Whiskey’s reputation is surging lately and for good cause. The wide range of whiskeys obtainable means nearly anybody can discover one they take pleasure in. Many individuals who like whiskey is perhaps shocked to seek out additionally they admire cognac. These two distilled spirits have many similarities and, in fact, fairly just a few variations as effectively. For those who’re curious to be taught extra about cognac vs. whiskey, now we have every thing it’s good to know!

Distilled Spirits

Each whiskey and cognac are distilled spirits. Each are created via the strategy of fermentation whereby sugars are transformed to ethanol. They’re then aged in barrels. Typically talking, the longer the spirits age in the barrels, the smoother the style can be. The barrels themselves additionally contribute to each the coloration and style of the spirits. Scottish whiskey and cognac are additionally each distilled in pot stills at a low proof.

Like whisky, Cognac is matured in oak casks. New spirit is positioned into new Limousin oak, then typically moved into older, extra impartial casks. Not like whisky, Cognac historically eschews particular age statements in favor of broader age classes. The opening normal is VS (very particular), aged at the very least 2 years in cask. VSOP (very superior previous pale) is at the very least four years previous; Napoléon is aged a minimal of 6 years; and as of April 2018, XO (further previous) spends at the very least a decade in a barrel. Nonetheless, some Cognac labeled XO is far older than the minimal in apply, typically by a few many years or extra. Some producers additionally now launch Cognacs with conventional age statements, like Courvoisier’s 21 12 months previous. –Whisky Advocate

Grapes

The massive distinction in cognac vs whiskey is the base product being distilled. Cognac is a brandy produced from grapes, basically a distilled wine. Solely brandy made in the Cognac area of France could also be known as a Cognac.

Cognac’s appellation of origin regulates every thing, from which grapes can be utilized and the place they’re grown to how they’re vinified, distilled, and aged. The commonest grapes utilized in Cognac are the white grapes Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard. They make skinny and unremarkable wines, however are remodeled with distillation and getting older. The Cognac area surrounds the city of the similar title in a coastal area close to Bordeaux. Inside Cognac are six rising areas, known as crus, delineated by their soil. They’re Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Bons Bois, Fin Bois, and Bois Ordinaires. -Whisky Advocate

The grapes are fermented into an acidic wine. The juice is fermented about 5 days earlier than distilling. Cognac is produced from a double distillation course of. This produces what’s often called eaux-de-vie. The eaux-de-vie is then aged in oak barrels or casks.

Grains

Whiskey, on the different hand, is produced from grains, often barley. It’s could or might not be malted first, then blended with yeast and water then distilled.

The method of distilling will increase the alcohol content material of the liquid and brings out risky elements, each good and dangerous. Stills are often manufactured from copper, which helps strip spirits of undesirable taste and aroma compounds. Almost all whiskies are aged in wooden—often oak—containers.  Bourbon, rye, and different forms of American whiskey should be aged in new charred oak barrels, whereas for different nations’ kinds, the kind of oak and its earlier use are typically left as much as the producer. Barrels are saved in warehouses, and as the whisky matures, a few of the alcohol evaporates: This is called the angels’ share, and it creates a definite (and wonderful) odor in the warehouse. -Whisky Advocate

When exploring cognac vs. whiskey, we see that they’re fairly completely different. Many lovers of 1 additionally take pleasure in the different. For extra spirit inspiration along with brandy, discover From Don Julio to Gran Patron: Our Favourite Luxurious Tequilas.