People often make mistakes while telling the difference between whisky and cognac which makes us wonder, “is it really hard to tell the difference between whisky and cognac?”. When it comes to premium spirits, there is no tradition, complexity, and reverence as with whisky and cognac. Both are enjoyed around the world for their rich histories and nuanced flavors, yet they are distinctly different in origin, production, and taste.
Whisky (or whiskey, depending on regional spelling) has roots that trace back to medieval Scotland and Ireland, where monks distilled it for medicinal purposes. It is currently being produced globally, with styles coming from Scotland, Ireland, the U.S., Canada, and Japan. It is made from fermented grains such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat.
Cognac is a type of brandy from France, specifically the Cognac region. It has a protected designation of origin (PDO), much like Champagne. Only grape-based spirits made in this region under strict rules can be called Cognac. Cognac is made from white grapes, predominantly the Ugni Blanc variety.
Well, let us portray some popular and high end whisky and cognac and their unique personalities so you can tell the difference easily.
TOP 5 WHISKY WE HAVE IN OUR LIST
- The Macallan Collection: The Macallan is one of the most prestigious single malt Scotch whisky portfolios in the world. It is renowned for exceptional quality, luxurious presentation, and rich heritage. It has the sherry oak, double cask, triple cask, rare cask, The Harmony collection (limited edition), The Estate editions, The Macalllan M, and so many more in the Macallan collection. The Macallan A Night on Earth is a limited-edition single malt that is perfect for celebratory moments, gifting and sharing with friends and family. It has a beautiful packaging that is perfect for gifting and it is crafted from a blend of first-fill American ex-bourbon barrels and European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks. The Macallan Night on Earth has aromas of toasted oak, creamy buttered shortbread, and a hint of citrus zest on the nose. It is rich and smooth and has lingering notes of vanilla on the finish. The Macallan Night on Earth has an ABV of 43%.
- The Glenfiddich: The Glenfiddich Collection offers a diverse range of single malt Scotch whiskies, each with its unique character and flavor profile. From the approachable 12 Year Old to the luxurious 50 Year Old, Glenfiddich caters to a wide spectrum of whisky enthusiasts. It has a wide range of tasting notes and aromas from its sweetness, classic fruitiness, vanilla oak, touch of liquorice and so much more.
- The Dalmore : The Dalmore single malt is renowned for its rich, full bodied style and luxurious aging techniques. The Dalmore has earned a reputation for producing some of the most elegant and collectible whiskies in the world. The Dalmore has a wide range of collection where we have the Dalmore 12 years, The Dalmore 15 years, The Dalmore 18 years, The Dalmore 21 years, The Dalmore 25 years, The Dalmore 30 years, The Dalmore 35 years, The Dalmore 40 years, The Dalamore 45 years, The Dalmore 50 years. It generally has bold aromas of orange zest, dark chocolate, toffee and spice, with a rich oak influence from sherry casks and silky mouthfeel from layers of dried fruits, caramel and vanilla.
- Jack Daniel’s: Jack Daniel’s is one of the most recognized whiskey brands in the world, It was established in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It’s known not only for its signature square bottles and black label but also for pioneering the Tennessee Whiskey style with a smooth, slightly sweet character and flavours like vanilla, banana, caramel and oak. It has so many variations like the Old no. 7, Honey, Tennessee Apple, Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Woodford Reserve, Single Barrel Select, Sinatra Select and so many more.
- Johnnie Walker: The Johnnie Walker blended Scotch Whisky is characterized by a wide range of flavours. It has so many variations that has touch of sweetness, smoke and complexity. Johnnie Walker, depending on the variation you go for, is great for mixing, gifting and celebrations, refined sipping, etc. Johnnie Walker has variations like the Red label, Black label, Green Label, Blue label, Gold label and 18 years. The ABV ranges from 40% – 43%.
TOP 5 COGNAC IN LAGOS
- Hennessy collection: Hennessy has become the most iconic and best-selling Cognac brand in the world with her country of origin bring France. Hennessy oversees every part of the production process from grape cultivation to distillation and aging, ensuring consistency and quality. Hennessy holds one of the largest and most valuable reserves of aged eaux-de-vie in the world, some dating back more than a century. Hennessy is not only a heritage brand but also a contemporary force in luxury lifestyle.
Hennessy cognac has variations like the Hennessy VS (Very Special aged for at least 2 years), Hennessy VSOP (Very Special Old pale; aged for at least 4 years), Hennessy XO (Extra Old; aged for up to 30 years). Hennessy as aromas of oak, spice and dried fruits. The flavours get richer and velvelty according to how long it is aged for.
- Martell Collection: The House of Martell is the oldest of the great Cognac houses. Martell is known for its delicate, refined style and its use of fine Borderies eaux-de-vie, which contribute to the signature smoothness and floral notes of Martell Cognac. With variations like Martell VS, Martell Blue Swift, Martell XO, etc, The Martell has tasting notes of fruits, spice and notes of wood with an exceptionally long finish. The Martell is great for mixing and drinking neat.
- D’Ussé Collection: D’Ussé represents a bold, modern vision of Cognac, balancing heritage and culture with innovation and elegance. The D’Ussé Collection includes D’Ussé VSOP and D’Ussé XO. With an aromatic note and cinnamon, clove,and dried apricot tasting notes, it has a velvety texture and a slightly sweet and long-lasting finish. The D’Ussé does not have a Very Special(VS) in her collection. D’Ussé is perfect for nightlife and celebratory moments amongst celebrities.
- Meukow is globally recognized for its refined Cognacs, luxurious packaging, and the signature black panther, a symbol of strength, elegance, and sensuality qualities that mirror the spirit of the Cognac itself. There are so many variations in the Meukow Collection, like Meukow Vanilla, Meukow Wildberry, Meukow Xpresso, Meukow VS, Meukow VSOP, Meukow XO, and so many more. It is light, warm and has richness, sweetness and fruits on the nose of the Meukow flavours.
- Remy Martins Collection:Outrightly producing the world’s first Fine Champagne VSOP, The House of Remy Martin has nearly three centuries of legacy in the art of Cognac making. What truly distinguishes Rémy Martin is its exclusive use of grapes from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, the two top regions in Cognac production. Rémy Martin VSOP and Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal are some of Rémy Martin Collection. It has notes of vanilla, cinnamon, dried apricot, apple amnd subtle oak. It has an elegant and long finish.
There are so many brands under the Cognac and Whisky family. There’s a difference in roots, distillation, taste and luxury. You can order for these brands at barrels.ng, located at 1a, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.