Cognac is a protected type of grape brandy from the Cognac region of France, double-distilled and aged in French oak. It’s essentially brandy with strict rules, which tends to produce a refined, layered style.
Flavor commonly moves from white grape and floral notes in younger expressions toward dried apricot, fig, toffee, rancio nuttiness, and polished oak in older ones. Compared with generic brandy, Cognac is often more aromatic, structured, and integrated.