The sector is renowned for its quality – and the annual Cognac Masters has garnered a reputation for quality spirits. The 2023 tasting took place at The Carriage in the Great Northern Hotel in London, where entrants were put through their paces spanning categories from price points and age statements, to single-cru expressions. The first quarter of 2023 has been a busy one for Cognac brands. From Hennessy’s partnership with Grammy award-winner Alicia Keys to Bacardi’s multi-billion-dollar investment in rapper Jay-Z’s D’Ussé Cognac, the category has been active.

The judges then moved to XO – Single Cru, where another three Gold medallists were rewarded. Medals went to: “juicy, fudgy” Coutanseaux Aîné XO – Grande Champagne; “juicy and fresh” Coutanseaux Aîné XXO; and “lush” Cognac Frapin Cigar Blend XO.With this simple mashed potato recipe and method, though, perfect, Michelin-quality mashed potatoes can be easily achieved every single time. The best part? It's extremely simple to remember, so there's no need to bring out the crowded recipe box for this one. The ratio for perfect mashed potatoes is 4 parts Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 part heavy cream, and 1 part European butter. We love this simple 4:1:1 ratio because it's also easily scaled up or down, depending on the size of your gathering. For example, if you have 500 grams of potatoes, you'll use 125 grams of both cream and butter.

A Master medal was also given to Jean Fillioux – Très Vieux Extra. The judges enjoyed “lovely notes of raisins and candied orange” on the nose, and “a good pinch of baking spice” on the palate. The round also produced five Gold medals. Prousaefs praised this flight: “A remarkable example of what Cognac has to offer as an XO. Depth, character and attention to detail across the whole category.” The spirit’s versatility shone through the medal-winning expressions The first single barrel release offered by the house, D'USSÉ 1969 Anniversaire Limited Edition Cognac is produced from a French oak tierçon that has been aged in the Château de Cognac cellars. This 1969 Grande Champagne vintage was also produced from a single eau-de-vie, making it a rare glimpse into the history of the most prominent Cognac region. Upon being discovered in the D'USSÉ cellars, Cellar Master Michel Cassavecchia continued to let it mature, waiting for the right moment - which turned out to be the 50th birthday of D'USSÉ co-owner, the hip-hip mogul Jay-Z. After such an extended maturation, there was only enough of the liquid remaining to fill an estimated 150 to 200 diamond-shaped crystal decanters. Jay-Z decided to individually number the first 50 decanters, which were presented to his family and close friends, with only the remaining bottles for general sale. Selecting the perfect varietal for such a high-pressure dinner such as Thanksgiving, though, can be quite intimidating. Red or white? Light or robust? Fruity or earthy? Wine is a complicated language, and the pressure to understand it when you're already stressed about cooking and hosting is not an easy task to take on. That's why we're here with a few simple guidelines to help you select the perfect bottles to impress and please everyone around your holiday table.Read more about Jay Z's exclusive collaboration with this Cognac brand on our blog here. Jay Z is quite the businessman, having already founded Rocawear and Roc Nation. The Château de Cognac: Home of D’USSÉ Cognac Method: Muddle mint, lemon, and syrup in base of Collins glass. Add D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac. Stir ingredients, then fill with ice and top with soda. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon wedge. After Party D’USSÉ The Dussé brand takes the symbol of the Cross of Lorraine - that's probably why you might know it as the Cognac with a cross on the bottle. It represents the French emblem of courage, honor, and perseverance. They have adopted a symbol of French history for their own. The bottles from this Cognac house, therefore, looks particularly medieval, royal and rustic. On each bottle, you can find a Cross of Lorraine, an emblem of the Lorraine region, but in France, it is also a symbol of hope and victory. Price: Both products are of exceptional quality. However, the VSOP only costs about a third of the XO release. Therefore, in terms of value for money, the VSOP is the clear winner.

Figuring out how to build muscle can be terribly confusing. Between the madness of the latest trends in health, fad diets, the newest "must-have" workout gear, and toxic weight-loss culture, it's easy to want to throw in the towel and reach for a box of Twinkies. But hidden in all of this confusion, there are some things about fitness and muscle growth that are just always true. The biggest truth of them all is that abs really are made in the kitchen. You can work yourself into a frenzy with a fancy gym membership, but without proper nutrition, your body is just running on toxic fumes. D’USSÉ Cognac is owned by Bacardi, which is the largest family-owned spirits company in the world, alongside Grey Goose, Dewar’s Scotch Whisky and Bombay Sapphire Gin. Cognac is the spirit you should be reaching for and drinking now,” says certified cognac educator Ms. Franky Marshall. That’s, in part, because of its diversity. Made from grapes—primarily high-acid, low-alcohol ugni blanc variety—that are fermented, twice-distilled, and then matured in oak barrels before blending and bottling, this brandy from France’s Cognac region is not just for sipping after dinner by the fire. In fact, it’s one of the widest-ranging spirits categories out there. The XO Single Estate round that followed created another Master winner: Cognac Frapin 15 Years Old. It made a positive impression on Kiely’s panel for its “nicely balanced fruit, spice and wood influence” with a “well-integrated higher-ABV and long finish”. Bates added: “This is lovely, lovely, lovely – really delicious.” Brandy is a very broad category comprised of all distillates made from fermented fruit juice, be it from grapes or another fruit, including apples, pears, berries, and more. Cognac is a specific category of brandy. It is made from grapes—usually ugni blanc, colombard, or folle blanche—within the Cognac region of France.

The number of top medal winners unearthed in this year’s blind-tasting competition showed how many amazing expressions there are to investigate in the Cognac category. The 2023 tasting discovered some Master-worthy bottlings D'Ussé Cognac VSOP matures for a minimun of four and a half years in the cellars of the Château. The result is a versatile and delicate Cognac with notes of citrus, dried fruits, caramel, and honey.