profession, who decided to start his own cognac trading house.
The brand takes pride in being the only cognac house founded by a winemaker.
You have the Remy Martin brand to thank for all the gorgeous VSOP bottles available today — the Remy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne was the first of its kind.
Then-cellar master Andre Renaud created it in 1927.
On the other hand, Branson was founded in 2019, and the bottles were released to the public in 2020.
This hip and young label positioned itself away from traditional cognacs by presenting itself as being accessible, fun, and cool, much like its founder, rapper mogul 50 Cent (born as Curtis Jackson).
Of course, with Sire Spirits heralding it, you can expect the spirit to have the same finesse and elegance as other cognacs already in the game.
The brand currently has four expressions: Phantom, Royal, VSOP, and XO.
Production Process
Remy Martin uses traditional production methods by distilling the lees in small copper stills and ages them using Limousin oak barrels. The contents within the barrels, often of different-aged spirits, are blended to create a cognac.
Today, the brand is responsible for 80 percent of the world’s Fine Champagne cognac supply.
On the other hand, we have Raymond Ragnaud to thank for the fine spirit, Branson cognac. Ragnaud is the fifth generation distiller in his family who owns Raymond Ragnaud cognac.
He hand-picks grapes from the Grande Champagne cru and uses an original pot still from the 1800s to distill the spirit.
He then blends the spirit with barrels aged from 4 to 50 years to make an incredible bottle despite its youth in the industry.
Base Ingredients & Alcohol Content
Remy Martin is made exclusively with Eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, with at least 50 percent of it from Grande Champagne.
The grapes within these regions grow in chalky soils, which results in incredibly fragrant Eaux-de-vie that responds positively to extended maturation inside barrels.
Similarly, Branson cognac is made from select Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne cru.
All Ugni grapes are hand-picked, pressed, fermented in vats, and then distilled on the lees to achieve the spirit’s elegant and fragrant aromas.
Remy Martin and Branson cognac are bottled with at least 40 percent ABV.
Tasting Notes
| Tasting Notes | Branson | Remy Martin |
| Palate | Vanilla, dried fruit, licorice, ripe peach, and cinnamon | Caramel, fruits, vanilla, and some butterscotch |
| Aroma | Floral, spicy, fruity, with a hint of tobacco | Salted caramel and a hint of woodsmoke |
| Color | Golden bronze | Vibrant gold |
| Finish | Long and smooth, no palpable burn | Long and lingering, with oaky notes |
Ownership & Distillery
The Remy Martin brand is owned by Rémy Cointreau, a French family-owned alcoholic drinks company producing cognacs, liqueurs, and champagne.
The company’s other brands include Cointreau, Westland Whiskey, and The Botanist Gin.
Remy Martin is produced at the Remy Martin Distillery in Cognac, France.
Branson cognac is owned by famed rapper Curtis Jackson, otherwise known as 50 Cent.
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Bottle Design & Copyright Infringement Issue
In 2021, Remy Martin filed a lawsuit against Sire Spirits and, by extension, Branson cognac for allegedly copying their bottle design.
Remy Martin couldn’t help but notice the stark resemblance between the bottle design of their famed Remy Martin XO (the second best-selling XO in the world) and the Branson XO. [1]
According to the brand, Sire Spirits deliberately copied their bottle design so they could benefit from the established reputation their brand already has. They called it “nearly indistinguishable and a near-exact reproduction.”
Well, 50 Cent wasn’t going to take that lying down. He filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying that the bottle design was “way more common than Remy Martin thinks.”
He claimed Remy Martin was bullying a brand much smaller than them and that they had no right to prohibit other brands from selling a curved bottle of cognac (or any other alcohol).
Suffice to say that in 2022, the court sided with 50 Cent. The cases against Sire Spirits and Branson cognac were dismissed, and the judge’s verdict was that there had been no infringement.
Price & Value
Remy Martin’s expressions have a wide price range — you can get anywhere from a $100 bottle to a thousand-dollar bottle.
On the other hand, Branson cognac bottles are way cheaper.
Their most expensive bottle is the XO bottle, which costs around $250. You can get their VSOP for less than $100 at most stores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is smoother, Remy Martin or Branson cognac?
Determining the smoothness of Remy Martin versus Branson cognac is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Remy Martin is renowned for its rich and refined character, offering a range of expressions from bold and robust to smooth and velvety.
On the other hand, Branson cognac also offers a diverse selection known for its smoothness and elegance, with some expressions prized for their silky texture and depth of flavor.
Ultimately, the perceived smoothness of a cognac can vary based on factors such as aging, blending techniques, and personal flavor preferences, making it a matter of individual taste.
Is Branson cognac better for cocktails than Remy Martin?
Both Branson and Remy Martin cognacs can be excellent choices for cocktails, depending on the specific recipe and desired flavor profile. Remy Martin’s cognacs are often favored for classic cocktails that highlight the spirit’s depth and complexity, such as the Sidecar or the French 75.
Branson cognac, with its diverse range of expressions and flavor profiles, may offer versatility for experimenting with different cocktail creations.
Whether one brand is better suited for cocktails than the other ultimately depends on the individual cocktail recipe and the flavor profile desired by the mixologist or drink enthusiast.
How Does the Flavor of Branson Cognac Compare to Remy Martin?
Branson and Remy Martin both offer distinctive flavor profiles characteristic of fine cognac. Remy Martin is known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of ripe fruit, oak, and subtle spice. Branson cognac may offer a range of flavor profiles depending on the expression, with some offerings featuring notes of dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, and floral undertones.
Ultimately, the flavor comparison between Branson and Remy Martin will depend on the specific expressions being compared and individual taste preferences. Both brands are celebrated for their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, offering cognacs that appeal to connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Between Branson Cognac and Remy Martin?
Consider factors such as personal taste preferences, budget, and the occasion when selecting between Branson Cognac and Remy Martin. Sampling both brands can help in determining which aligns best with individual preferences.
Is Branson Cognac Considered a Suitable Alternative to Remy Martin?
Yes, Branson Cognac can serve as a viable alternative to Remy Martin for those seeking a high-quality cognac experience. Its unique characteristics and flavor profile may appeal to cognac enthusiasts.
Can Branson Cognac and Remy Martin Be Enjoyed in Similar Ways?
Yes, both Branson Cognac and Remy Martin can be savored neat, on the rocks, or as part of classic cognac cocktails. Experimenting with different serving methods can enhance appreciation of their flavors.
Do Branson Cognac and Remy Martin Offer Different Product Lines or Expressions?
Both Branson Cognac and Remy Martin may offer various product lines or expressions, including VS, VSOP, and XO, each with its own aging and blending techniques, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
So, Which Is Better, Remy Martin or Branson Cognac?
This is a bit of a toss-up, but our team thinks Remy Martin is better than Branson cognac. While Branson cognac is not bad, we could tell it lacked the richness and fullness of well-aged Remy Martin bottles that have been in the business for years.
Remy Martin is more robust, flavorful, and nuanced, which ultimately makes it more fantastic, in our opinion.
We’ll give Branson cognac a few years in the industry to ripen fully and give it another shot.
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