What are the aromas of Cognac?

How does the ageing time affect the aromas of Cognac?

What is the basis of the Aroma Wheel?

Join us today to discover

What does Cognac really taste like?

COGNAC: THE AROMA WHEEL

In 2009, the BNIC brought together fifty head sommeliers, cellarmasters, tasters, and specialized journalists from around the world to taste and categorize the various aromatic components of Cognac. They spent 4 days tasting countless Cognacs and came up with a list of 5 basic Cognac aromas: Vanilla, Prune, Caramel, Orange and Apricot.

Based on these 5 aromas, 63 other more subtle aromas of Cognac are subtly differentiated according to the seasonal cycle.

Winter – Wooded

Wooded aromas are one of the common aromas of Cognac. Light notes such as cedarwood, oakwood, and sandalwood, for example, can evoke the stillness and nature of the forest; and as it ages, the aroma becomes more refined, for example, shifting from oakwood to a more diverse blend of sandalwood, cedarwood, and orange zest.

Spring – Floral

Floral aromas such as iris, jasmine, orange blossom, and honeysuckle give off a sobering and pleasing flavor, and when you open a Cognac bottle, you can smell the scent of spring flowers in bloom, which is intoxicating to the senses.

Summer – Fruity

Cognac's fruity aromas are also unique. Commonly found in Cognac are plums, bananas, lemons, peaches and pears. These fruity aromas are full of life and add a natural sweetness to Cognac. With every sip of Cognac, it seems that you can taste the aroma of ripe fruits blooming on your tongue.

Autumn – Spicy

The Autumn Aroma wheel is characterized by stronger and more pronounced notes such as cocoa, caramel, cinnamon and ginger. This type of aroma comes mainly from the aging process of the cognac, and the longer it is aged, the more intense the flavors in the cognac will become. The mouthfeel is rich and full-bodied, with layers of flavors and a long finish in every sip.

Delicate and rich Cognac aromas

Which seasonal scent

is your favorite?