Ageing of Cognac

When it leaves the still, the eau-de-vie is colourless and high in alcohol. It is its time in oak casks that gives it its colour, its bouquet and its roundness: ageing is the final stage in the making of Cognac.

The oak cask

Eaux-de-vie age in casks of Limousin or Tronçais oak, holding a few hundred litres. The wood gradually gives up its tannins and aromas, while the air passing through the staves slowly changes the eau-de-vie: notes of vanilla, spice and dried fruit appear over the years.

Age counts

The age of a Cognac is measured in “comptes”, starting from 1 April following the harvest. A VS is at least 2 years old (compte 2), a VSOP at least 4 years old (compte 4) and an XO at least 10 years old (compte 10). Find the details in VS, VSOP, XO: what are the differences? and in What does XO mean?

The angels’ share and the cellars

Each year, about 2% of the volume evaporates through the wood: this is the “angels’ share”. In a humid cellar the eau-de-vie becomes rounder more quickly; in a dry cellar it keeps more vigour. Very old eaux-de-vie are finally transferred to large glass demijohns to stop the influence of the wood.

Going further

Ageing follows Charentais distillation. It also brings out the character of each terroir: discover the six crus of Cognac.