Cognac, a luxurious and meticulously crafted spirit, has become increasingly popular in Nigeria, capturing the attention of both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. With its rich history and deep, complex flavors, cognac offers a sophisticated experience, perfect for celebrations or quiet moments of indulgence. In Nigeria, some of the world’s leading cognac brands have gained a loyal following, each offering a range of styles, quality, and prices to suit different tastes and budgets.
In this guide, we will explore the top and leading cognac brands available in Nigeria, offering insight into their distinct characteristics and the price range they command. Whether you’re looking for a premium bottle for a special occasion or something more affordable to enjoy casually, this list highlights the best options for cognac enthusiasts nationwide.
Key Points
- Cognac is a specific type of brandy made from distilled white wine, aged in French oak for at least two years, and undergoing two distillations. It’s regarded as the finest type of brandy.
- Some affordable cognac brands include Rémy Martin 1738, Courvoisier 12 Year, Paul Giraud Vieille Reserve XO, Prunier VSOP, Camus VSOP Borderies
- Types of cognac brands include VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), XO (Extra Old), XXO Cognac, Hors d’Age, and Vintage Cognac.
What Is Cognac?
Cognac is a specific type of brandy made from distilled white wine. However, just as all champagne is sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine is champagne; all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Do you follow?
Put simply, cognac is the crème de la crème of the brandy world. Made in a specific region, it must be aged in French oak for at least two years and undergo two distillations. The second distillation produces the ‘eau de vie,’ blended, aged, and released when the brand deems it ready.
Types of Cognac
You can enjoy several kinds of cognac, each with unique characteristics and qualities. Here is a closer look at the different types of cognac available.
- VS (Very Special) Cognac: VS is the youngest and least-aged cognac. It is typically aged in oak barrels for at least two years, giving it a light and fresh flavor with a subtle oak influence. Due to their lighter flavor profile, VS cognacs are great for cocktails and mixed drinks.
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) Cognac: VSOP cognac is aged for at least four years in oak barrels, giving it a richer and more complex flavor profile than VS cognac. VSOP cognac is ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks.
- XO (Extra Old) Cognac: XO cognac is aged for at least six years in oak barrels, resulting in a more intense and complex flavor profile than VSOP cognac. XO cognac is the perfect choice for connoisseurs who enjoy sipping cognac neat or with a cigar.
- XXO Cognac: XO cognac is aged for a minimum of fourteen years.
- Hors d’Age Cognac: Hors d’Age cognac is the rarest and often the most expensive. It is aged for at least 10 years in oak barrels, resulting in an incredibly complex and intense flavor profile. It has a deep and rich aroma. Hors d’Age Cognac is best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water to release its full flavor.
- Vintage Cognac: Vintage cognac is made from grapes harvested from a single year, unlike other cognac types blended from different years. It is aged for at least four years in oak barrels and is considered the most unique and distinctive type of cognac. Vintage cognac is great for sipping neat and, like other cognacs, often goes well with gourmet meals.
The Leading Cognac Brands in Nigeria and Their Prices
Now, let’s explore the reason for this guide; the top leading cognac brands in Nigeria and their prices are as follows:
#1. Hennessy V.S Cognac
One of the most well-liked cognacs in Nigeria is Hennessy Very Special (V.S). This 70cl bottle is aged in fresh oak barrels and is robust and aromatic. The flavors of toasted fruit in Hennessy V.S. accompany a rich palate and warm exuberance.
Hennessy V.S. is not just a classic; it also has a bright and dynamic personality conveyed through exclusive artist collaborations and limited editions each year. This cognac is easy to drink and perfect for social gatherings and special moments.
Hennessy V.S.’s intense and round flavors make it adaptable, fitting any cocktail option, whether traditional recipes, chic cocktail creations, or simple mixed drinks. Through My Mini Bar, you can get this premium cognac at the best price with fast delivery in Lagos, Nigeria.
In addition, a bottle of Hennessy VS costs from ₦28,800- #₦70,980.0. Taxes included.
#2. Remy Martins VSOP
Looking for a well-balanced and complex cognac? Look no further than Rémy Martin® V.S.O.P. This multi-layered blend boasts vanilla, stone fruit, and licorice notes, making it an authentic sensory experience. Made from grapes grown in the heart of the Cognac region of France – Petite and Grande Champagne – it’s no wonder Rémy Martin is the only major cognac house specializing exclusively in Cognac Fine Champagne.
Twice the age of a standard V.S., this gold-colored V.S.O.P embodies the perfect harmony of powerful and elegant flavors. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, in cocktails, or mixed with ginger ale for a versatile drink that suits any occasion.
In addition, a bottle of Rémy Martin VSOP costs ₦38,000-₦85,000.00. Taxes included.
#3. Martell VS Single Distillery
Martell VS Single Distillery Cognac is an easy, smooth, fruity blend perfect for long drinks or cocktails. With notes of plum, apricot, and candied lemon, it has a bright and golden color. Martell exclusively double distills clear wines to preserve authentic fruity aromas and extreme finesse, hallmarks of their style. This 2017 release is made with spirits distilled from a single source for a richer, more intense expression of Martell’s distillation style. The result is a supremely smooth blend with luscious fruity flavors that take Martell’s signature taste to new heights.
And guess what? It’s pocket-friendly, too! A bottle of Martell VS costs ₦25,400-₦55,500.00, tax included.
#4. Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilege Cognac
If you are looking for a refined and smooth cognac, Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilege Cognac is the real deal!
Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilège is a balanced cognac, expressing 200 years of Hennessy’s know-how. The fruit of nature’s uncertainties, this unique blend has tamed the elements to craft and embody the original cognac concept. The emotion awakened by the pleasure of tasting it continually reveals new facets of its personality.
The savoir-faire of the Maison Hennessy is fully expressed in this balanced cognac: the selection of eaux-de-vie, aging, and assemblage. A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilège conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years.
No wonder it’s a favourite go-to drink in Nigeria. At just ₦49,000 per bottle, it’s worth it!
#5. Martell Blue Swift
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Martell Blue Swift Cognac, a limited edition VSOP expression finished in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels. This gives it a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Crafted with grapes from the finest terroirs of the region, Martell VSOP Cognac stands out from the rest. And now, with Martell Blue Swift, you can celebrate your curious spirit and satisfy your craving for unique flavors.
Plus, every purchase comes with a Limited Edition 24 Apparel Snapback. The bottle is a work of art, taking on the shape of both cognac and bourbon casks, with “cut-glass” detailing that evokes classic crystal decanters. Enjoy it on its own, over ice, or mixed in a cocktail – Martell Blue Swift is a sure contender for those who enjoy unique flavors. A bottle of Martell XO costs ₦46,000.
#6. Remy Martin 1738
Remy Martin 1738 Cognac is a seriously smooth take on their classic style. It’s got a silky texture and a delicious blend of butterscotch and baking spices, thanks to a unique aging process in fresh French oak barrels that are gently heated. The story goes that in 1738, King Louis XV permitted Rémy Martin to extend his vines during a land scarcity, and in tribute to this royal endorsement, the house created the ultra-oaky and velvety blend 1738. Sip it on the rocks, neat, or in classic cocktails.
A bottle of Rémy Martin XO costs ₦46,900.
#7. Martell XO
This fancy-pants cognac has a complex spice, fruit, and oak taste. It’s a blend of eaux-de-vie from Martell’s 4 main terroirs aged between 15 and 35. Martell XO is perfect for special occasions, or your cognac collection, and it’s best enjoyed neatly or with a splash of water to bring out the sensational aroma. A bottle of Martell XO costs ₦115,000.
#8. D’USSÉ VSOP
An exceptionally smooth cognac, D’USSÉ VSOP is made from a selection of the finest eaux-de-vie naturally aged for a minimum of 4 and a half years. Delivering a potpourri of fruity and nutty flavours with hints of honey, you can enjoy this luxurious cognac neat, on the rocks, or in your cocktails of choice. It costs only ₦100,800.
Is Martell a Cognac or Whiskey?
Martell is a cognac, not a whiskey. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious cognac houses, founded in 1715 in France. Martell produces high-quality cognac made from specific grapes, distilled and aged in French oak barrels, following strict regulations set for cognac production.
How to Drink Cognac?
What Is the Most Popular Cognac in Nigeria?
Hennessy is the most popular cognac brand in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Moët Hennessy, a subsidiary of LVMH, owns the French cognac. It is the world’s best-selling cognac brand and is considered a luxury brand. The brand has been present in Nigeria for over 100 years and has celebrated milestones with the country’s citizens.
Cheap Cognac Brands
The most expensive bottles of cognac in the world can cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. But for most who can’t afford that, here are the best affordable cognacs you can get now.
#1. Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
This cognac’s name sounds like a sports car, but you might feel royal when you drink it. As one of the best affordable cognacs, its complex flavor makes the Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal a favorite. It features dry notes of oak and white pepper, hints of fruit, including plum and raisin, and the succulent taste of hazelnut and dark chocolate.
Is your mouth watering yet?
#2. Courvoisier 12 Year
This cognac is called the “12 Year” because the grapes used to make it were aged for—you guessed it—12 years to reach optimal flavor. As with most great cognacs, this bottle of Courvoisier balances fruit with spices.
Hints of ginger and cinnamon give the Courvoisier 12 Year its edge. While vanilla, caramel, and the flavors of the grapes smooth the palette. Having received near-perfect scores in various ratings and contests, the Courvoisier 12 Year is one of the best affordable cognacs, and no mistake.
#3. Paul Giraud Vieille Reserve XO
This cognac is both smokey and delicate. It warms the throat—as does all liquor—but it doesn’t set you on fire. Peach and nectarine notes combine with a taste of maple syrup to create a truly special cognac.
It is an XO, meaning it is an extra-old or a cognac from an old reserve. The Paul Giraud Vieille Reserve was aged for 25 years before the product went to market. (Of course, if you want an incredibly aged cognac, you must spend thousands of dollars.)
#4. Prunier VSOP Grande Champagne
Grande Champagne is a region in France where cognac can be made. So many cognacs qualify as Grande Champagne. Whenever you see those two words attached to a cognac label, it was made in the best region possible.
Naturally, cognacs from this region can get seriously expensive. While the Prunier VSOP Grande Champagne doesn’t have a hefty price tag, it is still of excellent caliber. It’s light, smooth, and features apple, orange, vanilla, and caramel notes. The Prunier VSOP Grande Champagne may be one of the best affordable cognacs available, if not the best.
#5. Camus VSOP Borderies
The Camus VSOP Borderies has precisely what you’d want from an ideal cognac: citrus, cinnamon, and chocolate. It is one of the best affordable cognacs you can buy, simply because it does exactly what it’s supposed to—provide a great end to a great meal.
If you’re new to the world of cognac, you’ll want to try this bottle to get a good idea of how this kind of liquor should feel and taste.
How to Start a Cognac Brand in Nigeria
Have you ever wondered if starting your cognac brand is possible in Nigeria?
The Liquor industry is thriving, growing in revenue year after year. From liquor to ready-to-drink cocktails, millennials and Gen X prefer spirits over beer and wine.
There’s plenty of money to be made in the industry. Why shouldn’t you jump in and take advantage of that growth?
In addition, starting your cognac brand doesn’t have to involve a distillery or making your products, either! With the right planning, you can start a private-label liquor brand that thrives. Check out our comprehensive checklist guide to find out how!
How to Start a Cognac Brand in Nigeria Checklist
Is Cognac The Same As Brandy?
Of course, cognac is a brandy that comes only from the French Cognac region. It originates from the geographical location it is named, just like Scotch whisky or tequila (a type of mezcal). However, Cognac is produced from grapes, a considerably more delicate and seasonal raw material than Scotch, manufactured from malted barley.
Which Cognac is Expensive?
The Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne sells for $1.2 million per bottle, making it the most expensive brandy bottle ever made.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Nigeria’s growing appreciation for cognac has made it a key market for some of the world’s leading brands. From the iconic Hennessy to the luxurious Rémy Martin, these premium cognacs cater to diverse tastes and occasions, offering distinct flavor profiles and price points.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable indulgence or a top-shelf masterpiece, the range of cognacs available in Nigeria ensures there’s something for every enthusiast. As the love for cognac continues to expand, so will the variety of choices, making Nigeria an exciting market for this distinguished spirit.
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