10 Best Cognac Brands November 2014

#1 of 10 Top Cognac Labels of 2014 - Martell Creation Grand Extra Cognac is a luxury spirit offering a powerful blend of the fresh and fruity notes from Cognac's Borderies region. Here imbibers will find a spirit with subtle, spicy notes of aged Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie. Its architecturally-inspired decanter designed by Serge Mansau. The masculine construction of this spirit provides a powerful experience, characterized by fruit aromas, exotic spaces and wood notes. The amber liquid catches and reflects light while giving drinkers a silky-smooth and mellow mid-palate taste with a powerful finish.

#2 of 10 Leading Cognac Labels of 2014 - Majeste Cognac is a renowned cognac brand that has recently experienced renewed interest from Asian markets. Majeste Cognac is produced from the Cognac region of France. The cognac maker's signature is the eponymous Majeste cognac, and Majeste XO cognac as well as Majeste VSOP cognac are also award-winning favorites around the world. Both the Majeste XO cognac and Majeste VSOP cognac are appellation cognacs that have been harvested and aged from France's Cognac region. The Majeste VSOP is considered the most high-end cognac in its class by experts and is said to rival the Majeste XO brand in boldness and taste.

#3 of 10 Best Cognac Labels of 2014 - Producing by one of the world's leading cognac houses, Courvoisier Initiale Extra is a complex blend of the best eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne and Borderies, with notes of wood, spice and vanilla, along with dry fruit and truffle. This spirit provides a deep and balanced mix that results in a long and pleasant finish. Aged to perfection over many years, Courvoisier Initiale Extra is meticulously blended by the distillery's master blender to achieve an epic aroma and a sublime tasting experience. This cognac is recognized by international experts as being richer, smoother and more mature than its contemporaries.

#4 of 10 Best Cognac Labels of 2014 - The aroma of flowers, spices and nutmeg marry together perfectly in a glass of Richard Hennessy Cognac. Hennessy Limited Edition, VS, VSOP and Hennessy Black make up the cognac collection at Hennessy. Hennessy VS is a reimagining of the Hennessy Three Star and, as such, blends an intense first impression with a fruity aftertaste and hints of oak. A smoky almond taste is blended together with succulent grapes to deliver a mature and smooth-tasting cognac. Hennessy Black is also a dynamic choice for long drinks because it combines the sharper notes of citrus fruit with the warmth and mellowness of honey.

#5 of 10 Best Cognac Labels of 2014 - Leopold Gourmel produces a savory cognac that has a crisp roundness and is produced from the freshest fruits available. Hints of pepper and vanilla are blended together in Leopold Gourmel's cognac and the result is a distinct yet memorable blend of fruits and spices. Only specialized stores catering to high-end spirits and wines sell Leopold Gourmel cognac. This cognac is highly regarded in Paris restaurants and is considered the benchmark for quality cognac across Europe. Leopold Gourmel has been around since 1972. Since that time, the company has been creating cognac with a unique blend of properly-aged fruits and spices.

#6 of 10 Best Cognac Labels of 2014 - Pierre Ferrand Cognac is unique in its dedication to a time-tested formula. Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula, for instance, takes its cues from the succulent grapes and acacia tree blossoms that comprised the original. Although the Ultimate Spirit Challenge gave the 1840 Original Formula cognac a finalist placing, the Pierre Ferrand Reserve went one step further and garnered the Beverage Tasting Institute's Gold Award. The aroma of the Pierre Ferrande Reserve combines notes of vanilla and apricot jam and creates a finish that mixes mellow walnut notes with sweeter hints of licorice. It's considered one of the most multifaceted finishes in cognac history.

#7 of 10 Top Cognac Labels of 2014 - Louis Royer Cognac starts with wine from the esteemed Charentes region of France and blends these white grapes to craft smooth yet distinctive VS, VSOP and XO cognacs. The Louis Royer VS Cognac incorporates citrus fruits with honey elements to create a very smooth final product. The blended ingredients and euax-de-vie in the Louis Royer VS are all under 24 months old. This ensures a crisp, delicious and authentic VS. The Louis Royer XO cognac is the reigning winner of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and noted among cognac experts for its fruity aroma and perfect blend of citrus scents and crisp, nutty flavors.

#8 of 10 Top Cognac Labels of 2014 - Established in 1814, A. De Fussigny Cognac combines craftsmanship over a century old, with new and innovative solutions to create a selection of cognacs that meet their consumers' fine taste. Focusing only on three unique ranges of petite and grande champagnes, they perfected the art of distilling and blending cognac. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the distillery, A. De Fussigny created the limited edition L'Heritage. This distinct cognac is composed from its oldest eaux-de-vie blends, some of which are over 100 years old.

#9 of 10 Leading Cognac Labels of 2014 - Camus Cognac is a cognac maker that sources its eaux-de-vie from the Borderies along the Charente river. The signature cognac in the Camus lineup is arguably Extra Elegance. An extended aging process in especially dry conditions guarantees that Extra Elegance is both sweet and velvety. Winner of the Spirit of the Year award, Extra Elegance combines fruity and spicy notes in almost equal proportion. Floral aromas and an oak undercurrent provide the ballast for a very smooth tasting cognac. Pentaward actually gave the Camus team a pat on the back by praising the packaging of Extra Elegance cognac.

#10 of 10 Best Cognac Labels of 2014 - Cognac Gautier was established in France. It is a light cognac that is full of flavor. The brand was founded in 1755. As the brand was developed over the years, a unique taste was introduced to the drink. It is one of the oldest companies that makes cognac. There is a slight hint of vanilla in the drink with a honey color. The beverage is balanced almost perfectly so that you get just the right amount of flavor for a dinner drink or one that can be served with appetizers.