Hennessy Cognacs are some of the most famous brandies in the world and (bafflingly) popular in the hip-hop world. From the 1765 founding by Richard Hennessy (of Ireland), it has reached a point where it sold over 35 million bottles in 2001. Hennessy VS (or very special) or 3-star" cognac is the entry-level expression. From a blend of over fourty eau-de-vies (what cognac is before it's aged), it will have been aged for a minimum of 2.5 years in oak imparting some color and complexity.

Merlet Brothers Blend cognac was an effort to return to their own cognac production. The name is honor of Pierre and Luc Merlet, brothers and descendants of the owning family. The press announcement claims it is made of four-fifths Fins Bois region eau-de-vie with the remaining from the Champagne region. The 2011 Beverage Testing Institute review called it a "graceful, expertly crafted, feminine VSOP for sipping." The Merlet family has been producing spirits for "over 200 years" in France (though the distillery itself was founded in 1850) and has been producing liqueurs of various kinds in alambic stills since 1970....

Hine House produces several different varieties of cognac. It was founded in the 1817 by English immigrant Thomas Hine, whose father sent him to France to learn the art of brandy. They are produced in the "ancient cellars" of the house on the banks of the Charente river. They own 297 acres in the Grande Champagne region, to which 173 is given over to vines and the rest ot nature. They age their cognacs first for between 6 and 9 months in new oak that has been seasoned in teh open air to release their tanins prior to aging in...

A top-quality golden Grande Champagne Cognac from distinguished boutique producer Pierre Ferrand. A lively, expressive style with fresh fruit flavours and good depth from this award-winning house. An amber, almost golden yellow colour. The subtle vanilla nose develops floral notes of rose and violet. Fruity plum and apricot aromas, move towards notes of sweet apple and pear pastries. Pierre Ferrand Ambre is fresh and well-balanced on the palate.

Maxime Trijol was first established in 1859 but did not become a modern producer of cognac until 1962. They age their eau-de-vie exclusively in Limousin (French) Oak, done the first year in "young" barrels and gradually transferred to older. Maxime Trijol VS ("Very Special") Cognac is their youngest and entry-level expression.