Cognac, named after a town in France, is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime. Cognac is brandy, and is also called eau de vie. It is produced by the double distillation of white wines produced in any of the designated growing regions.

Cognacs have historically been subject to a grading system, categorized as V.S. (Very Special); V.S.O.P (Very Special Old Pale); XO (Extra Old) and Hors d’age (Beyond Age). V.S. Cognac is graded as a 3 star brandy, the youngest of which must have been stored for at least two years in an oak cask. V.S.O.P. is sometimes referred to as ‘Reserve’ or 5 stars, denoting a blend where the youngest brandy has been stored in an oak cask for at least four years. XO or Napoleon Brandy is a blend, the youngest of which must be stored in oak casks for at least 6 years.