A look into how your Henny gets made

Making cognac, a type of brandy, is a tradition that dates back from the 17th century when English and Dutch merchants would distill the wine for the journey back home.

in the 18th century, two names would emerge that would take the "burnt wine" to a new level; Jean Martell, a former smuggler and French native, and James Hennessy, an Irishman who volunteered in the French Navy. Both established successful distilleries in the town of Cognac, speaking of which...

The town of Cognac, France is the source of eponymous spirit. Situated on the river Charentene, the town is 400 KM (250 Miles) southwest of Paris.

Another requirement for the Cognac Appellation d'origine contrôlée designation is that the grapes used to make the wine are from a variety known as Ugni Blanc (also known as Trebbiano in Italy). The wine, considered undrinkable, is then mixed in a specific ration with other wines to create cognac

Over time, the wine might be moved into progressively older oak barrels until the desired flavor has been brought forward through the tannins and vanillins, organic compounds found in the oak barrels. Photo Credit: David Lebovitz

And that's how Cognac makes it to your table.